Latest news with #Metamorphosis
Extra.ie
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
New Irish Music To Hear This Week
The latest track from SPRINTS starts off with a bang, its first line taking after Rachel Cusk as frontwoman Karla Chubb recites: Vanity is the curse of culture. And so the rollout begins for the bands highly-anticipated album All That Is Over. With its pummelling spoken-word vocals and electrifying riffage that pack a brutal punch, Descartes is a rallying cry of abstract profundities. Philosophy has rarely sounded as cool as it does on SPRINTS latest tune. Charisma and spunk? Check. Anarchy, existentialism and catharsis? Check, check and check. SPRINTS from left to right: Jack Callan / Sam McCann / Karla Chubb / Zac Stephenson Photo credit David Willis Throwing Shapes, Chosen Talk Irish sonic polymaths Mabh McKenna, Ross Chaney and Gareth Quinn Redmond have joined forces on their latest project Throwing Shapes. Pedalled by striking Irish wire-strung harp flourishes and an ethereal rhythm section, their debut single Chosen Talk synthesises a gossamer instrumental with vibrant electronics. With this seamless blend, the trio produce a distinctive soundscape that is both nostalgic in spirit, yet contemporary by design. Throwing Shapes Madra, Bought and Sold Belfast queer post-punk rockers Madra have unleashed their ferocious debut EP Metamorphosis. EP closer Bought and Sold is the ultimate focal point for the project, with its ambitious bent towards spectacle that elevates Metamorphosis into the realm of the unearthly and indelible. Within the tracks intriguing skeletal undercarriage, synths flicker quietly, guitars dig deep and bassist/vocalist Eabha Campbells baritone vocal refrains intertwine in a fever pitch of resistance. Madra. M'ADAM, Its you Cork singer-songwriter MADAM kicks into high gear on his vibrant new single, Its you. Showcasing MADAMs – aka Adam ODonovan – penchant for tackling heavy subject matter head on, the track is a stark exploration of end times, depicting a catastrophic apocalypse through the intimate lens of two people saying a final goodbye as an overwhelming storm approaches. ODonovans fearless exploration of finality merges wonderfully with the natural and raw textures of Kealan Kennys production. The result is a wondrous tune that serves up a two-course meal of sonic catharsis and woeful rumination. M'ADAM JUNE, Up JUNE introduces herself to the world with her scintillating debut single Up. This sanguine track mixes hues from a vibrant palette of contemporary pop and emotive nostalgia, following the ups and downs of a relationship with stark intimacy. The emerging Laois artist flourishes at the centre of it all, enveloped by swelling synths and a propulsive rhythm section. Up is a wonderful and promising debut. JUNE Dan Ryan, Lagan Love Tallaght polymath Dan Ryan offers an exceptionally innovative mix of EDM and folk on his rendition of the Irish trad air Lagan Love. Gifting the song a new lease on life, Ryans Lagan Love kicks off with a riveting solo vocal passage, narrating the first two verses before the song takes full flight its percussion swelling with energy, teasing highs and lows and shifting between folk, classical, EDM and pop stylings. I'm a big fan of all types of music. I love Irish traditional music and classical music and Ive always felt that strings can really give a track great emotion, Ryan says of the track. Being able to blend both of those elements with a thick breakbeat created something that I think feels unique and uplifting. Dan Ryan. EDEN, gggiiiiirrrrlllll Dublin artist EDEN has unveiled his latest EP gggiiiiirrrrlllll. The title track is a tender miniature that blends classic torch song longing with an endless electronic ascension. With this, the tune sees EDEN return to the palette thats worked for him so far: synths that flicker with technicolour richness and dizzy drum programming which frame the artists mellow flow exquisitely. EDEN. California Irish, Julie Ann With shimmering acoustic guitar, a propulsive rhythm section and emphatic vocals, the latest single from California Irish is a wonder of indie-rock resplendence. Julie Ann is exactly the kind of tune that seems best-fitted to soundtrack the end credits of a cathartic independent film. Taking cues from the jingle-jangle Rickenbacker rock bands of the 60s, this track is sure to make a welcome addition to your summer playlist. Speaking about the track, the band say: We wanted 'Julie Ann' to sound like The Byrds hence the jangly 12 string guitar and the thick four-part harmonies. Listen out for the psychedelic cow bell solo in the middle, and if youve been looking for your new soundtrack of the summer then congratulations to you! Peace agus love x. Jesse June, Countdown A cinematic, deliciously melodic hip-hop number, Jesse Junes new