"Art is the signature of civilizations."
--Beverly Sills
In the News: Tattoos as Art, Cultural Expression, Identity, and Health Statement
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People have been getting tattoos for centuries; the oldest tattoo found on human skin dates back to between 3370- 3100 BC.
Aside from the usual decorative tattoos, some people today are using tattoos as a form of expression, advocacy, and identity. And in other parts of the world, tattoos are part of cultural beauty standards and belief systems.
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Chin women with traditional tattoos in Myanmar. Photo: Flickr/dany13
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"The World in Faces" Photo Series Documents People From Around the World
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Australia-based photographer Alexander Khimushin has been traveling the world for many years, led by his fascination of meeting new people and seeing new places - especially those "off-the-beaten-path."
As so many ethnic minorities struggle to retain their way of life and cultural identities, he came up with the idea to create a photo project, The World in Faces.These gorgeous photos show the beauty and diversity of people from many different countries. And perhaps later, there will be more to follow...Khimushin told WorldBuzz that he is currently photographing in Yakutia - the coldest region on earth. |
Photos Courtesy of Alexander Khimushin. Used with permission.
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“Our diversity is not a reason to hate each other. Quite the opposite, we must admire and respect it.”
--Alexander Khimushin, photographer, "World in Faces" project
Haiti's Lakou Mizik Holds on to Tradition Through Tragedy
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In 2010, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 hit Haiti. More than 200,000 people were killed, and over 1.5 million lost their homes. A month later, a cholera epidemic swept through the streets.
Amid the chaos, Lakou Mizik, a group of 9 multigenerational musicians, came together to rediscover the roots of Haitian music. |
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"This Mayan-Language Film Is The Best Thing In Theaters Right Now"
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You’ve almost certainly never seen a film made by Guatemalans. But then, neither have most Guatemalans.
In this interview with director Jayro Bustamente, he explains why his new film, "Ixcanul", about 2 strong Mayan women, has become so popular - and why it was so hard to create. |
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UK Artist/Designer Creates High-Tech Clothing That Reflects Air Pollution Levels
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While activists lobby for more stringent pollution-cutting measures around the world, some scientists and designers have turned to innovative technology to raise awareness and save lives with the help of wearable pollution sensors.
These sensors may be coming sooner than you think. Take a look at the video (right) of UK artist Kasia Molga's high-tech clothing that changes color to reflect the amount of pollution in the surrounding air. |
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