Latest news with #Contrast
Chicago Tribune
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
EXPO Chicago 2025: Highlights for this year's art fair, on and off Navy Pier
'Contrast,' a new curated section focusing on culture and identity, will debut at EXPO Chicago, the annual international art fair featuring contemporary works from more than 170 galleries. The event will run April 24-27 at Navy Pier's Festival Hall. This marks the second year EXPO will be held since it was acquired by Frieze, a London-based company that began as a magazine and now owns several art fairs, including The Armory Show in New York. While last year's show occurred about six months after the acquisition, this year's show more fully reflects the benefits the fair has realized from being part of a global firm, said EXPO Chicago president and director Tony Karman. One example is the special collaboration this year with the Galleries Association of Korea, a result of the relationships built around Frieze's partnerships in Seoul. 'It was a logical extension for us to work together in Chicago, given the large number of Korean galleries that always did the Chicago art fair,' Karman said. 'There's a foundation that's been established over many, many, many years, and now that we're part of the Frieze family, it's a perfect addition.' Visitors can also expect to see a refinement of EXPO's floor plan and programming. 'Contrast,' curated by Lauren Haynes, is one such example. Haynes, who is head curator of Governors Island Arts and vice president for Arts and Culture at the Trust for Governors Island, said she designed the section to highlight diverse viewpoints through visual storytelling. The lineup includes archival photographs by Roy Lewis, Bob Crawford and K. Kofi Moyo, members of Chicago's Black Arts Movement who documented the 1977 Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, held in Lagos, Nigeria. Works by South African artist Esther Mahlangu, the late American artist Thornton Dial, the late Brazilian Indigenous artist Chico da Silva, Chicago-based Kenyan artist Wangari Mathenge and many others will be featured in 'Contrast.' 'It's interesting — the work I've done for my whole curatorial career has been about different perspectives,' Haynes said, noting that she spent a decade earlier in her career at the Studio Museum of Harlem. EXPO will continue to spotlight the work of galleries 10 years old and younger in its 'Exposure' section. Rosario Güiraldes, curator of visual arts at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, heads up the section for the second year in a row — a departure for EXPO, which usually invites a new section curator each year. 'Exposure' will focus on galleries from Latin America as well as Chicago, featuring many artists, including Brazilian sculptor Denise Milan. Across the fair, dozens of solo, group and thematic presentations will feature numerous artists, including photographer Rashid Johnson, the first Chicago exhibition of the work of portrait artist Kandy G Lopez, the late photographer Gordon Parks, the late abstract expressionist Helen Frankenthaler, the late painter Juanita Guccione and many more. We put together some programming highlights — both on and off the Pier. Creative Voices: Fashion, Art and Cultural Impact: Artists Derrick Adams and Hebru Brantley — both of whom have works featured in The Collection at Fashion Outlets of Chicago — will discuss how art and fashion transform trends and public spaces. Michael Darling, former chief curator of Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, will moderate. 6:30-7:30 p.m. April 24 at EXPO Chicago; requires Opening Night ticket, available at South Side Night: EXPO Art Week kicks off with a number of programs scattered across Hyde Park and Bronzeville. 'Toast to the South Side,' from 6-7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, will feature a performance by Margaret Crowley and Eli Greene in the church's basketball court. 5-9 p.m. April 22 in various locations; details at Tour of the Conservation Center: Get an inside glimpse of conservation laboratories (designed by Studio Gang Architects) and hear from experts who care for private and corporate art collections. 11 a.m.-noon April 23 at The Conservation Center, 400 N. Wolcott Ave., Suite 3E; registration required at Exhibition Tour with Alice Gray Stites: Attend a guided tour of 'Truth or Dare: A Reality Show' presented by 21c Chicago chief curator and museum director Alice Gray Stites. The show explores the space between fact and fiction by stressing the importance of questioning. 4-5 p.m. April 25 at 21c Museum Hotel Chicago, 55 E. Ontario St.; free, Gustavo Nazareno Talk: Afro-Brazilian artist Gustavo Nazareno talks with Danny Dunson, director of curatorial services and community partnerships for the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. The topic will be 'Flashing Blackness: Afro-Brazilian Art Through Expressions of the Divine.' 2 p.m. April 26 at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place; free RSVP at Im/Migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago: Artists Carlos Barberena, Alfonso 'Piloto' Nieves Ruiz and Pooja Pittie — all featured in an Intuit Art Museum exhibit open through Jan. 11, 2026 — will reflect on how migration and self-taught art have enriched Chicago's culture. The panel discussion will be moderated by Alison Amick, chief curator of the Intuit Art Museum, and independent curator Dana Boutin. 1-2 p.m. April 27 at EXPO Chicago; details at
