Curious Muse

Even if you are not a fan of Junkook, kimchi, Hanbok, or a 10-step skincare routine, we bet there is someone around you who is. This is not an accident: Hallyu, also known as the Korean Wave, is the spread of South Korean culture all across the world. Beginning with the rise of K-music, this video will cover the main pillars of Hallyu. Buckle and get ready to dive into the Korean Wave that has reached every single corner of the world!  

In this episode, we will learn about a Belgian surrealist painter, René Magritte, his life and witty and thought-provoking paintings sought to have viewers question their perceptions of reality. With his one-of-a-king style, Magritte was able to make the ordinary extraordinary and force viewers to question the world around them.

#Magritte # Surrealism #Art 

It doesn’t matter where you live, if you have a social media account, you’ve probably seen work by Yayoi Kusama. Who is this Japanese lady that’s taken over our feeds, what’s the deal with her affinity for polka dots, and what makes her installations so picturesque, cutting-edge, and Instagram worthy? Keep watching to find out, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more art content from Curious Muse!  

#Kusama #Art #CuriousMuse_Art

When people hear the words Vienna Secession they usually think of Gustav Klimt and his famous paintings. But there is much more to this artistic movement. It brought innovations to Austrian architecture, graphic arts, and furniture design.   

Grab a seat in the Curious Muse time machine and let's travel back to the end of the 19th century when Vienna Secession was born!  

If you’ve ever caught yourself questioning existence, our place in the universe, or even asked yourself what the meaning of life is, then you have taken part in existential philosophy. But what exactly is existentialism? 

What is Abstract Expressionism? How did it skyrocket in popularity across the globe, and why does it hold a dominant position in the history of modern art to this day? Who started it? Who celebrated it? And what was so radical about Jackson Polloсk's art that earned him a nickname "Jack the Dripper"? 

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase Pop Art? If the first thing you think of is Andy Warhol and cans of Campbell’s Soup, you aren't alone. The 1962 series depicting different flavors of that popular meal is one of the most iconic works of not just Pop Art but modern art in general. What makes Pop Art so special? How did a single picture of a $1.48 can of soup end up costing $11.8 million at auction in 2006? 

In our new episode, we will give you an overview of everything Pop Art: how it emerged, who was involved, what role it played in history, and what the deal was with all those soup cans and Coca-Cola bottles.  

Can concrete be beautiful? Proponents of Brutalism certainly thought so. The general public, however, remains divided. While some view brutalist buildings as monstrosities and the greatest sin in the history of architecture, others consider them architectural landmarks with historical, cultural, and personal value.   

In this episode, we will explain the idea behind this genre of modernism that has become synonymous with dystopian films (A Clockwork Orange, Blade Runner 2049, and Resident Evil: Afterlife) and perhaps inspire a newfound appreciation for brutalist buildings. Stay tuned!  

Expressionism was an international movement of the early 20th century and it was present not only in art but in architecture, theatre, cinema, dance, and literature too! The roots of the expressionist aesthetic can be found in post-impressionist and symbolist artworks, but also in proto-expressionist works like Edvard Munch’s Scream! So let’s dive into the most expressive period in art history together!  

In the public consciousness, opera has long been associated with the negative imagery of the upper classes — many people believe opera is overly snobbish, heavy, elitist, and out of touch with the modern pace of life. But the truth is that there is so much more to the opera; there’s drama, acting, singing, instrumental play, and dance — all of which can be a salvation for modern people who are tired of the same old monotonous entertainment.   

But with so much history and so many years of amazing operas to talk about, where should we begin? First and foremost, we should begin with a few common fears and insecurities of modern audiences. To help you overcome the stigmas associated with opera, we’re going to offer a few simple steps that will help you become a regular at the opera house in no time!  

#Opera #Theatre #CuriousMuse 

🧐 What does it mean to say that God is dead, or that Christian morality is ‘Slave Morality’? How does Nietzsche think we should live, and think, differently? What is the Übermensch, the will to power?

📚 Nietzsche wrote many influential books, and wrote on everything from art, music, and tragic literature to death, ethics, and time. His philosophy has a reputation for being difficult, and sometimes even contradictory, inspiring decades of scholarship and interpretation. However, much of Nietzsche’s work returns to a central theme: making your life a work of art.

😉 Curious to learn more? Watch our latest episode to find out!

