The Limits of Language The Limits of Language
it was something about the bounce in my step, in the rippling jiggle of my belly & breasts, something about the periwinkle painted pinkies, the purple pointers, the chipping it…
Nov 15, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Aerik Francis
The Life and Afterlife of the Paris Commune The Life and Afterlife of the Paris Commune
It was one of the most radical political experiments in European history. It was also one of Europe’s most tragically short-lived.
Nov 15, 2022 / Books & the Arts / David A. Bell
Ian McEwan’s 20th Century Ian McEwan’s 20th Century
In his new novel, McEwan ruefully looks back at a Britain that no longer exists.
Nov 14, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Sarah Chihaya
Are Americans Bad at Reading? Are Americans Bad at Reading?
Novelist Elaine Castillo’s essays reflect on reading as an ethical act and the moral politics of literature in the US.
Nov 10, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Lily Meyer
Teju Cole’s Elegiac Criticism Teju Cole’s Elegiac Criticism
For the novelist and photographer, to see—and to write about what one sees—is a way to confront the hard facts of the world.
Nov 9, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Walton Muyumba
The Outer Limits of Painting The Outer Limits of Painting
Recent shows from Rick Lowe and Mary Heilmann subvert expectations of the medium, their work exploring social life and its imperfections past the confines of the canvas.
Nov 8, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky
Martine Syms’s Portrait of Art School Alienation Martine Syms’s Portrait of Art School Alienation
With her feature film The African Desperate, the visual artist delves into the social and intellectual pitfalls of the MFA experience.
Nov 7, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Jordan Coley
Mike Leigh’s High Hopes Mike Leigh’s High Hopes
From Meantime to Another Year, the British director is often concerned with the aftermath of crushed ideals. Yet his films also reveal an underlying and stubborn faith that change ...
Nov 3, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Ela Bittencourt
How Saidiya Hartman Changed the Study of Black Life How Saidiya Hartman Changed the Study of Black Life
A conversation with writer about her pathbreaking book Scenes of Subjection and how our understanding of race has changed in the last two decades.
Nov 3, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Elias Rodriques
The Civil War’s Economic Shadow The Civil War’s Economic Shadow
To finance the war, the Union had to turn to the banks, and with lasting consequences.
Nov 2, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Stephanie McCurry