artists of the Arctic

The Tunirrusiangit exhibition in the Art Gallery of Ontario showed us the power of Inuit contemporary art. Now many artists have partnered with the British Museum in Arctic: Culture and Climate to show us that their vision, talent and culture thrive in today's world.

Cutting up seal, making a kayak by Lucassie Tukalak, 1985
Soapstone print

The Arctic: a culture and climate in crisis

Long ago people knew something was going to happen to this earth. How they knew it, I don't know. An Elder mentioned in the 1940s that this climate is going to change. They meant climate change. – Martha Snowshoe, Teetl'it Gwich'in

beautifully illustrated catalogue published to accompany the British Museum exhibition Arctic: culture and climate

Home to rich cultures for nearly 30,000 years, the Arctic is far from the inhospitable hinterland it's often imagined to be. If you haven't yet, please carve out some time to watch the British Museum curators Amber Lincoln and Jago Cooper for a special online tour of the #ArcticExhibition.

They celebrate the resourcefulness of Arctic Peoples, explore 30,000 of creativity and ingenuity, and address the unprecedented pressure that dramatic loss of ice and erratic weather caused by climate change are putting on Indigenous Communities.

curators tour of #ArcticExhibit

What happens in the Arctic will affect us all and this exhibition is a timely reminder of what the world can learn from its people. The dramatic loss of ice and erratic weather caused by climate change are putting unprecedented pressure on Arctic Peoples, testing their adaptive capacities and threatening their way of life.

From ancient mammoth ivory sculpture to modern refitted snow mobiles, the objects in this immersive exhibition reveal the creativity and resourcefulness of Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic. Developed in collaboration with Arctic communities, the exhibition celebrates the ingenuity and resilience of Arctic Peoples throughout history.

Magnetic North: Voices from the Indigenous Arctic

It tells the powerful story of respectful relationships with icy worlds and how Arctic Peoples have harnessed the weather and climate to thrive.

pop art of Nicole Heere

Here are some fun images and humorous renderings of some iconic images by graphic artist Nicole Heere. 

her pop art

Catch it while you can - as her site warns - Note: Nicole Heere will be phasing out all pop art. What is displayed on the website is the remaining pop art inventory. 

on Instagram

That's just too bad - a good thing gone too soon. 

plant | as life form & life force

As fall gives way to winter and colder temperatures here in the northern hemisphere, wonder | wander | world longs for the lush green warmth our tropical bones much prefer. 

To soothe us we turn to The Botanical Mind: Art, Mysticism and The Cosmic Tree - an online project of the Camden Art Centre.

The Botanical Mind at Camden Art Centre

This new online project brings together digital commissions, podcasts, films, texts, images and audio in an expanding archive that will be updated and added to regularly over the coming weeks.

Drawing on indigenous traditions from the Amazon rainforest; alternative perspectives on Western scientific rationalism; and new thinking around plant intelligence, philosophy and cultural theory, The Botanical Mind Online investigates the significance of the plant kingdom to human life, consciousness and spirituality across cultures and through time.

a trans-generational group exhibition moved online due to COVID

It positions the plant as both a universal symbol found in almost every civilization and religion across the globe, and the most fundamental but misunderstood form of life on our planet.

Humanity’s place in the natural order is under scrutiny as never before, held in a precarious balance between visible and invisible forces: from the microscopic threat of a virus to the monumental power of climate change.

giving thanks

What a year it's been! Terrifying, stressful, disastrous, upsetting, tumultuous. And yet, this month especially, there is much to be grateful for...and much to hope and work towards!

inspirational sketch artist | Tyrus Wong

The Smithsonian Magazine recently posted an article on Tyrus Wong, Chinese-born American artist. He was a painter, animator, calligrapher, muralist, ceramicist, lithographer and kite maker, as well as a set designer and storyboard artist. 

PBS released the "Tyrus" documentary on their American Masters series in September 2017. Until his death at the age of 106, Tyrus Wong was America’s oldest living Chinese American artist and one of the last remaining artists from the golden age of Disney animation.

PBS official "Tyrus" trailer

The quiet beauty of his Eastern-influenced paintings had a pioneering impact on American art and popular culture.

"Peaceful Forest" - Tyrus Wong

wonder | wander | world also wishes to add a tribute written by Mahala three years ago on her Tumbler, as Peregrine Vision.