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Europe-Wide Launch of Interventional Ultrasonic Endoscope
FUJIFILM's EG-740UT now available throughout Europe Ultrasonic Endoscope EG-740UT RATINGEN, Germany, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe Team are delighted to announce the Europe-wide release of the EG-740UT interventional Ultrasonic Endoscope with enhanced visibility, manoeuvrability and single crystal image quality, designed for therapeutic use. 'I'm excited about the European-wide launch of our ultrasonic endoscope and the opportunity to support clinicians with greater comfort and confidence during their work, both endoscopically and through ultrasound imaging. With the EG-740UT, we are marking significant advancements in interventional EUS and EURCP with an all-encompassing EUS solution that supports the diagnosis to treatment journey. Over 90 years of imaging heritage has given us an opportunity to combine expertise from endoscopy, x-ray and ultrasound to become a partner for all imaging needs within Endoscopic Ultrasound.'SINGLE CRYSTAL TECHNOLOGYAlthough is widely utilised in general ultrasound devices, FUJIFILM is one of the first innovators to develop the that is incorporated into the EG-740UT Ultrasonic Endoscope. This specialist technology has been developed to provide highly sensitive and accurate echo detection, combined with lower-noise imaging that helps reduce the need for additional processing. When paired with our advanced imaging modalities such as Detective Flow Imaging (DFI), Contrast Harmonic Imaging (CHI) and ShearWave Measurement (SWM) provided by the ARIETTA® ultrasound platforms, this endoscope is designed to deliver exceptional image quality during diagnostic procedures with higher resolution and increased depth compared to previous generations. DESIGNED FOR THERAPEUTIC USEWith a 4.0 mm working channel and slim insertion portion that includes a short bending radius and high deflection, the EG-740UT ultrasonic endoscope is designed for therapeutic use. Especially crafted for comfort and confidence during procedures, this interventional endoscope has been developed to improve visibility in endoscopic and ultrasound images by between the working channel outlet, ultrasound scanning area and endoscopic view. VISIT FUJIFILM IN BARCELONA FOR ESGE DAYS 2025April 3-5, Booth #04 / EndoRunner Square #22 Join the FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe team in Barcelona for ESGE Days 2025 to experience this new ultrasound endoscope and other new endoscopy solutions! Participate in our Industry Symposium on Friday 4th April to learn more about the science behind our innovations and hear from a world-class international faculty about their experiences. ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR: Please visit ESGE Days | European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy to see the full list events and add events to your calendar. LEARN MOREStay in the loop with newsletters, events and product release notifications from the FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe Team: CONTACT USWould you like to learn more or perhaps you have a question for our team? Get in touch below. Stefan Bachmeier, Marketing Manager Europe Endoscopy Systems, FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe GmbH endoscopy_eu@ As a global innovator for over 90 years in healthcare and imaging, Fujifilm's innovative endoscopy solutions are designed to improve patient accessibility to healthcare services, with early diagnosis and medical treatments that deliver a continued positive impact on our society. With our knowledge, passion and inspiration, we empower endoscopy professionals to make the biggest difference in their daily work . Together, we are enriching lives and giving the world more smiles!A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
The Independent
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Singer Conor Maynard shares update after being rushed to hospital
Conor Maynard has shared an update with his fans after the singer was rushed to hospital following an accident. Maynard, who shot to fame in 2012 when his debut album Contrast topped the charts, alarmed fans on Sunday (16 February) when he shared a picture of himself on a stretcher with his 3.2 million Instagram followers. Captioning a photo of him lying on a stretcher as 'Sunday Funday', Maynard proceeded to share a video of him being transported to an ambulance by paramedics while sporting a neck and back brace. At the time, the singer gave almost no details as to what had happened, aside from the caption, 'FML' and a laughing emoji. A few hours later, he finally provided fans with an update and an explanation as to what had happened. 'I'm doing ok guys,' the 32-year-old wrote on Instagram. 