single Countdown is a transporting and incredibly catchy tune lined with elegant strings and bouncy rhythmic sections. Inspired by Gattaca and driven by the alienation of dream chasing, the song is said to be for anyone who's ever been underestimated. Jesse June Problem Patterns, Im Fine And Im Doing Great Belfast-based punk quartet Problem Patterns have shared the lead single for their upcoming EP Boring Songs For Boring People . Gritty and powerful, Im Fine And Im Doing Great addresses the question of burnout with a tongue-in-cheek yet heavy tone perfectly highlighted by cathartically noisy drums and shouted vocal lines. Commenting on the track, bassist Ciara King said: This song is an ode to every single burnout episode that any creative has ever had. The lyrics formed when we were touring flat out and playing UK festivals every weekend. As an Irish band, this requires a lot of travel back and forth. We were becoming extremely burnt out and losing joy for the thing we love. This song is addressing that feeling of the love/hate relationship involved in doing music full time and still working full time, she continued. This one goes out to all our burnt out pals. Keep going. Problem Patterns. Photo credit: Ellen Blair Arbutus, Let Me Know Rising Irish electronic-pop act Arbutus, the musical project of Meath-based producer and vocalist Dylan Kelly, releases the emotive new single Let Me Know in collaboration with Sean OMeara. Blending uplifting pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics, Let Me Know is a personal and powerful track inspired by loss and remembrance, Let Me Know is an uplifting track that was written about being there for people in tough times and is dedicated to two close friends who passed away too soon, says Kelly. Arbutus Nathan ORegan, Poetry In Motion Lifted from Nathan ORegans upcoming album Olive Branch , Poetry In Motion a summery, thoughtful and boisterous folk track written in the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with celebrated US songwriters Brian Maher and Muscle Shoals staff writer James LeBlanc. The song was composed in the historic former office of the studio's late founder, Rick Hall, where the trio spent a day writing together. 'I went downstairs to put on a pot of coffee and when I returned James was playing around these chords, and he and Brian were already halfway through piecing together what became the chorus, explains Nathan. 'I remember as soon as I heard the guitar riff that James was playing, I thought it sounded like an old classic so we thought the best foot forward was to try and capture something that felt like a classic. It's one of those tunes that I can't believe I had a hand in writing. James and Brian are so good at what they do – it was a pleasure to be a part of it.' Nathan O'Regan. Photo credit – Jamie Neish Von Venn, You Can Talk To Me The first single from the upcoming latest Von Venn album Forgetting The Fall , 'You Can Talk to Me' revolves around a grinding guitar riff, backed by driving drums and bass, and tells the story of two lost souls engaging in a dance of misdirection and subtle seduction. Speaking of the track, Von Venns Gary Cox said: 'I have always been fascinated by what drives us as human beings, the complexity of our emotions, the multiple layers that we are capable of operating at, our ability to hide and even deceive ourselves as to our true intentions. I think these elements become even more interesting when taken in the context of sexual tension between a couple. They engage in a game of desire and denial. This becomes even more apparent when the relationship is considered conventionally frowned upon, e.g. an affair, or inappropriate work relationship.' Gary Cox / Von Venn Unique Freaks, Ur Friends No Friend Hailing from Unique Freaks (aka THEE U.F.O) upcoming album Enjoyment Planted , Ur Friends No Friend is a deliciously bouncy electro-pop track, lined with groovy riffs and infectious rhythmic sections and a masterfully layered production. Ur Friends No Friend – Its easy to pretend to not want to talk to a friend, Its hard to reach out and reconcile, Its even harder when your friend doesnt want to reconcile, Unique Freaks Darragh Hansard says. Safe to say were still not friends, I love em though! Unique Freaks. F3miii, TRUTH A summery and romantic RnB flavoured tune, F3miiis new track TRUTH is a hard hitting and catchy number, thanks to groove-lined productions and infectious rhythms, making for the perfect background to the musicians vibrant vocal performance. Once again proving his incredible melodic flair, F3miii offers a joyful track flavoured with slight melancholy. F3miii at Forbidden Fruit Festival. Copyright by Curtis DeSmith. Robbie Doherty, Back At Ya A bouncy and nostalgic electronic tune, Robbie Dohertys Back At Ya blends minimalistic production with evident