Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s Post

🌍 When the worlds of dance and diplomacy intersect, transformative stories can emerge. One such narrative is of Hussein Smko, who, through a serendipitous encounter with an American soldier in Iraq, discovered a path that led him straight into the arms of dance. 🎭 This week, he has the honor of gracing the esteemed Joyce Theater stage, performing in Pontus Lidberg's acclaimed choreographies. We can only anticipate a show that marries raw emotion, culture, and undeniable talent. 🔮 With that said, here are some thoughts and predictions: ▫️ This performance will significantly raise Hussein's standing in the international dance community. ▫️ Hussein’s story is a testament to the universal language of art and its power which transcends cultural barriers, underpinning the need to integrate and celebrate diversity in performing arts. ▫️ Performances such as this one have the potential to bring greater awareness to the richness of Middle Eastern dance forms when fused with modern expressions. 💼 As professionals in the 21st Century, it's stories like these that serve as a reminder to us: ▫️ The importance of cross-cultural understanding stays significant across industries and professions, not just confined to arts. ▫️ True success often resonates beyond one's professional sphere, by making profound cultural and social impacts. 🎯 My prediction? Hussein’s performance at the Joyce Theater will not only be a personal triumph but also a brilliant victory for cross-cultural collaboration, showcasing the universal beauty and harmony of dance. This event will underscore the extraordinary power that lies in the fusion of tradition and innovation. 💡 And let's not forget, such powerful narratives do more than merely inspire; they spark important conversations, encouraging us to understand and appreciate our shared human experiences. Stay open. Stay curious. Turn the page. Let the world surprise you.

lunar ramblings SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 voice of inspiration This long-running soap opera we call human life   ;   Random acts of sharing I would like to be a kindness but I don't know if a gift or an inconvenience in the eye of the receiver   ;   Authentic me is a bit of an enigma I never know what to say until I do   ;     Who is out there expressing the people's rage? Feeds on grievance to shit out propagations of hate, to make the case, raise up the energy pushed down from shame we refuse to face? Who aspires to be that voice that inspires?   ;   If we could let ourselves be easily, naturally kind to ourselves and each other, the vast miasma that plagues us would dissipate, disappear   ;   Carter was always being criticized for not somehow being omnipotent, as if after Nixon we expected perfection.  Reagan was lauded far and wide, for ruining our burgeoning democracy in favor of creeping plutocracy.  It's all in the spin.   ;   kind of like that idea of needing attention, any attention, so bad attention is good -- needing human connection, so connecting through hate   ;   the vast lack of value given in our consumer society to social bonds, which is killing us     ;   two warring parties can not possibly represent the complexity of the American electorate yes, we need civil and constructive debate -- involving all of the stakeholders we need to start that habit from our earliest educations, including the habit of respect for ourselves and each of our others   ;     So very many ruined lives so some very wealthy people can accumulate a few pennies more   2/12-24/23

Food for thought - how and why do we nurture and support arts and culture from the ground up, from children to professional organizations and everything in between? What is our understanding of the purposes of arts and culture? Is it simply about mindless entertainment to fill the void of our lives, or is there something deeper at work that makes it a fundamental element of life as a human being? In the most recent issue of Opera Canada, editor Elizabeth Bowman writes about the demise of The Met Opera Guild’s venerable Opera News publication, the elimination of full scale productions by Chautauqua Opera, Tulsa Opera’s almost complete cancellation of their 2023/24 season, and Artscape Toronto’s devastating financial situation. “This shift hasn’t exactly come out of nowhere, it has come after many years of educational arts programs being cut from schools: a lack of arts education divests a country of culture. Germany has a radically different approach: in 2022, the country boosted its culture spending by 7% to $2.4 Billion citing a link between arts and democracy!” And further, “for every $1 TAC (Toronto Arts Council) grants to an arts organization, over $15 is received from earned revenue/donations/ticket sales—arts and culture contribute $11 billion annually to Toronto’s GDP (3.3%”. The indirect benefits are tourism, consumerism, education and, says Bowman, “I bet it cuts down crime too - hence, Germany’s strategy”.

