Artists & Personalities

Yuxin Zhang’s BLANKNESS, Curating Tensions, Contradictions and Gaps, and Pointing to Silencing within Social Structures

September 30, 2026

By: Kalinca Costa Söderlund BLANKNESS, a group exhibition at A Space Gallery, New York (24-29 September 2026), departs from fixity in order to explore the tensions between artworks: through a sculptural object, a pure-white carrier bag that rests on a plinth beside a large, eerie painting in which form materialises against a vast black background, Zhang juxtaposes weightlessness and heaviness; the stillness of painting is set against video, where single shots move at imperceptible speed to generate a continuous image. For Zhang, the curatorial process ought to generate meaning through the contradictions and gaps between its constituent parts, rather than through an intelligible narrative that brings together the specificity of each work of art within a single space. Black and white are not only tropes for tension and contradiction, but also formal equivalents for a logic that, in space, defines hollowness and mass, as well as for one that paces the passage of time: small black landscapes, between the pictorial and the graphic, surface from white backgrounds almost like casts of real objects, whilst screens that remain dark or blank between moments underscore how images both appear and dissolve in video art. For Zhang, there is much to be apprehended

Yuxin Zhang’s BLANKNESS, Curating Tensions, Contradictions and Gaps, and Pointing to Silencing within Social Structures

September 30, 2026

By: Kalinca Costa Söderlund BLANKNESS, a group exhibition at A Space Gallery, New York (24-29 September 2026), departs from fixity

Puyi Deng’s Curatorial Practice: Bridging Time, Materiality, Media, and Meaning

September 30, 2026

Sabrina Carpenter as Ginger Rogers in Astaire Biopic

September 29, 2026

Jingyi Zhang’s Digitally Generated Moving Image: Self and Other between Duality, Continuity and Unity

September 28, 2026

Jesús Florido and the Art of Crossing Musical Borders

September 26, 2026

Haibo Jia’s Video Art “The Accent Frontier” As An Invisible Linguistic Boundary Within Culture

September 26, 2026

By: Valentina Shaeva Through media art practices, Haibo Jia continues to explore the issues of how language influences personality and how an individual’s attitude towards their own cultural memory is shaped through their native language amidst rapid globalization. For the artist, it is particularly important to demonstrate through his art that speech is not just an exchange of information, but a complex, constantly changing, and evolving living, independent structure that influences the entire cultural system of a nation. However, now, in the era of universal migration, language is rapidly losing its connection with established traditions and is transforming more into a coded system than a carrier of canons. Thus, Haibo Jia’s visual practices’ purpose is to present language, on the one hand, as a conditional mediator between a person and their cultural heritage, and, on the other hand, as an independent living organism that is permanently reinterpreted. In the new artwork, “The Accent Frontier”, the artist addresses the accent as one of the markers of cultural and social belonging. At first glance, an accent may be perceived as a minor feature of speech, but at the same time, it reflects a person’s essence: their upbringing, education, and the environment in

Taylor Swift Sets Release for New Single ‘Patient Zero’

September 25, 2026

Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” arrives Sept. 25 alongside The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, extending the singer’s 2026 release schedule. The rollout followed a short online countdown and limited pre-order window. The new single also leads into a scheduled music video premiere at the MTV Video Music Awards. Key Takeaways Taylor Swift announced “Patient Zero” on Sept. 22 for release later that week The single was initially available for pre-order through Swift’s website for 24 hours “Patient Zero” is track 13 on The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore The release follows Swift’s Toy Story 5 song “I Knew It, I Knew You” The “Patient Zero” music video is scheduled to premiere at the MTV Video Music Awards Taylor Swift Announces ‘Patient Zero’ Taylor Swift announced “Patient Zero” three days before its scheduled release, identifying the track as her next single and opening a limited pre-order window through her website. “I’ve been impatiently waiting to tell you that my brand new single ‘Patient Zero’ will be out on September 25,” Swift wrote on social media. The announcement followed a countdown on her official website, which ended shortly before the title was revealed. Swift’s online store later listed the standard

Xiaoming Ai and The Fixed Fire: Reimagining Thangka Tradition for a Contemporary World

September 23, 2026

By Lee Sharrock Artist Xiaoming Ai occupies a fascinating space somewhere between tradition and technological innovation. Ai is knowledgeable about the ancient Tibetan Thangka tradition and also possesses extensive knowledge of programming. She approaches sacred Buddhist imagery as a living visual system capable of generating new meanings through a contemporary lens, rather than viewing it as a fixed historical language. Through her practice, Ai investigates how an ancient image can retain spiritual and psychological meanings when it’s reinterpreted in the form of contemporary art. ‘The Fixed Fire’, 2026 is an intricately detailed work of art featuring a guardian deity astride a creature resembling something between a dragon and a dog. Ai creates a visual bridge between the disciplined geometry and iconography of Thangka painting and a contemporary sensibility concerned with the exploration of consciousness and transformation. Thangka is traditionally a devotional and meditative instrument, and not simply an image to be hung on a wall as decoration. Thangka is known for its carefully prescribed proportions, sacred measurements, intense colour palette and intricate iconography. All of these elements combine to facilitate the act of contemplation. In her work ‘The Fixed Fire’, Ai demonstrates a profound understanding of the underlying spiritual, meditative