melodic sensibilities, thanks to infectious and straight-to-the-point synth lines and catchy, somewhat somber rhythmic sections which offer the summer-club track a depth that will satisfy all of your year-around party needs. Silk, 'But Then, Yes' Rising shoegaze band Silk have released their brand new single 'But Then, Yes', with thick, fuzzy guitars, shimmering passages of dreamy vocals, and lyrics that dive deep into personal connections that turn from friendship into something more. The track is the latest solo project of Virgin's guitarist and songwriter, Michael Smyth, featuring vocals from AJ Das of Dublin dreamo band Picture Postcard. With its saturated sound, the buzzy tune seems like a warm embrace for a restless heart, as if someone were looking straight into your soul. Discussing the motivation behind 'But Then, Yes', Smyth said: 'I constantly feel like I am rushing towards the inevitable infinite oblivion. Further exacerbated by the marking of years spent circling the sun. To that end, its important that I fill the time remaining with joyous, creative acts. The sharing of ideas is an essential part of that, which brings us to Silk.' Chubby Cat, 'My Boy' Emerging alt-pop artist Chubby Cat has released her second country-pop single, 'My Boy', a goofy commentary on modern dating and the drama that comes along with it. The singer's bright and clear soprano fuses with upbeat guitars and catchy harmonies that act as backup vocals, reminiscent of Sabrina Carpenter or Chapel Roan. Chubby Cat shared the inspiration behind her playful new track: Im in a new relationship! I wanted to write about it. Life is unsteady and awkward, and so am I! Im just trying to figure it out; Im sure you are all just trying to figure it all out too, so I wrote a song about it. I wanted to have a fun song to capture that sentiment while not taking things too seriously. I love my new boy, and I love my new song. 'My Boy' single cover art by Chubby Cat. The Halez, 'Let Live' Athlone indie-rockers The Halez have just released their latest single, 'Let Live', a tune of unity and love in a divided world. Jangly guitars, soft, raw vocals and inspiring lyrics make for the perfect feel-good tune. The group consists of four friends: vocalist Kieran Murphy, guitarist Jerome Sheerin, bassist Cormac Sheerin, and Eamonn O'Toole on drums. Their latest single is part of the band's wider objective to 'bring back proper honest music': The main aim is to bring guitar music back. The world is crying out for it now, and who knows, maybe we will be the ones to bring it back or, at the very least, inspire the next generation to pick up instruments and to form bands and create some good old Rock 'n' Roll. The Halez. ARLENE, 'Racing Minds' Hailing from Roscommon, genre-blending artist ARLENE has shared her latest tune, 'Racing Minds'. Blending indie-pop and alt-rock, her new song explores the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of overthinking and questioning one's own existence. Rich synths, ARLENE's edgy vocals and a groovy bassline create an atmospheric bop, perfect for late-night reflection. With her vulnerable new track, the singer wants to invite listeners in: 'I wrote Racing Minds some time ago now, and somehow I still find myself relating to it every day. I kept it under wraps for as long as possible because I was anxious to let everyone into my little world of thoughts and feelings by releasing it. I just hope people can connect emotionally with it the way I do.' ARLENE. 3rd Degree, 'Feel It Coming' Irish alt-rock project 3rd Degree, featuring vocals by Waterford's Jason Burns, is poised to create waves with the release of their debut single, 'Feel It Coming'. Gritty guitar riffs mesh with punchy synths, snappy drums, and entrancing vocals, creating a flawless union of emotional indie rock and thumping dance electronica. ''Feel It Coming' is a confident, genre-blending statement of intent merging live instrumentation with electronic edge and setting the tone for whats to come on Connected,' said Burns. 3rd Degree. For Nina, 'Swallow' With their new single 'Swallow', Dublin's three-piece For Nina step into a new era, leaning into their unique sound. The slow-building, moody track combines sombre guitar licks, dreamy vocals and heavy-gaze-inspired twists, culminating in a lofty performance by singer Holly Owens. Speaking on the track, the band said, 'Holly wrote the guts of the song years ago, back when she was in secondary school, and it got completely lost in the drafts. We stumbled across it sitting at home one night and heard this crazy potential from the chorus, gave it a new format and first verse, and we were flying from there. We only started playing it a couple of months ago, but from the first time we played it in a live set, we knew it was sparkling in a different way from some of