A short silent film as part of my debut exhibition project, Songs of Love and Loss. "Love and loss are universal experiences that transcend cultural, religious, and sexual boundaries. Yet, amidst their dualistic nature, we often overlook their profound impact on our daily lives. Within the intricate dance of any relationship, we are immersed in a constantly shifting spectrum of fondness and grief. The objects of our affection or mourning become integral parts of the rich tapestry of our emotions, woven with countless threads of influence. In this continuous interplay, we find ourselves exploring and experiencing the depths of our feelings. Francis Augusto’s ‘Songs of Love and Loss’ serves as a commentary on the nuanced dimensions of romantic interactions. These poignant artworks invite the viewer into a gallery of emotions, capturing moments of romance, tenderness, and tension. Moments that provoke reflection. This series encourages the audience to connect and maybe find solace in the shared understanding that love is a transformative force, capable of healing and heartache." Enjoy.

Jadé Online is pleased to present "Individuality and Authenticity" an online solo exhibition of Nigerian Artist Atinuke Badmus. July 14 - August 11, 2023 Visit the viewing room via https://lnkd.in/eEeciZyG "Individuality and Authenticity"explores the context of self-expression. This theme delves into the notion of discovering one's true self, embracing uniqueness, and expressing it authentically. It encompasses aspects such as personal values, beliefs, passions, and the process of self-discovery. In a world that often encourages conformity and pressures individuals to fit into predefined molds, exploring the theme of individuality and authenticity can be empowering. It invites individuals to reflect on their values, aspirations, and what makes them unique. It encourages them to embrace their individuality and express themselves genuinely, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

In this substack article, my premise is that The Arts Explore All Of Our Emotions. I invite you to read!

1. Children singing in unison, spreading joy and harmony without a hint of politics or religion. 2. Imagine a world where conflicts are resolved not by war, but by the power of song. 3. No need for divisive ideologies when we can all simply come together through the universal language of music. 4. Let's drown out the drums of war with the sweet melodies of unity and understanding. 5. Who needs political debates when we can sway hearts and minds through the beauty of our voices raised in unison? 6. Imagine a global choir where every voice, regardless of background, adds to the symphony of peace. 7. In a world filled with discord, let us tune our voices to the same harmonious frequency and create a chorus of change.

The Fourth Circle is guarded by a figure Dante names as Pluto: this is Plutus, the deity of wealth in classical mythology. Although the two are often conflated, he is a distinct figure from Pluto (Dis), the classical ruler of the underworld.Those whose attitude toward material goods deviated from the appropriate mean are punished in the fourth circle. They include the avaricious or miserly (including many "clergymen, and popes and cardinals"), who hoarded possessions, and the prodigal, who squandered them. The hoarders and spendthrifts joust, using great weights as weapons that they push with their chests. Relating this sin of incontinence to the two that preceded it (lust and gluttony), Dorothy L. Sayers writes, "Mutual indulgence has already declined into selfish appetite; now, that appetite becomes aware of the incompatible and equally selfish appetites of other people. Indifference becomes mutual antagonism, imaged here by the antagonism between hoarding and squandering." There have been many artists who used Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy as inspiration for their art. For the painters in particular, William Blake’s drawings and paintings of Dante’s journey are among the most famous.  The coming months I’ll be regularly sharing a combination of Blake’s work and a composition of mine that was inspired by the painting and Dante’s corresponding verses. With Tijs Klaassen Mo van der Does Wietse Voermans Koen Schalkwijk —-- AMBROSIA Tour List 📍22-02-24 Ambrosia De Doelen, Rotterdam 🎫Tickets & Info: https://lnkd.in/eksQNfF2 John Weijers zennez records Tami Toledo Matuoka #rotterdam #livetour #ambrosia #livemusic #jazz #inferno #dante #impro #drummersdelight #improof #williamblake #art #divinecomedy #greed #appetite 

🏛️🎶🎨 Embark on a journey through time and art as we unveil the captivating connection between architecture and music. From the spiritual melodies echoing in ancient temples to the harmonious union of Renaissance cathedrals and polyphonic compositions, and the grandeur of Baroque structures intertwining with elaborate musical symphonies, discover how architectural masterpieces have shaped the evolution of music. 🌟🎵 Link below for a deeper dive into the harmonious interplay of these timeless art forms. https://lnkd.in/gpWa8uzw

Blog Post: "Building Empathy Through the Arts: how celebrating different cultures through the performing arts can help to build students’ capacity for empathy and mutual respect" In this installment of The Prologue Blog, we hope to provide some food for thought; some ideas that help advocate for the arts, which continue to be underfunded and underrated in schools. https://lnkd.in/gcXKt3c5