Jhené Aiko Lands First Billboard 200 No. 1 With Westside Whimsy

Jhené Aiko Lands First Billboard 200 No. 1 With Westside Whimsy

September 22, 2026

Jhené Aiko has reached the top of the U.S. albums chart with Westside Whimsy, giving the R&B artist her first Billboard 200 No. 1. The result adds a new chart milestone to Aiko’s recording career and establishes her latest full-length studio album as her first release to reach the chart’s top position. Key Takeaways Jhené Aiko earned her first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. Westside Whimsy reached the top position on the U.S. albums chart. The album marks a new chart milestone in Aiko’s recording career. The project follows Aiko’s previous Billboard 200 success with Chilombo. Westside Whimsy is Aiko’s latest full-length studio album. Jhené Aiko Reaches Her First Billboard 200 No. 1 Aiko’s first Billboard 200 No. 1 comes with Westside Whimsy, her latest full-length studio album. The album reached the top position on the Billboard 200, the U.S. album chart referenced in the reported result. The chart position gives Aiko her first album at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Her previous chart success included Chilombo, which also placed on the Billboard 200 but did not reach the top position. The new result therefore establishes a different point in Aiko’s Billboard history. Westside Whimsy is now

Utah Burgess Discusses Noble Hops and the Band’s Approach to American Rock

September 21, 2026

By: Daniel Mertz For Utah Burgess, the road is more than the space between one Noble Hops performance and the next. It is where commitment is tested, chemistry is strengthened, and the purpose behind the music becomes unmistakably clear. Over the past year-plus, Noble Hops has performed 89 shows at 52 venues, traveling across a substantial stretch of the country, from Franklin, Tennessee, to Erie, Pennsylvania. That schedule would challenge any independent band, especially when some nights require a three-hour drive for a 30-minute set. Yet Burgess sees those demands as proof of the group’s shared dedication. “Finding people to form a band with that share that dedication…you know, driving three hours to play a 30-minute set, is not all that commonplace,” Burgess says. “So we are very fortunate to have that shared mindset.” That effort follows Noble Hops onto the stage. When the band has invested hours in travel, preparation and setup, there is no interest in treating the performance casually. “If you are going to go to all that effort, we are going to pour it out,” he says. That philosophy helps explain the persistence behind Noble Hops, a band whose music blends American rock and roll with

Shakira and Maluma Reunite on New Single ‘AGUA’

September 19, 2026

Shakira and Maluma have reunited for “AGUA,” a new merengue single that brings the Colombian artists together for their first collaboration since 2018. The track returns the pair to a shared musical format while introducing merengue rhythms to their latest release. Key Takeaways “AGUA” was released on September 17, 2026, ahead of Shakira’s Madrid concert residency. The single is Shakira and Maluma’s first collaboration since “Clandestino” in 2018. The song uses merengue rhythms and contemporary production. “AGUA” is the fourth official collaboration between the two Colombian artists. Their previous collaborations include “Chantaje,” “Trap” and “Clandestino.” Shakira and Maluma Release New Single “AGUA” The new collaboration brings Shakira and Maluma together after an eight-year gap between joint releases. “AGUA” became available on digital platforms on September 17, 2026, marking their return as recording partners after “Clandestino,” released in 2018. The song is built around merengue rhythms, giving the Colombian artists a different musical setting for their latest collaboration. The production uses water and fire as metaphors connected to attraction and desire. The release adds a fourth official collaboration to the pair’s catalog. Their joint work began with “Chantaje” in 2016 and continued with “Trap” and “Clandestino” in 2018. “AGUA” connects a

Big Jon Harris Is Building His Next Chapter With Purpose, New Music and a Message That Goes Beyond Hip-Hop

September 18, 2026

By: Keith Miller The Baltimore artist is moving forward with new music, an expanding brand and a renewed mission to use his voice to address the world around him. For Baltimore artist Big Jon Harris, returning to music was never simply about releasing songs. It was about returning to a passion that had been with him since adolescence, and proving that stepping away from a dream does not mean the dream has disappeared. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Jonathan “Big Jon” Harris discovered hip-hop during middle school, drawing early inspiration from artists including Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, Ludacris, will.i.am and 50 Cent. By 16, Harris had begun writing his own lyrics and experimenting with instrumentals associated with some of the era’s biggest artists. Those early songs eventually moved beyond his notebook. Harris performed for classmates and church audiences, experiences that helped him recognize that his interests extended beyond writing into rapping, singing, and live performance. His musical foundation also included singing in his church choir from childhood, occasionally taking the lead during performances. But his path to becoming an artist was not linear. From Broadcasting Back to Music Harris temporarily