our other songs.' For Nina. Kneecap, The Recap feat. Mozey Originally released as a bootleg version via the Belfast trio's WhatsApp channel a few weeks ago, the track quickly became a fan favourite at recent Kneecap live shows, with crowds rapping every word. Now officially available on all major platforms, the track is on course to become a chart topper. An energetic anthem driven by industrial, punchy beats, the release showcases Mgla Bap and Mo Charas trademark slick, unapologetic bars. The song also takes a swipe at UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch with lines like, Give me Kemis money and give her my thanks , a nod to the court case the group won against the UK government last year. With Kneecap perennially in the headlines and their fanbase growing by the day, this track feels like an instant classic. Kneecap. Vaticanjail, MIEL Vaticanjails new single MIEL is a tight, vibey track that melds flamenco flair, reggaeton rhythm, and electronic nuance into an ambitious production. With funky maraca patterns, Middle Eastern-influenced harmonics, and melancholic Billie Eilish-esque vocals, the Chilean-born, Dublin-based artist crafts a dreamy bilingual narrative of identity, migration and memory. Drawing from Sean-ns storytelling and Latin traditions, 'MIEL' is both a love letter to Chile and a lyrical homage to Ireland. Talking about her latest release, Vaticanjail explained its 'a story of everything that happened in the course of finding my identity.' Vaticanjail. Matteo & Lillie-Apple, Take My Time Matteos latest single Take My Time, featuring Lillie-Apple, sees the emerging Dublin artist stepping further into his R&B-pop sound with relaxed confidence. The two artists complement each other well, their chemistry adding emotional weight to this gently unfolding track about the complexities of trust in relationships. It's a laid-back, soulful offering, never overdone, just effortlessly smooth and sure of itself. With every release, Matteo sounds more assured, more refined. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matteo (@matteodal_) i n n e r l i z z a r d s, things On his second release as i n n e r l i z z a r d s, Limerick artist Rory Hall dives deep into ambient, lo-fi territory with things, a track that pairs melancholic lyrics with a pulsing electronic beat. The snare-led rhythm drives the piece forward while Halls vocals drift between vulnerability and detachment, especially on the repeated refrain of slipping away. Its a track that thrives on contrast, introspective sadness layered over hypnotic, trancey production. Halls voice feels newly explored here, adding intimacy to a sound thats both floating and anchored. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Proper Micro NV (@iamroryhall) Warren, Deja Vu Out today viaRobbins Entertainment, Dublin-born and London-based producer and songwriterKeith Warren(mononymously known as Warren ) returns withDeja Vu,a euphoric dance-pop anthem. Blendinghard-hitting house keys, a driving beat, and uplifting vocals, the track channels classic dancefloor energy with modern polish. Warrens velvetysoothing timbreandfeel-good lyricselevate it beyond typical club fare, landing somewhere betweenDisclosures grooveandThe Corrs melodic warmth. With past hits likeDream About Uand over6 million total Spotify streams, Warren proves he has a knack for hits, andDeja Vumight just be his sunniest yet. Warren. James Keegan, Wide Eyes 'Wide Eyes' is a hauntingly confident preview of the forthcoming EP by the Indie-folk artistfrom Cork James Keegan. A mesmerising blend of pulsing bass drums, airy synths, and looped vocal fragments that create an unsettling yet beautiful soundscape, Keegan's ghostly vocals pierce through the mix, pulling listeners into a hypnotic, kaleidoscopic journey. The track's minimalist production builds tension, balancing fragility with eerie power. Speaking on the EP, Keegan said: It was definitely different from my previous time in the studio, I felt more comfortable and willing to actually make things sound different to what Im used to. James Keegan. Photo by: Damien Quirke @Damosday CamrinWatsin, Cry Baby feat. Evalina Dance-producer phenom CamrinWatsin teams up with breakout vocalist Evalina on 'Cry Baby', a pulsing, club-ready anthem crafted as the official soundtrack for Bershkas 2025 global campaign. At just 21, the Irish DJ-producer, who can already boast 500 million streams and 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, delivers another hit, blending cool, silky beats with a relentless driving energy that demands movement. Fresh off sold-out EU tours and Ibiza residencies, the track has already ignited crowds, priming it for dominance atLongitude Festivalthis weekend and beyond. CamrinWatsin. Badscandal, at my knees yeah DublinsBadscandal, who is also the EDM artist Luke Power, unveils a vulnerable new direction with his latest track 'at my knees yeah', the centrepiece of his deeply personal 'friendly' EP. Stripping back his club roots, the track floats onchill, suave instrumentation, smooth guitars, muted beats, showcasing the artists impressive vocal rangeand raw lyricism. Speaking on the EP, Badscandal said 'This is the first time Ive made music thats truly personal to me. Lyrics that are extremely personal and honest, about my life, my head, my heart, and how Ive felt moving through the world up to now and what it was like for me growing up.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Badscandal (@badscandal) Listen to our playlist on Spotify:
