Posts

Gladiators Then and Now: Resistance or Terrorism?

Ridley Scott’s latest film Gladiator II has reignited interest in the legendary gladiators of ancient Rome, portraying them as symbols of defiance against tyranny. Audiences cheer for their strength and resilience, seeing them as heroes who fought for justice and freedom. Yet, in today’s world, those who engage in similar resistance are often labeled as terrorists rather than freedom fighters. This contrast raises important questions about how history is framed and who gets to define the morality of rebellion. The Roman gladiators were enslaved men forced into brutal combat for the entertainment of the ruling elite. Yet, when they revolted—most famously under Spartacus—they challenged an oppressive system, seeking liberation from subjugation. Their struggle is now romanticized as a fight for freedom, a cause worthy of admiration. But how different is their story from that of modern groups who resist oppression with force? In contemporary conflicts, resistance movements often emerge ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gladiators Then and Now: Resistance or Terrorism?

Ridley Scott’s latest film Gladiator II has reignited interest in the legendary gladiators of ancient Rome, portraying them as symbols of defiance against tyranny. Audiences cheer for their strength and resilience, seeing them as heroes who fought for justice and freedom. Yet, in today’s world, those who engage in similar resistance are often labeled as terrorists rather than freedom fighters. This contrast raises important questions about how history is framed and who gets to define the morality of rebellion. The Roman gladiators were enslaved men forced into brutal combat for the entertainment of the ruling elite. Yet, when they revolted—most famously under Spartacus—they challenged an oppressive system, seeking liberation from subjugation. Their struggle is now romanticized as a fight for freedom, a cause worthy of admiration. But how different is their story from that of modern groups who resist oppression with force? In contemporary conflicts, resistance movements often emerge ...
Post a Comment
Read more

An Exhibition of International Street Artists Comes to Torrance Art Museum

Image
Los Angeles, California – February 2025 – The Torrance Art Museum (TAM) proudly presents Burner: An Exhibition of International Street Artists , running from January 18th through March 1st, 2025. This groundbreaking exhibition, now in its fifth year of international display, brings a curated collection of original works from the Street Art/Urban Graffiti genre, showcasing pieces that have never before been exhibited in the United States. Banksy – Waiting In Vain Among the exhibition’s highlights is Waiting In Vain , a seminal work by the elusive Banksy. Originally created in 2013 during Banksy’s famed “Better Out Than In” residency in New York City, the piece remains a striking example of the artist’s socially charged commentary. Displayed in its original form, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity for the public to experience this iconic artwork up close. In addition to Banksy, Burner features works by some of the most celebrated names in the street art movement, including...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: As Seen on the Streets of Paris by Giulia ‘BLocal’ Riva

Image
As Seen on the Streets of Paris is an enthralling fusion of travel guide and art photography book that captures the vibrant essence of Paris’ urban art scene. Written by street art expert Giulia ‘BLocal’ Riva , this book serves as both an informative companion for travelers and an aesthetic delight for art enthusiasts. Featuring over 250 stunning photographs by Paolo Giannotti and insights from 13 Parisian street artists, it offers readers a unique and immersive experience into the world of Parisian street art. From the outset, Riva establishes herself as a knowledgeable and passionate guide, curating an experience that extends beyond the typical tourist itinerary. Her commitment to authenticity shines through as she weaves the voices of local artists into the narrative, offering personal insights and revealing hidden gems throughout the city. Whether it’s a tucked-away mural in Saint-Denis or an iconic piece in Vitry-sur-Seine, the book ensures that readers experience Paris through...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: Street Beauty By Hannah Judah

Image
Street Beauty is a striking, one-of-a-kind photography book that captures the vibrant and ephemeral world of street art through the lens of acclaimed photographer Hannah Judah , with playful design and curation by ATMA . At 300 pages, this high-visual-impact volume offers a stunning homage to the transient masterpieces of urban artists worldwide. Judah’s work doesn’t just document the art; it encapsulates the raw, visceral experience of stumbling upon these murals, often fleeting in their existence, and preserves their energy and emotional impact. The book showcases hundreds of large-scale murals, each brought to life by Judah’s distinctive photographic style. Her artistry elevates the photographs from mere reproductions to powerful interpretations of the works themselves, capturing not only their visual brilliance but also the cultural and emotional layers beneath. Judah’s photography places these creations in context, highlighting the interplay between the artwork and its urban su...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: Street Beauty By Hannah Judah

Image
Street Beauty is a striking, one-of-a-kind photography book that captures the vibrant and ephemeral world of street art through the lens of acclaimed photographer Hannah Judah , with playful design and curation by ATMA . At 300 pages, this high-visual-impact volume offers a stunning homage to the transient masterpieces of urban artists worldwide. Judah’s work doesn’t just document the art; it encapsulates the raw, visceral experience of stumbling upon these murals, often fleeting in their existence, and preserves their energy and emotional impact. The book showcases hundreds of large-scale murals, each brought to life by Judah’s distinctive photographic style. Her artistry elevates the photographs from mere reproductions to powerful interpretations of the works themselves, capturing not only their visual brilliance but also the cultural and emotional layers beneath. Judah’s photography places these creations in context, highlighting the interplay between the artwork and its urban su...
Post a Comment
Read more

Indigenous Resistance and the Legacy of Western Imperialism

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a stark example of how Western colonialist ideologies continue to shape global narratives about power, resistance, and justice. Supporters of Israel, particularly from Western societies, often justify occupation through a lens of entitlement and superiority, dismissing the right of indigenous people to resist. This perspective not only mirrors the logic of colonial domination but also perpetuates racial hierarchies that dehumanize those who oppose such oppression. Addressing this issue requires a critical examination of the colonial legacy embedded in these narratives and its ongoing impact on Palestinian resistance. Western colonialism has long upheld the notion that the powerful have a right to claim land and resources, often at the expense of indigenous populations. This ideology frames resistance as illegitimate, branding it as savage, irrational, or terroristic, rather than a legitimate struggle for liberation. Nelson Mandela’s assertion, “It i...
Post a Comment
Read more