Art Nouveau was a highly decorative art movement started by the new middle-class, which established itself in cities throughout Europe and the United States at the turn of the century. 

It was a genuinely cosmopolitan project of modernity that existed in all sorts of media, forms, scales, and geographies. Everything from architecture, interior design, decorative arts, fashion and graphic design was influenced by this new art. It was literally new since the term Art Nouveau is a French word for "new art."  

So what was so new about it? Let's find out!  

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most iconic paintings ever created. There is no debating that. In this single work, da Vinci combined all of his masterful technique and skill. There is so much to unpack here so today we are going to explain the genius of the classic fresco and whether it really depicts Mary Magdalene, as Dan Brown wrote in the Da Vinci Code.  

#TheLastSupper #DaVinci #Art 

The early 20th-century movement called FAUVISM started in 1905 in France and lasted for just a couple of years. The best-known fauvist art was created by three amazing artists: Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, and Maurice de Vlaminck.   

The movement was short-lived but had a huge impact on the art of the 20th century. So let's find out why it's so special!  

#Fauvism #Art #CuriousMuse 

When you think of art in the 1800s you might imagine grand historical subjects, mythological scenes, and traditional themes, lots of them! Well, that’s what art used to be before impressionists changed the course of it forever!

Why is Impressionism considered such an important art movement? What was so groundbreaking about it? Why do we think of impressionists as the pioneers of modern art? Many questions but we’ve got the answers, so let’s get into it!

What comes to your mind when you think of the 1920s? For most people, the 1920s conjures up images of jazz, flappers, Old Hollywood, the Great Gatsby, and the Chrysler Building in New York City. It was a time of prosperity, exorbitant spending, and entertainment that gave rise to one of the most popular decorative arts and architecture movements — known as Art Deco.   

In this week's episode, we’ll dive into the history of the era and learn about Art Déco, the style that continues to inspire designers and architects around the world!  

What is Symbolism? Who were the artists who painted symbolist paintings? What was Paul Gauguin searching for when he traveled to Tahiti? And what is Edvard Munch telling us with his famous painting The Scream?  Let's find out more about the late 19th-century art movement called Symbolism.  

Hayao Miyazaki is a legend in the world of animation. Director, manga artist, producer, and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki is one of the most beloved and well-known Japanese artists of all time — and for good reason. When you watch a Miyazaki film, it’s easy to see the care and attention that goes into every single frame. But why is his style so distinguishable, even among thousands of other great anime films?   

In this week's episode, we will try to go beyond mere technique to grasp the philosophy and underlying vision of one of Japan’s greatest directors — Hayao Miyazaki. So, let’s get started!  

The Spartans. Known for instilling fear in the hearts of their enemies at the very sight of them, this ancient Greek city state rocketed back into public consciousness with Zack Snyder’s infamous film, “300”.   

Who were the Spartans? What role did Sparta play in the ancient world? What made them a force to be reckoned with among the Greeks? 

This is Sparta Explained.

#Sparta #History #CuriousMuse

The history of art is long and complex. It starts with the earliest creations using stone, wood, bronze, and natural pigments. Then, it ventures through the 15th Century, with the introduction of oil on canvas, before moving to the acrylics, sprays, and markers of the 20th Century.   

In this week's story, we want to fast forward to the latest trend in the realm of art: the digital revolution. This new age of digital technologies brought with it the widest range of instruments for contemporary creators. The new nature of digital art — computer born, immersive, and interactive — make it perfect for both artistic creativity and viewer engagement. 

The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated this phenomenon, which has been in development for the past 70 years!  So, this begs an important question: what is digital art? Today, we will answer this question and take a detailed dive into the history of the movement. 

Often known as the "Queen of the Curve," Zaha Hadid was one of the most admired and extraordinary architects of her time. Forbes even named her among the 100 most powerful women in the world. Her daring and unconventional buildings tiptoe the line between fantasy and reality, changing our understanding of what architecture can do. She has won some of the world's top honors in the realm of architecture, including the Pritzker Prize.   

So, why are Zaha Hadid’s buildings so extraordinary? What influences her signature style? Finally, is it true that her inspiration comes from the ‘Black Square’ author, Kazimir Malevich? Keep watching to find out!  

