THE MAGAZINE
Artful Anchovies: The Art History Behind the Tinned Fish Revival
Canned seafood has transformed from cheap staple to a vibrant luxury that is quickly becoming a bespoke influence on the culinary and aesthetic world. There is another element that has been snatching the attention of small businesses, social media users, and consumers: the artwork that the fish comes wrapped in.
Adapting to Loss of Limbs: The Stories of Two Musicians - Django Reinhardt and Paul Wittgenstein
Having strong and competent hands is important to being a musician. But what about those who are missing limbs? Here are two snapshots of influential musicians, Django Reinhardt and Paul Wittgenstein, who rose to prominence through adapting their technique to a physical disability.
The Wall of Memory: The Lost Ukrainian Monument
Almost forty years ago, in 1986, the Soviet authorities destroyed the largest work of art in Europe, The Wall of Memory. The Ukrainian artists Ada Rybachuk and Volodymyr Melnychenko had spent thirteen years constructing the monument in Kyiv, just to find it forbidden by the Soviet authorities. Today, the AVRM foundation is still working for its restoration, against the backdrop of the war that started on 22 February 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
From London with Love: The Thursday Gallery Crawl
When it comes to art and culture, there’s hardly a city as hecticly eclectic as London. In this exclusive letter, TWoA spills the tea on all the going-ons in the London art scene, giving you insider information into the British art world, its peoples, and its dramas.
Rhyuhn Green, 18, pianist and composer: Creating a Melting Pot in Classical Music
Rhyuhn Green is a young composer and pianist with a vision: classical music should become a melting pot of different cultures. The Juilliard student is a recipient of a prestigious Kovner fellowship and has just released his debut album, ph3onix3s. TWoA talked to the Philadelphia native about his musical journey, leadership in the classical arts, and, of course, his album.
Reclaiming Venus: How We Misunderstand Beauty
The rise of imperfection as a new aesthetic challenges Renaissance ideals, but Botticelli’s Venus reminds us that beauty is more than skin deep—it’s a gateway to the divine. To find out why, read this article and discover how her beauty is just as moral and philosophical as it is physical.
Choreographer Spotlight: Justin Peck
Renowned for his energetic footwork and playful musicality, Justin Peck has forged an incredibly prolific career as New York City Ballet’s Resident Choreographer. Peck began his choreographic journey in 2005 as a student at the School of American Ballet, NYCB’s affiliated ballet school, and now twenty years later, he has produced over 50 ballets.
Interview: Chloe Helimets, 15, Candidate for the Prix de Lausanne 2025
Chloe Helimets, 15, is one of eighty-six dancers selected to compete at this year’s Prix de Lausanne taking place from 2 to 9 February 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland. TWoA talked to Chloe about growing up in a ballet family, her ballet journey, and about the best way to approach competitions.
Joseph Markey, American Ballet Theatre: On Turning “Crime and Punishment” into a Ballet
Fedor Dostoevsky’s dark psychological novel Crime and Punishment is a masterpiece of world literature. Last autumn, you could find it in the dance bags of many dancers at American Ballet Theatre: choreographer Helen Pickett and co-director James Bonas were turning the book into a ballet for American Ballet Theatre. The company will perform the production at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ins Washington on 12-16 February 2025. TWoA talked to ABT dancer Joseph Markey, who created the part of Luzhin, and who will have his debut as Raskolnikov in Washington.
Sleep, Dreams, Fantasies: Three Very Short Essays on Schumann’s Kinderszenen
While other composers wrote their pieces with quill and ink, Schumann composed using magic. His head was constantly filled with stories and daydreams, and every now and then, one of them would find their way onto a piece of paper – this is how he wrote his Kinderszenen.
Life in La Jolla: Three 20th-Century Modern Architectural Masterpieces
Los Angeles is experiencing a tragic series of wildfires. California houses multiple biospheres as well as the San Andreas fault, leaving the state prone to natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Roughly 200 kilometers south of LA, various 20th-century architectural structures line La Jolla’s rugged coastline. Although they are not located in a fire risk zone, these structures must withstand earthquakes, tidal waves and erosion, and could be affected by tsunamis.
The Wicked Witch of Art History
In the recently released Wicked film, Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, belts out, “As someone told me lately: Everyone deserves a chance to fly!” But when it comes to witches in art history, not everyone shared this sentiment.
Disease, Death, and Disaster: Andy Warhol’s Hidden Legacy
The price of stardom? For Warhol, it meant obscuring his experiences with disease and disaster.
“People’s attitudes have changed a lot:” Busking on the London Underground
“People’s attitudes have changed a lot:” How a Lanyard and a Sticker Changed the Perception of Busking on the London Underground.
It’s Movie Night: Dancer Edition
Curling up and watching a movie during the cold winter months is one of the best ways to unwind. For those who wish to continue to learn and indulge in dance while recuperating from stressors like Nutcracker performances or final exams, check out some of these beautiful dance films.
New Year’s Inspiration: Leon Bakst
With winter in full swing, add extra vibrancy to New Year’s eve with some beautiful pieces of art. Let us celebrate the life and art of Leon Bakst, a multifaceted master famous for innovative theatrical designs.
Into the Woods: Feeling the Benefits of Forest Bathing in Art
In our modern urban (and increasingly technological) lives, it is all too easy to feel overwhelmed. Wellbeing gurus suggest getting out, feeling our feet in the dirt, and bathing in the vibrations of nature. But a trip to the woods is not always feasible. So how about we try a form of forest bathing at home? Through art perhaps.
Merry Christmas!
TWoA asked four of the artists portrayed in some of our most popular interviews about their favourite seasonal activities. Curl up with a hot drink and enjoy the spirit of this season with Eunike Tanzil, Sumina Studer, Isabella McGuire Mayes and Seokyoung Hong.
Finnish Folklore and Legends: How Art Helped Shape Finnish Identity
To understand Finnish art and the development of the Finnish style, one must first understand the history of Finland. Traditional Finnish Art found its roots in the need to develop a Finnish identity and detach the country from the control historically exerted by either Sweden or Russia. The illustrated Kalevala is a particularly important work because of its major role in developing Finnish art and Finnish national identity .
Practicing without your instrument? The benefits of mental practice
Practicing away from your instrument might seem like a contradiction. If you think the only practice that counts towards your 5 hours a day are the hours spent beavering away in a stuffy practice room, it’s time to explore the power of mental practice.