'You're not allowed to laugh… but I fell down some stairs. But nothing too serious, you can breathe now,' he added, complete with a POV picture of himself giving a thumbs up. Maynard shot to fame in 2012 with the release of his 2012 single, 'Can't Say No', which climbed to No 2 on the UK Singles Chart. At the time, he was dubbed the UK's answer to Justin Bieber. He rose to fame after his YouTube covers gained thousands of views and he was crowned MTV's Brand New for 2012 winner, triumphing over the likes of Lana del Rey and Charli XCX. His debut album, co-produced by Frank Ocean, boasted collaborations with Ne-Yo, Pharrell and Rita Ora. Describing the album in a 2012 interview with Metro, the Brighton-born singer said: "The name, Contrast, explains it –it's got a mature urban sound to it. "It's a contrast to what's out there. It's got big everything, from dance songs to slow, stripped-back ballads." His most recent album, +11 Hours, was released in 2023. His last single, 'She's So High', was released earlier this year.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
South of Midnight preview: Stopped motion
As I sat down to play the 90-minute South of Midnight preview, I had one major question: Why does the framerate look like that? The trailers display a purposefully choppy animation style that's meant to be reminiscent of stop-motion, but it wasn't clear how this effect would be applied in the game's cutscenes, combat and traversal moments. After playing the preview, I'm still unsure. I should state my bias at the top: I am super primed to enjoy South of Midnight. I've been a fan of Compulsion Games since the studio debuted Contrast in 2013, and I eagerly followed the development of its follow-up, We Happy Few, through 2018. Compulsion's games are stylish, with an emphasis on polished 3D graphics and lanky characters in fabulous outfits. Microsoft acquired Compulsion in 2018 and the studio has been working on South of Midnight ever since. My intrigue has only grown in the past year, following a drip-feed of trailers with luscious Southern Gothic settings, a bluesy soundtrack and the game's magic-weilding protagonist, a young Black woman named Hazel. First, let's talk about what the game does well. The preview begins at chapter three, after Hazel has discovered the basics of her magical abilities but has not mastered the power flowing through her veins. Hazel is a Weaver, capable of manipulating the invisible strands that hold reality together, and she's looking for her mother, Lacey, after a hurricane swept through their hometown of Prospero in the American Deep South. Advertisement If Hazel is the main character in South of Midnight, the environment is her co-star: The swamps of Prospero are lit with a rich, golden hue and they're buzzing with surreal life. Towering cypresses, lush ferns and thorny vines the size of tree trunks weave their way through the forest and its cloudy pools. The houses, half-demolished shacks connected over the bayou by crumbling wooden platforms, are filled with rotting trinkets and faded photos, and many have eviction notices stuck to the front doors. Car-sized peaches dot the landscape, plump pinkish skin sticking out of the swampwater and buried at the bases of trees. This land is drowning in magic. South of Midnight Though Hazel is on a linear journey to find her mom, there are plenty of opportunities for light exploring around Prospero. Chapter three features a handful of hidden paths that conclude with glowing bits of Floof, the game's currency, for Hazel to collect. These alternative routes are positioned in plain sight, but they're integrated into the landscape off the beaten path, so they're easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Hazel explores by running, jumping, double jumping, gliding and wall running, and her movements through the world feel utterly natural. Her abilities build on one another nicely and they're perfectly responsive, creating a mini parkour flow that I didn't expect in this game. At times Hazel uses magic to turn ghostly objects into tangible platforms, and her double-jump and glide combo is particularly fun. Hazel always looks cool, regardless of the framerate. She moves her long, thin limbs with the haphazard confidence befitting a teenage track star, and her clothes — a waffle-stitched sweatshirt tied around her waist, denim jeans, a tank top with a sports bra, leather arm bands and a holster across her chest — are heavily textured, lending each piece a tangible feel. Hazel's dialogue is delivered with a hefty amount of adolescent snark, too, and I laughed out loud when she met the giant talking catfish and immediately was like, 'Nope,' and turned to walk away. Actors Nona Parker Johnson, who performs Hazel's motion-capture and stunts, and Adriyan Rae, Hazel's voice, have done some fabulous work here. South of Midnight In the preview, Hazel encounters an eccentric local, a few magical creatures and at least one powerful ritual, and she eventually finds herself chasing the ghosts of two brothers, one of whom died after being stuffed inside the trunk of a tree. As she hunts their memories and