Latest news with #contemporary
Arab News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Tradition drives the contemporary at Downtown Design Riyadh fair
RIYADH: Design is always evolving, but at Riyadh's first Downtown Design fair, it is tradition that is shaping the contemporary. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ From elegant, oversized rugs to gleaming light fixtures and bold statement chairs, artisanal pieces line up the exhibition halls at Riyadh's JAX District, showcasing a medley of heritage pieces that are redefining what modern design looks like. A post shared by Downtown Design (@downtowndesignd) Trame Paris' collaboration with Maison L. Drucker brings new meaning to Parisian cafe bistro chairs. The 'Enlace' collection utilizes an algorithm to generate unique digital patterns that make every customizable chair a one-of-a-kind piece. Ismail Tazi, founder of Trame, said they were 'continuing this conversation between technology and craftsmanship.' A post shared by Downtown Design (@downtowndesignd) He added that as an Arab he was 'very proud because 'algorithm' is derived from Al-Khwarizmi — a Muslim scholar who was born in today's Uzbekistan. 'So it's really something that represents me today and how I'm looking to balance my own heritage and still be part of this cultural revolution and define a new Arab aesthetic within this digital revolution.' Iwan Maktabi, a brand that specializes in contemporary takes on antique rugs, displayed a number of eye-catching carpets — particularly a piece called 'The Noorah.' Made of handwoven wool and silk, the black base of the wall rug stands out with pink, orange, and silver accents, embellished with gold motifs; and is inspired by traditional Saudi Arabic textiles. Jordan-based Naqsh Collective centralizes the concept of engravings, which is one of the first forms of art. Blending architecture and design with traditional embroidery methods, their work becomes a mode for storytelling. One of the pieces on display is derived from the embellishments on women's thobes, specifically around the collar. A post shared by Downtown Design (@downtowndesignd) Nermeen Abudail, co-founder of the collective, said: 'In this piece, we talk about how the ladies did their embroidery in the backyards. They sat together collectively creating motifs inspired by their flora and fauna. 'Each pattern comes from a region. Amulets, flowers, cyprus trees — each holds a name, comes from a region and tells a story of why it was embroidered.' Each piece is hand-cut, inlaid, and finished with solid brass on walnut wood. The four-day event, running until May 23, showcases collectible works and ultra-high-end collections presented by international galleries, independent designers and manufacturers.
Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Ballet BC review — horror and comedy in a classy Canadian double bill
The Dance Consortium is a collective of UK venues whose aim is to bring the best international dance to our shores. It has made a winning choice with this exceptionally fine double bill by the Vancouver-based Ballet BC, unveiled this week at Sadler's Wells before continuing to tour to six locations — from Edinburgh to Plymouth — until mid June. The 20 dancers of Ballet BC are classically trained, but the works they perform are very much within the contemporary field. In other words, don't go expecting to see pointe shoes. But do go if you want to watch a superb ensemble delivering two complementary works that are, respectively, aesthetically impressive and marked by a smart, generously crowd-pleasing touch. First up is Crystal Pite's Frontier
NHK
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NHK
Finding life in the art of bonsai
Enthusiasts from around the world are making their way to Suzuki Shinji's studio to discover the art and artistry of his contemporary bonsai.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cumbrian art gallery to run major new solo exhibition from top emerging UK artist
A WEST Cumbrian art gallery will run a major new solo exhibition from 'one of the UK's most gifted emerging artists.' Castlegate House Gallery is delighted to announce a major new solo exhibition by one of the UK's most gifted emerging artists, Craig Simpson. Titled 'Our Sanctuary; the familiar and the absurd,' the exhibition will run from Saturday 17th May to Saturday 7th June 2025, featuring twenty new paintings produced over the last eighteen months. Craig Simpson draws on personal experience—placing himself, his family, friends and acquaintances in compositions that often merge a contemplative solitude with surreal twists. In this new body of work, the artist continues to explore themes of home, identity, and the absurdity of the everyday, bringing a fresh yet timeless perspective to contemporary figurative painting. Gallery Director Steve Swallow shares: 'With influences from the likes of Stanley Spencer, Craig merges the contemporary with the Modern British—a Venn diagram of the two, with Craig's art presiding within the overlap.' 'Craig is one of the most innovative and exciting young contemporary artists at work in the UK today. His progression since we began working together in 2022 has been astonishing, culminating in what I believe is the most accomplished body of work we've exhibited in over a decade.' Craig has spent over eighteen months in the studio creating this series, which will fully occupy the gallery space during the run of the exhibition. A casual opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 12 to 2pm, with the artist in attendance. All are welcome.
New York Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Soprano Patricia Racette to Lead Opera Theater of St. Louis
Racette said she would build on Opera Theater's reputation for experimentation. The company, founded in 1976, has given the premiere of works like Terence Blanchard's 'Fire Shut Up in My Bones,' which later became the first work by a Black composer to be presented by the Metropolitan Opera. She said that she hoped to work with a variety of contemporary composers, including Kevin Puts, Jonathan Dove and Missy Mazzoli. 'I have a perspective and passion for new works, and I'm going to enjoy applying that perspective and passion again on the other side of the curtain,' she said. Racette, who made her debut at the Met in 1995, is known for her portrayals of Puccini heroines. She has also ventured into other genres, including cabaret, which she said she hoped to bring to St. Louis. She said opera companies should not fear crossover repertoire. 'These are our stories and traditions,' she said. 'It's an opportunity for accessibility, relevance and impact.' Many opera companies, including Opera Theater of St. Louis, are grappling with rising costs and the lingering effects of the pandemic. The company has benefited from a robust endowment, which is currently valued at about $100 million, and is exploring building a new home at the former headquarters of a shoe company in Clayton, a suburb of St. Louis. (Its theater is in another suburb, Webster Groves.)