"First Ladies" break the mold

A new CNN television series, “First Ladies” premiered Sunday, October 4. wander | wander | world recommends it as the perfect palliative care viewing in the midst of the latest Trumpian fiasco and mucky muck being bandied about on the world stage. 

The six-part docuseries is about America’s most iconic first ladies, narrated by Golden Globe-winning actress Robin Wright, it profiles Michelle Obama, Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Eleanor Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson, and Hillary Rodham Clinton. 

"First Ladies" on CNN

Blending in-depth interviews, rare archival footage and cinematic recreations, First Ladies is a bold revision of each woman’s traditional portrayal, revealing how they were impacted during their time in the White House, and how their achievements fundamentally shaped American and global history. 

The series premiered with an extended episode on former first lady Michelle Obama. We can't wait for the special they are bound to create for Kamala Harris eventually. Let's celebrate with wondrous women who have broken through the glass ceiling of their times.

CNN Promo

Kazakhstan art & beauty

One talented young woman's dedication to her native music and culture is admirable and inspiring. If you have no idea where Kazakhstan is - much less what their national instrument or cultural dress is - you are in for a treat. 

Marzhan Kapsamat

Marzhan Kapsamat of Nursultan, Kazakhstan, is bringing a vibrant snapshot of ancient Kazakhstan to the modern world of Instagram. 

A dombra performance by Marzhan Kapsamat

“I want to show the world our country and our instrument. My dream and goal is to film with the dombra in different countries, [w]hen I am playing the dombra, I am proud and free.”

Read more about Marzhan and her dreams in this Vogue feature. 

Samhain 2020

As we in the northern hemisphere cross the threshold of autumn into winter, I am reminded of what a powerful time of year this is. As the ancient Celts referred to it, Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced "sow-win") or what's now called Halloween - was a time of honouring the dead. Not just ancestors who've crossed over, but the parts of our lives that are readying to die.

Painted Wheel of the Year at the Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle, Cornwall

Samhain was understood as a liminal time, when spirits and ancestors from the Otherworld could more easily enter this one. The ancients would hold great gatherings to mark the end of harvest season, and the entrance into the darker, leaner half of the year.

The souls of the dead were said to seek hospitality in their old homes, so the living would set places at the feasting table for them with offerings of their dead kin's favourite meals and drinks. Sacred bonfires would then be lit for releasing and cleansing rituals.

the hidden world of women modernists

Here at wonder | wander | world we love visiting museums of modern art. But as Filipino artists we notice that the museums present us with a stable of artists who are mostly white men, with a tiny smattering of white women. Frida Kahlo boldly waves her native colours against the whitewashed background, but there are others who were as bold and influential, but not as universally known.

Baya Mahieddine, Femmes et Oiseaux, 1975.

our animal nature

wonder | wander | world recommended reading and week pick is this quaint gem of a book. A thousand-year-old fable of startling relevance for us today.

The Animals Lawsuit Against Humanity is a translation by two rabbis, illustrated by one Moslem, introduced by another, and edited by a Christian. It is a true interfaith collaboration and multicultural fable.

A meeting of animals of many different species - including birds, insects, and the four legged - decide to arraign human beings for exploiting and abusing them. The trial is held at the court of the King of the Spirits.

Both humans and animals testify before the King, both sides argue their points ingeniously, deftly illustrating the validity of both sides of the ecology debate.

The book is divided into Gates instead of Chapters. Firstly, how we enslaved them and how they brought the case before the king. Then the king consults his wise men, After which the animals and the humans each hold separate and secret meetings. The court then sits and hears the case of each side. Finally the king passes judgement.

Ancient versions of this tale is believed to have originated in India - first written in Arabic about 1000 A.D. Then translated into Hebrew, and later into Latin, Yiddish, German and Spanish. This English translation is an adaptation of the Hebrew version.

This latest version - exquisitely illustrated with twelve original color plates - is an apt introduction to environmental and animal rights issues. A timely reminder of humanity's effect on the natural environment and the continuing conflict and divisiveness of our nature.

Pinoy life adventure couple | UK based Genre and Michaela

Shout out for our fellow Pinoy peeps! wonder | wander | world is pleased to showcase the wonderful traveling tandem, Genre and Michaela of Life Adventure Philippines. 

on Facebook

A Filipino couple currently based in England. Join them in their travel, fitness, and photography adventures. Via videography and photography they share itineraries and tips through their video stories and on-site films.