CJ Shaman on Music and Personal Transformation

September 18, 2026

A Musical Identity Shaped by Change Personal transformation can influence how an artist writes, performs, and connects with listeners. For CJ Shaman, that process has become central to a musical identity shaped by country, rock, rockabilly, reggae, and hip-hop. The artist’s development began in the quiet surroundings of Chino Valley, Arizona. His path later took him through Sedona and eventually to Las Vegas, where he formed a clearer creative direction. Rather than leaving his early influences behind, he draws from them while developing music focused on reflection, tension, and change. His story shows how contrasting experiences can become creative material when an artist gives them a new purpose. Early Roots in Chino Valley CJ Shaman grew up in a conservative religious household where country music formed much of his early listening experience. He got the idea from songs around him that were centered on clear expressions, interesting characters, and deep emotional stories. Country music has never been short on examples of artists using their personal experiences to depict family hardship, place, and identity. The way stories are told in this style became a point of reference for his own writing, albeit his later music took him elsewhere. Confining experiences of

Romeo + Juliet Film in Concert Sets 2027 U.S. Tour

September 17, 2026

Romeo + Juliet Film in Concert will bring Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film to U.S. theaters in 2027 with the complete movie on screen and a 12-piece hybrid ensemble performing its score and soundtrack live. Developed by GEA Live with Disney Concerts and Luhrmann, the production premieres Sept. 29 in Sydney. Key Takeaways The world premiere is scheduled for Sept. 29, 2026, at the Sydney Opera House The U.S. run begins Jan. 9, 2027, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania A 12-piece hybrid ensemble will perform the score and soundtrack in sync with the complete film General public ticket sales for North American dates begin Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. local time Romeo + Juliet Film in Concert is set to give Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation a new live-performance format for its 30th anniversary, pairing the uncut movie with musicians performing in real time. GEA Live announced the global tour in collaboration with Disney Concerts and Luhrmann. The production will receive its world premiere at the Sydney Opera House on Sept. 29 before reaching North America in January 2027. The central draw is not a remake or a new edit. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes remain on screen in the original film while the

Ink and Brush Reflect the True Heart, Jiang Guangju on Contemporary Calligraphy: Finding the Way Back Amidst Alienation

September 16, 2026

By: Shawn Mars Deep within the campus of Hunan Industrial Vocational and Technical University sits a calligraphy studio filled with the lingering fragrance of ink. On the walls, running and cursive scripts flow like clouds and water, while clerical script appears ancient and profound. Within this single room, a visitor can witness the thousand-year flow of the ink brush. The studio belongs to the calligrapher Jiang Guangju. Born in 1968, he earned a master’s degree from the Fine Arts Department of Nanjing Normal University, where he studied under contemporary calligrapher Wei Tianchi and seal-carving artist Ma Shida. For decades, he has cultivated his craft, studying ancient and modern rubbings and inscriptions in depth. His work has been featured in professional calligraphy publications and recognized in national calligraphy competitions. Meeting Jiang Guangju for the first time, one finds him gentle and elegant. When the reporter turns to the current state of the contemporary calligraphy scene, though, his expression becomes solemn and thoughtful. The following is a transcript of this exclusive interview. Reporter: Mr. Jiang, your calligraphy career can be described as being rooted in tradition for many years. From “Ink and Brush Reflect the True Heart” to “Drawing from the Past

Oprah Winfrey Sets Multidisciplinary Sphere Show in Las Vegas

September 15, 2026

Oprah Winfrey is preparing “Oprah Winfrey’s AHA,” a multidisciplinary live production combining music, poetry, storytelling and visual art at Las Vegas Sphere. The three-performance engagement, scheduled for April 2–4, 2027, will feature musicians and poets including Jacob Collier, Ocean Vuong, Ajeet and Wintley Phipps. Key Takeaways Oprah Winfrey will present “Oprah Winfrey’s AHA” at Las Vegas Sphere. The production will combine music, poetry, storytelling and visual art. Performances are scheduled for April 2–4, 2027. Jacob Collier, Ocean Vuong, Ajeet and Wintley Phipps are among the announced participants. Winfrey will serve as executive producer, with Live Nation presenting the production. Oprah Winfrey Announces New Sphere Production The Oprah Winfrey Sphere show will take place across three performances at Las Vegas Sphere from April 2 through April 4, 2027. The production, titled “Oprah Winfrey’s AHA,” will bring together several creative disciplines in a live format. Winfrey will serve as an executive producer for the production, while Live Nation will present the performances. The project places Winfrey in a creative role beyond a conventional stage appearance, with the production built around music, poetry, storytelling and visual art. The announced format gives the performance several distinct creative components rather than limiting it to a