Los Angeles Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Britney, Taylor and Beyoncé defined the 2000s. How they changed pop culture forever
Growing up in a small town in New Hampshire, Nora Princiotti lived two hours away from the nearest mall, so the Scholastic Book Fair was her lifeline to pop culture purchases. In fall 2003, the then-9-year-old made a beeline to the fair and bought gum, glitter gel pens and 'Metamorphosis,' the second studio album from 'Lizzie McGuire' star Hilary Duff. At that time, Duff was 'the single most important person in the world to me outside my immediate family,' Princiotti writes in 'Hit Girls: Britney, Taylor, Beyoncé, and the Women Who Built Pop's Shiniest Decade.' 'This is the first day of the rest of my life.' This proclamation is no exaggeration. Duff's CD was Princiotti's gateway to the vibrant pop music universe of the 2000s — an era that 'Hit Girls' thoroughly examines through the lens of some of the decade's music icons. The chronological book opens with Britney Spears reigniting industry interest in mainstream pop after the roaring success of her snappy debut single, 1998's '…Baby One More Time.' Princiotti subsequently devotes chapters to Rihanna's world-shifting dance music and savvy use of technology; the scrappy (and occasionally bumpy) pop-punk odyssey of Avril Lavigne; and the complicated relationship between indie rock and pop, exemplified by 'American Idol' sweetheart Kelly Clarkson. She also reexamines with a much kinder eye the music of Ashlee Simpson, whose career cratered after she was caught lip-syncing on 'Saturday Night Live,' and then-tabloid fixtures Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton. Princiotti, a staff writer at the Ringer who covers pop music and the NFL and co-hosts the podcast 'Every Single Album,' says she was certain which artists needed to be included in 'Hit Girls.' 'I had the idea a little bit before the Y2K resurgence that we've experienced over the last few years,' she says. 'But it was trickling into the ecosystem. And I had this very clear idea that there are all these disparate segments of the pop star world and the version of that world that existed in the 2000s. … Even though that music is different, it all fit together to me really obviously, because I was the fan.' Princiotti augments her rigorous research with colorful memories from this era, including chatting on AIM (her handle was mangorainbow99), digging up Taylor Swift rarities on YouTube and hearing Lady Gaga's 'Just Dance' at a high school dance. Finding a cohesive story of the 2000s was more challenging. 'The question that I had to answer [in the book] was, 'Other than the audience — and other than having this feeling inside me that a book that covered the rise of Britney Spears also needed to cover 'Rumors' by Lindsay Lohan and also needed to cover Ashlee Simpson, because that's how I lived it — what actually ties these artists together?'' That uniting thread is Spears. The book deftly traces the parallels between the evolution of Spears' career and how the decade itself unfolded — from the way her music broadened beyond teen pop (e.g. the electro-disco 'Toxic') to the negative impact the intense tabloid scrutiny had on her mental health. 'She is the artist of the 2000s,' Princiotti says. 'If you think of the aughts as a whole, it starts with Britney, [and] she manages to keep it going. There's so many things that I think just come back to that one woman.' Princiotti also concludes that the female pop stars of the 2000s helped legitimize pop music. 'There's something about what all of these women — because it is women in the book — did to chip away at the idea that pop is disposable and unserious music, that somehow got us to this place where it is more often recognized as a serious art form, something that moves culture [and] is worthy of real, deep criticism,' she says. 