UK based Pinoy couple, Genre & Michaela

They give you an idea of places through their perspective. Aiming to provide their viewers with a virtual experience. Especially those who cannot leave their homes at the moment. Through their videos and photos, we get to go along with them.

on Instagram

October full moons

Typical of how 2020 is unfolding, we are being treated to two full moons this October. Do you know when they will appear and which one is the blue moon? wonder | wander | world love fall season in the East Coast and this is just the type of geekery we enjoy fully. 

Chani Nicholas horoscopes

On Thursday, the first of the month at 5:05 p.m. EDT (21:05 UTC) October's first full moon - known as the Harvest Moon, will light up the northern night sky. It has many other nicknames by different cultures. The moon will appear full the night before and after its peak to the casual stargazer.

The Harvest Moon in Aries is a fiery full moon - a rallying cry for courage, a cautionary call against despair, and a strong stirring of our soul. It is a sounding of the alarm, warning us to take none of our individual freedoms for granted - a plea to take all threats to justice seriously. 

Time of illumination & revelation.

October starts and finishes with a full moon - the blue moon in Taurus in October 31 will gift us with the beautiful energy of expansion and focus. The Sun at 8º of Scorpio and the Moon at 8º of Taurus create opposing energies that we can bring together and harness in our favor.

Taurus energy is sensual and sensuous - there’s a great potential in taking care of oneself and our life with love and time. By doing so we give space for ideas, insights, and fresh solutions.

a time of ripening, completion, and release

The Harvest Moon is the full Moon which occurs nearest to the date of the autumnal equinox - this year it was on September 22, which means that the October 1 full moon is the harvest moon and the Hunter’s Moon is on October 31, on Halloween. This moon has not been fool on this holiday since 1944.

On this day in 1944, British mosquito planes successfully targeted the Gestapo headquarters at Aarhus University in Denmark; German vessels in the port were also scuttled, removing the last Kriegsmarine presence in the Aegean Sea; and French serial killer Marcel Petiot was apprehended at a Paris Métro station. 

Let's hope we fare as well or better this October 2020! 

women writers who shaped the 20th century

wonder | wander | world pick of the week is the new Smithsonian exhibit featuring "Her Story: A Century of Women Writers." On view at the National Portrait Gallery through January 18, 2021. Free, timed-entry tickets are required for access to the museum.

A new show at the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian spotlights 24 authors, including such giants as Lorraine Hansberry, Sandra Cisneros, Maxine Hong Kingston, Toni Morrison, Anne Sexton, Ayn Rand, Jhumpa Lahiri, Marianne Moore and Jean Kerr.

These powerful portraits of women of substance capture an intimate glimpse into the spirit and life force that gave birth to their literature and changed the world we live in today.

The museum’s senior historian, Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw says, "the objects in the exhibition are also very diverse. We have sculptures, paintings, drawings, a caricature and photographs. So it really provides the viewer with a strong cross section . . . of 100 years [of] women from many different backgrounds.”

From Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon (1947) to Dorothy Parker’s “sarcastic poetry,” Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s screenplays, Susan Sontag’s literary criticism, Joyce Carol Oates’ multi-genre fiction and Maya Angelou’s autobiographical novels, there is sure to be an author here on everyone’s list of favorites.

Rosh Hashanah 2020

Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Jewish New Year, as stated in the Bible (Leviticus 23:23-31).

This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Friday, September 18 and ends two days later at sunset on Sunday, the 20th.

traditional sweets for a sweet new year

Rosh Hashanah is also called the birthday of the world. It marks the start of the Jewish New Year and is filled with shared meals and prayer among loved ones. 

The celebration also begins the Jewish High Holy Days leading up to Yom Kippur - a time to focus attention on self reflection and repentance.

2020 is a rare and real experience of a transformative journey through a worldwide pandemic. Traditional celebrations have been cancelled or scaled down as a result. 

Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue will be closed for the first time ever over Rosh Hashanah as Israel braces for a second lockdown after recording the world’s highest coronavirus infection rate over the last two weeks [AFP news agency].

Shah Tovah u'metukah! A good and sweet new year to all!

mountains & molehills

Once again our hearts are burdened and wrung out by the devastating losses and havoc wreaked over the west coast fires.

Today is also the nineteenth anniversary of 9/11. As we commemorate this day we cry over unimaginable lives lost then and now. At 180000 dead, COVID is the equivalent of sixty [! ! !] 9/11s. 