#ZahaHadid #Architecture #CuriousMuse

Pirates. Few subjects capture our collective imagination more. In recent times, pirates have been the inspiration for countless books, movies, costumes, theme park rides, video games… movies again, more movies, very, very... long movies.   

But far from the cuddly, non-threatening image of pirates that prevails today, these were some of the most feared individuals in history. And, as we will see, the legacy of their rich, complex histories very much impacts our world today.   

2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Vuitton — the man behind one of the most successful luxury brands in the world! 

What better way to celebrate the life of such a fashion legend than to examine the history and cult-status of Louis Vuitton?   

Once just a small company with limited supplies, Louis Vuitton has since grown into one of the most recognizable manufacturers of luxury luggage, handbags, clothing, accessories, and even perfume.   

So, let’s take a look back at the early days of Louis Vuitton to see just how the company reached such great heights!  

You’re probably familiar with the work of Pablo Picasso, but how much do you know about Cubism — the art movement he invented with his friend and fellow artist George Braque? Moreover, what is Cubism, and why is it considered such a radical movement? In this video, you will learn about one of the most groundbreaking movements of the 20th century that changed the course of art history forever.  

Since 1997, over half a billion copies of the Harry Potter books have been sold, making it the best selling book series of all time. The Harry Potter film series is the third highest grossing series of all time, only falling behind the Star Wars and Marvel franchises.  

So, how did JK Rowling do it? Well, if the answer isn’t witchcraft, it just might be the sheer number of cultural, historical, and literary allusions packed into her wizarding universe. In many ways, the world of Harry Potter is a meeting point for centuries of myth.  

Here’s a look at some of the many hidden myths and legends packed into the wizarding world. 

How does a thriving metropolis turn into a desolate ghost city? Let's explore the answer while taking a look at some of the most famous and curious ghost cities from around the world:

1. Angkor
2. Pompeii 
3. Chernobyl 
4. Hashima Island 
5. Tianducheng

Contrary to the image in your mind, alchemy is not about robed, wizard-like figures involved in some occult practice in his dimly lit apothecary. The practice is old – ancient, in fact – but what is alchemy, really? Is it science or is it magic? What does it have to do with the philosopher’s stone?  

You've probably heard of Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, or Frida Kahlo. These surrealist artists created many amazing artworks. But do you know about the philosophy behind the movement? What does Freud have to do with Surrealism? Why did Dali show us his dreams and nightmares? And why did Magritte paint an image of “raining men”? 

Let’s find out in this story!  

This week we take an in-depth and immersive look into the life of the iconic Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. In this podcast, you'll learn about the key moments and experiences that shaped Frida and her art. From suffering multiple injuries to surviving turbulent relationships, Frida proved to be larger than life in her drive to live and create.  

Nearly every culture and religion in the world have certain beliefs about the afterlife. While most of us are very familiar with the version of Hell as a fiery pit, how much do we know about the other versions of Hell that exist?    

This week, we take you on a tour through Hell to explore the finest of Underworlds!  

For many of us the world over, coffee is a staple. But how is the drink related to goats? Is coffee linked to the devil? How has coffee been linked to occult practices and telling the future? Some of us are shamelessly dependent on the drink to get us going in the morning, but how many of us know the darker history behind our favourite drink?  

In the last few years, the drink has seen a culture develop around it. We can argue that coffee culture has gained almost cult status in the world today. That might sound like an exaggeration, but it’s nothing that this special bean hasn’t seen before in its history. Throughout its history, coffee has been the centre of wonder, mysticism, the metaphysical, and even ideological tension!  The history of this dark drink is shrouded in mystery and allure, so in this video we''ll try to tease out some of the nuances of this brew!  

Almost everyone has heard of Geishas, and can recognize one by their distinctive look. And yet, only a few people really know the historical role they've played in Japanese society and what they really do. The world of the Geisha is still shrouded in misconceptions to this day. 

In this podcast, we open up that secret world and explore the lives and times of the Geishas - from their humble beginnings to the present day.  When did Geisha first appear? How did Geisha look? How did Japanese girls become geisha? What is Geisha today?  

From iconic illustrations to prominent prints, Andy Warhol made a lasting impact on the world of art. But the talent and influence of this legendary icon extends beyond the art, to the catwalks of fashion. In this video, we pull back the curtain and give a quick history of Andy Warhol’s life and how his pop art changed the way we dress.