traps their pain in a blue bottle, banjo music trickles into the scene until it becomes a full-on folk song recounting the brothers' tragic story. It's a unique and effective mechanic. The world around Hazel is composed of dark and surreal beauty, and after seeing (and hearing) this sliver of gameplay, I'm eager to uncover all of Prospero's hidden stories. Advertisement Combat in the South of Midnight preview takes place in contained stages, with spiky vines blocking off the exits as soon as the fight begins and the haints — ghosts, in Hazel's vernacular — pop up. The enemies in this chapter come in three basic forms: tall floaty haint, stationary haint nest and floaty blob haint. The enemies are made of gooey black tendons and red magic, and they attack in specific ways depending on their type. The tall one moves quickly and rushes forward, the nest spews out exploding bugs and the floaty blobs shoot parryable projectiles. Hazel has a basic attack, dodge, healing move and four magical abilities: weave, strand push, strand pull and a final locked move. Weave freezes an enemy in place, while strand pull and push can be used to throw objects back in the haints' faces. Each combat stage starts out with a healing totem that Hazel can tap into once, as long as she can reach it and (on Xbox Series X) press Y. She also receives health regen by pressing Y near a pile of freshly killed haint meat, unraveling their essence for a little boost. These piles are only available for a few seconds after each kill, so there's some light strategizing involved in staying alive mid-battle. South of Midnight Advertisement The fights flow just fine, and a lock-on system allows Hazel to swap her attention among the haints on the fly. Parrying projectiles is the toughest ability to master in the preview, but with a little more time to practice, I think it'll become second nature. South of Midnight is not an open-world RPG or anything, but Hazel has a small skill tree with three upgrades for each of her magical abilities and nine slots to unlock moves like ground slam. A second screen contains Hazel's collection of magical objects (five slots), patterns (six slots), readables (104 slots) and storybooks (14 slots). By the end of the demo, I'd collected four magical objects and one readable. Just looking at the menus, it seems like South of Midnight is a contained, sub-20-hour experience. Now, let's talk about the game's animations. South of Midnight begins with a gorgeous, handcrafted stop-motion intro movie that brings Hazel and her storybook adventure to life, but after that, the game's stop-motion conceit only half-works. Hazel's movements and the world at large are supposed to render at 60 fps, while her facial expressions in cutscenes render at something closer to 15 fps, mimicking the 'animated in twos' style of Into the Spider-Verse. This appears to be true for anything in the game with a face, and it's particularly apparent with the catfish character, which is basically all mouth. When it all comes together as Compulsion intended, the effect looks and feels very cool. Unfortunately, this is a rare occurrence. In practice, the stop-motion effect is inconsistent during third-person exploration moments and close-up cutscenes, and it tends to feel less artistic, and more like the game simply has an erratic framerate. It's possible to turn off stop-motion effects and I tried this, but honestly, I couldn't spot the difference. Even with stop-motion turned off, Hazel is rendered at an unpredictable rate that often dips well below 60 fps. The framerate issue appears across characters and vignettes, and it's especially shitty during brightly lit memory scenes, where NPCs appear in front of Hazel as glowing white ghosts, filled with particles and visually stuttering all over the place. South of Midnight targets 4K/60 on Xbox Series X, but my preview at times felt like it struggled to maintain 30 fps. What's more troubling, though, is the screen tearing that appears throughout the preview, spawning from the game's use of a-sync. The tearing often appears close to the center of the screen, suggesting the game is far away from its performance target. Of course, Compulsion is still working to optimize South of Midnight and there's some time to address these problems before the game comes out on April 8 — but they're cutting it close. Advertisement I think the stop-motion effect is a grand idea and it would work well if Compulsion committed to the bit. If the framerate is supposed to be low, keep it low, rather than popping in and out of higher framerates, which makes everything feel like a mistake. Consistency is the key, and South of Midnight hasn't nailed that yet. This is Compulsion's first attempt at building a game with all of the resources and attention that Xbox provides, and the studio has crafted a beautiful, mysterious world with an ambitious mechanical conceit and a badass protagonist. The stop-motion effect is still hit-or-miss, but that doesn't detract from the game's other successes. I remain incredibly stoked on South of Midnight. South of Midnight is due to hit Xbox Series X/S, PC and Game Pass on April 8.
