Happy September and the unofficial start of Fall! I don't know about you, but Fall is my favorite time of the year and I'm looking forward to all of the new content the season is going to bring. The first week of September has already delivered! So, without further ado, let's get to my favorite Music, Arts and Culture moments from this past week.
Animal Crossing Pocket Camp
The fall update has come to Animal Crossing Pocket Camp and it's full of gingko trees, yellow hues, and fall treats for your campsite visitors to eat! If you are looking for a fun, low-stress game to play that will get you into the autumn spirit, look no further than this delightful app. It's also a great option for longtime Animal Crossing fans (I've personally been playing since my pink Nintendo DS days) who don't have a Nintendo Switch and access to the newer Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Ruth Asawa Stamps
On August 13th, the United States Postal Service released a collection of Ruth Asawa stamps and I was very excited when mine came in this week! Asawa was an American sculptor, best known for her wire sculptures, and the daughter of Japanese immigrants. Despite the hardships she endured in her life Asawa was dedicated to her art, which can be seen at the Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others. The USPS stamps highlight her famous sculptures and recognize her immense contributions to the world of art.
The Shadow Land by Elizabeth Kostova
I bought this book a few years ago at a sale and just finally cracked it open this month. Let me say; I wish I had gotten to it sooner! The Shadow Land takes place in Bulgaria and follows the story of a young American woman whose life becomes mysteriously intertwined with a deceased Bulgarian musician. Suspenseful, heart-wrenching, powerful, and brilliantly written, The Shadow Land delivers a story based on the historical realities of the communist regime in Bulgaria. Of the book, Kostova says "I have composed my work of fiction in a spirit of respectful grief for those whose lives were touched by the real history on which it is based."
Hold My Butterbeer
September 1st was "Back to Hogwarts Day", the day on which Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry students return to school in the Harry Potter book series. The day is celebrated by Harry Potter fans worldwide, so I thought it was the perfect time to highlight a Harry Potter podcast I've been listening to since the Pandemic began when I re-read the books and rediscovered my love of the wizarding world.
Hold My Butterbeer is a podcast about all things wizarding world canon, from Butterbeer to Bertie Bott's and Thestrals to Tilden Toots. The four hosts are wonderfully witty and passionate about their subject. Additionally, they don't shy away from tough conversations regarding Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who has made controversial comments and promoted transphobic ideals through her platform. Hold My Butterbeer has released multiple episodes condemning her behavior and providing advice on how fans can continue to enjoy the wizarding world (if they so choose) and support the many artists, creators, and employees whose careers depend on it, all without supporting Rowling.
L'Età dell'Oro, Fabrizio Plessi & Supported by Dior
Since her start as creative director at Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri has been weaving together the worlds of fashion and art (especially feminist art). The latest artistic project supported by Dior is Fabrizio Plessi's L'Età dell'Oro, a video installation in Venice's Piazza San Marco. The words "Pax Tibi" and a visual of molten gold cascades down the windows in the façade of the Museo Correr. The bright, golden display is quite literally a light in the darkness for a country that has been hit hard by the Coronavirus.
Photo Courtesy of Alessandro Garofalo via Wallpaper
Well, that's all for this week! I hope my highlights have brought some new Music, Arts & Culture into your day. On Thursday I'll be posting a special feature story, so I hope you'll come back to check it out. See you then!
~Claire
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