Yet we focus on an election year - pitting one old white man against another. Not able to choose what's best for our nation, only the less destructive choice. Or so we hope. 

Tony Barber / Getty Images

wonder | wander | world wish a world into being that honors and respect ourselves more. Humanity, nature, the environment upheld and uplifted in love and light. 

Wise and Valiant: Women and Writing in the Golden Age of Spain

For many years wonder | wonder | world has enjoyed the valuable education and entertainment of reading The Smithsonian Magazine. This week we were delighted by their newly published article on 17th Century female writers of Spain.

We join them in celebration of their defiance, in solidarity for their plight and fight, in awe of their courage and accomplishment.

In a world of men hell bent on subjugating women, indigenous cultures, and foreign nations these wise and valiant nuns, warriors, poets, activists dared to defy the world and write openly of their subversion. 

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz & Catalina de Erauso

The ongoing exhibition at Madrid’s Instituto Cervantes explores the lives and work of around 30 female authors, playwrights and printers whose stories were nearly lost to history.

Bringing their wisdom into light today is a well overdue acknowledgement of their ambitious work and perseverance against all odds.

Titled “Wise and Valiant: Women and Writing in the Golden Age of Spain,” the show centers on individuals active shortly after the institute’s namesake, Miguel de Cervantes, wrote his seminal 1605 work, Don Quixote.

Though this so-called “Golden Age” is widely associated with men like Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Francisco de Quevedo, hundreds of women not only wrote, but published their work, during the period.

“Wise and Valiant: Women and Writing in the Spanish Golden Age” is on view at the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid through September 5, 2020. A digital version of the show is available via the institute’s website.

mystic eyes - the worlds of Jackie Morris

One of our favourite illustrators at wonder | wander | world is Jackie Morris, whose work we've loved ever since discovering The Snow Leopard in 2007.

It's a story of a mythical leopard who sings the world into being, illustrated with gorgeous art of the real-life snow leopard, a desperately endangered species. We were hooked!

The Ice Bear, 2011

Her art ranges from the brilliantly-observed realism of works like The Ice Bear and the White Fox, to whimsical fairytales straight from a child's imagination.

Tell Me A Dragon, 2009

In 2017 she collaborated with nature writer and poet Robert Macfarlane to produce The Lost Words, a large-format poetry book dedicated to words from the natural world which were removed from the Oxford Illustrated Children's Dictionary: acorn, dandelion, otter, and many others.

Her most recent book is a reissue of the 2015 Queen of the Sky, a real-life story about her friend rescuing and nursing an injured peregrine falcon in the Welsh countryside.

We look forward to more gorgeous stories woven by this talented craftswoman!

Heavenly Bodies at the Met Cloisters, 2018

The exhibition Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination exploded onto the New York art and fashion scene when it appeared in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2018. The main exhibit (and its crowds of admirers) consumed the Medieval Galleries of the Met, but the monastic treasure trove at The Cloisters hosted a smaller, more one-to-one experience.

John Galliano for Dior

ancient civilizations | truth & myth

History truly is written by the winners which in most cases meant the invading hordes and conquerors. Digging up treasures from ancient civilizations testify to this fact.

Egyptian Thoth & Isis

Oftentimes the stories we hear retold countless times are the ones often believed as the most true. Until we dig up something fresh and discover how different things actually were then than how we believe them to have been.

generating other ways

Yet another prophetic call to arms from our young leaders - listen up folks!

Lyla June - August 1 at 4:11 PM

Alright, just gonna get up on my soap box real quick *clears throat*:

America is possibly the most primitive society on earth, not just on the planet, but throughout time. You see, just because I got an Apple watch on the wrist, does not mean I am advanced, when nearly all the rivers in my land are undrinkable, when my children are raised in homes made of carcinogenic materials, when the efficiency of my energy grid is less than 50%, when the vast majority of my society suffers from moderate to severe mental illness, and when the souls of my people are starving for any semblance of self-love.

Conversely, newer does not always mean better, and older does not always mean undesirable, contrary to what the tech industry would have us believe. Many ancient societies were further ahead of America, both in terms of social functionality and, yes, in terms of science and technology.

For instance, this culture depends on monocrop agriculture, while clear cutting forests carefully crafted by indigenous cultures for thousands of years - indicating a severe lack of understanding of genetics and of biodiversity as the foundation of thriving life.

visit her website for more