'You're seeing every day where there are thesis-driven projects about Taylor Swift and the music of Taylor Swift, and [people asking,] 'What does she mean to society?' and 'What does she mean to culture? The thing that struck me was, 'Oh, we didn't have that. It wasn't like that — and now it is.'' Given the book's narrow time frame — 'Hit Girls' starts just before Y2K and ends in the early 2010s — the book also takes a different spin on the careers of Swift and fellow superstar Beyoncé. The latter was newly emerging as a solo artist with 2003's 'Dangerously in Love' after breaking through with Destiny's Child. Princiotti argues that Beyoncé's success on the pop charts opened doors for hip-hop and R&B artists, which had a seismic impact on culture as a whole. Although these genres had started making massive inroads into the pop charts and mainstream music starting in the late 1990s, Princiotti observed in her research that magazine and tabloid covers still largely prioritized white artists. 'While there was a clear relationship between the interest in an artist like Britney Spears's life and the interest in her music, that feedback loop did not exist for a lot of Black artists,' she writes. 'Which meant that hip-hop could dominate popular music while being shut out of the elite celebrity spaces that promote true pop stardom.' Swift, meanwhile, was an earnest country-pop wunderkind building her fan base one MySpace comment at a time — and even then happened to be a genius at understanding the psychology of fandom and the online habits of her followers. 'I came away with an appreciation of just how early in her career she laid the blueprint of how she would develop her fan base,' Princiotti says. 'When it's all said and done, we will look back at her artistic legacy, yes, as the songwriter of a generation, yes, as the poet laureate of young women.' 'But I do think that the legacy of Taylor Swift is going to start with the communities of people that she brought together within her fan base — and how powerful and sometimes scary and how mobilized that fan community has become, and how she built it to be that way.' As with Swift, many of the artists in 'Hit Girls' remain popular today. Lavigne and Beyoncé are currently on major tours; Clarkson has found success with her daytime talk show; Rihanna is a billionaire business mogul thanks to her brands Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. And Duff, who now has four kids, starred in the TV show 'Younger' and, most recently, the short-lived 'How I Met Your Father.' Near the end of 'Hit Girls,' Princiotti explores the ongoing influence of these artists and this decade — from the current crop of young pop stars led by Olivia Rodrigo and nostalgia festivals like When We Were Young to fashion trends such as dark denim, 'going-out' tops and butterfly hair clips. Princiotti herself maintains a love of pop stars and offers solid theories about why this specific era remains such a fascination: a heady mix of nostalgia, second chances and perspective. 'For people like me who lived through at least some of it, it's the ability to go back a little bit older and wiser,' she says. 'We can take the best of it and then reexamine the worst of it with more open eyes. And there's something to me that's very satisfying about that.'
New Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Sashaying to the Top: Mrs. India Globe 2017, Veena Jain gets candid with TNIE
In the sunny upscale suburb of Palm Springs, California, women from 50 countries around the world gather with the hope of winning the prestigious Mrs. Globe Classique pageant, for women over 45. For over seven years, former beauty queen, Mrs. India Globe 2017, Veena Jain, as the national director of the pageant, has mentored Indian women, preparing them to compete at this international stage. 'Mrs. Globe is the top international beauty pageant in the 'Mrs.' category,' says Jain, who trains participants through all three rounds – national costume, coronation gown, and the swimsuit round, adding that Indian women bring a blend of emotional intelligence, cultural representation, and confidence that is needed in the presentation. 'Our representatives are confident, communicative, and emotionally intelligent. These aren't skills we need to teach; they are embedded in our culture,' she explains, saying, 'We look for someone who is poised, confident, social, and inspiring.' This year, Jain has taken Sharada Narayanan, a city-based fashion entrepreneur, under her wing, describing her as 'the full package, with a strong presence and natural charm.' Narayanan defines herself as a fashion designer, entrepreneur, social changemaker, mother, and spouse. Her journey to the Mrs. Globe stage wasn't easy; it began in the corporate world but an inner pull towards creativity led her to fashion design. 'Colours, fabrics, these fascinated me from a very young age,' says Narayanan, adding that her first time walking the ramp in her own design made her realise she had a side she hadn't explored yet, leading her to open her boutique, Metamorphosis.