Tyran Lee Ingram: “Thank the Lord” From Camouflage Walls and Sleeping Outside to the Walk of Fame

September 14, 2026

By: Sujan Pariyar In the heart of Hollywood, where dreams are sold by the square foot, and most stories never leave the sidewalk, one man stands out not for polished fame but for raw, unfiltered perseverance. Tyran Lee Ingram’s journey stretches from the quiet streets of South Bend and Elkhart to the glittering, unforgiving Walk of Fame. A former Army National Guard member, Christian high school graduate, and self-taught musician, he has slept outside to pay for studio time, held cardboard signs for spare change, and still managed to place his song “Thank the Lord” on international platforms. His remarkable work and humble, faith-driven career have already earned him features in LA Magazine, Hollywood Times, and Los Angeles Magazine. While he continues to look ahead with quiet determination to Billboard, Hollywood Reporter, and TMZ, his path has never been easy, yet it has always been guided by faith. In this exclusive conversation, Tyran opens up about the long march that brought him here, and why he still believes the best is yet to come. You say the first song you ever taught yourself was “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Why does that still matter? Tyran Lee Ingram: Because it

Patricia Leavy Discusses Art, Love, and Sugar Sand Land

September 12, 2026

By: Patty Demarco When a writer who has published more than fifty books over a twenty-five-year career says that a new novel is the favorite thing she has ever written, it is worth paying attention to why. Patricia Leavy has that conversation about Sugar Sand Land with a directness that doesn’t leave much room for false modesty. This is the book that merges everything she cares about more than anything else she has done. And she wants to tell you exactly what that means. Art as the Constant Leavy has spent her academic career advocating for the role of the arts in research and society. She has written bestselling nonfiction books on the subject. She has used her platform consistently to argue that art is not decorative but essential, not a luxury but a lens through which the most important human questions become visible. In Sugar Sand Land, that advocacy finds its most personal expression. Emerson and Renn meet at a party where Emerson is holding court on the subject of art, demonstrating a depth of knowledge that instantly enchants Renn. From that first meeting, art is woven into the romance, not as backdrop but as substance. Both characters identify

A Former Hollywood Production Manager Wrote an Authentic YA Music Industry Novel With a Memorable Young Adult Protagonist at Its Center

September 12, 2026

By: Marco Quinn Michele Kwasniewski is not writing about Hollywood from the outside looking in. She worked inside it for more than fifteen years, starting as a set assistant on major film productions including Independence Day, Face/Off, and Evita and working her way up to production manager on television shows while becoming a member of the Producers Guild of America. The entertainment industry she depicts in Rising Star is the one she actually knows, which is why it feels nothing like the entertainment industry of wish fulfillment fantasy so often portrayed in other Holywood-based stories. In Rising Star genuine talent, dubious arrangements and complicated power dynamics all exist in the same room at the same time, often attached to the same people. Dani Truehart, her fifteen-year-old protagonist, is the vehicle through which all of that reality is filtered, and Kwasniewski renders her with a first-person authenticity that makes the novel genuinely compelling rather than simply instructive. Dani’s inner life is fully inhabited. Her doubts and her ambitions and her fears and her moments of genuine joy in her own talent are all present and all specific, and the novel never loses sight of the person inside the career even as

Never Say Never and Ashley Puckett’s Road From Pittsburgh Dreamer to a New Country Music Chapter

September 12, 2026

By: Mason Cole Ashley Puckett’s career has never been about arriving overnight. It has been about continuing to show up. For the Pennsylvania singer-songwriter, the road through country music has included early dreams, years away from performing, independent releases, chart recognition, personal heartbreak, and, increasingly, the confidence to write without hiding behind the song. Now, as Puckett prepares for the release of her upcoming single, “Stone Cold Broken Heart,” that long journey appears to be entering one of its most creatively energized chapters. Raised in North Huntingdon, outside Pittsburgh, Puckett developed her country roots far from Nashville’s Music Row. Pittsburgh, however, exposed her to a city where musical styles routinely cross paths. Country remained home. Influenced by artists including Lee Ann Womack, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Carole King and LeAnn Rimes, Puckett gravitated toward strong singers and writers capable of putting recognizable human experiences into songs. She began performing through vocal competitions, community events, and open-mic nights before eventually appearing in bars and clubs. At 16, she picked up the guitar and started writing. But Puckett’s relationship with music wasn’t always uninterrupted. There were periods when she barely sang or wrote at all. She has acknowledged regretting