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Bico's art doesn't play it safe
Birds are his metaphor. And there are a lot of them. Toni Bico is not interested in playing it safe. He is adding the finishing touches to his upcoming exhibition, Metamorphosis. It's a blunt yet immensely beautiful collection of social commentary. It's a bit uncomfortable, which it should be, and not a collection of pyjama works designed to match living room wallpaper. Instead, it is a visual commentary on what he called 'the speed of now,' where birds, torn canvas and installations come together to contemplate war, greed and capitalism, and a world in constant momentum. 'It started with the idea that we are living through a moment of massive change,' Bico said. 'Everything, political, financial, environmental, feels like it is collapsing and rebuilding at the same time. So, the idea for the show began with deconstruction. Literally.' He meant it. In one of the works in Metamorphosis, he tore apart earlier paintings and stitched them into something new. The pieces, he shared, are 'canvas collages' packed with meaning and emotional residue. Metaphorical birds Birds are his metaphor. And there are a lot of them. 'They are not just birds,' he said. 'They are analogies. For us, for migration, for consumerism, for the planet. One installation has ninety-nine birds displayed like goods in a market. It touches on how everything, even life itself, is for sale.' A suitcase filled with painted birds speaks to exile, departure, and the kind of movement not often brought up in polite conversation. 'It is not about birds flying south. It is about people. About often reluctant migration,' he said. ALSO READ: Art gallery that makes talent development the main focus Despite the larger-than-life feel of the show, Bico does not chase spectacle. But it's provocative. 'If you are curious, you will get it,' he said. 'If not, it can still just be a beautiful thing to look at.' T hat tension between form and feeling is something he deliberately maintains. Art empowered him at a very young age. Bico was eleven when he arrived in South Africa. His family were refugees from Mozambique during the unrest of the 1970s. 'It was a culture shock,' he said. 'I could not speak English. I was going through puberty. Everything I thought was my life had been left behind.' Words failed, so he started drawing. 'I would doodle in schoolbooks to avoid having to speak. That is how I got noticed.' It became his way in. His way forward. An artist of many interests Later, he studied English Literature, Psychology and History of Art. He has also explored astronomy and even tried his hand at self-driving vehicle coding. All of it makes sense in context. Bico is a man driven by curiosity rather than convention. His creative process is instinctual. 'Especially with abstracts, it is about putting something on the canvas, anything, and then waiting for it to start speaking to you,' he said. 'You must be quiet enough to hear what the painting wants. Sometimes I start with a figure, then destroy it, abstract it, layer it until you cannot see it anymore. But it is still there, part of the structure.' He paints what he sees and what he feels. Often without meaning to. 'You do not need to plan a work,' he said. 'You just need to be honest, and it will come out. The world we live in, it is already inside us.' When he's done with a painting, the rest is up to the viewer. Years ago, every time someone bought one of his works, he felt like he was giving up part of himself. 'Now, when someone buys a painting, it is the end of my relationship with it. It is the start of the work's real life. It goes off and finds a home, gets loved in a new way.' Metamorphosis opens at Art Eye Gallery in Dainfern in July. NOW READ: It's lekker, messy creativity and art
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India.com
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
6 Books You Should Read If You Are A Classics Lover - From Metamorphosis To Time Machine
photoDetails english 2906657 Updated:May 26, 2025, 10:03 PM IST Metamorphosis 1 / 7 Franz Kafka's 'Metamorphosis' shows the transformation of a man into an insect and how his family deals with it. The book explores themes of isolation and new identity. Jane Eyre 2 / 7 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë is a story of a woman who seeks love, independence, and a sense of belonging. To Kill A Mockingbird 3 / 7 Harper Lee's 'To Kill A Mockingbird' is the story of a young girl with adventures sprinkled in. Wuthering Heights 4 / 7 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Brontë is a story about love and anger, and is set in the windy countryside. Time Machine 5 / 7 HG Wells' 'The Time Machine' is an adventure tale where a scientist travels to the future, discovering new worlds and exploring the consequences of his travel. Diary Of A Young Girl 6 / 7 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank is a saga of a Jewish girl's life while hiding from the Nazis. Credits 7 / 7 (Photo Credit: Representational Image/ Freepik)
