Australia’s Withdrawal of Its Venice Biennale Artist Sparks Controversy

# **Australia’s Withdrawal of Khaled Sabsabi from the Venice Biennale Sparks Controversy** Australia’s recent decision to drop Lebanese-born artist **Khaled Sabsabi** as its representative for the **2026 Venice Biennale** has triggered a significant backlash. The abrupt reversal by **Creative Australia**, the country’s governing arts body, has been met with resignations from senior officials and an outcry from the arts community, […]

Featured Illustrator: Lony Mathis and Their Creations

# **Highlighted Illustrator: Lony Mathis and Their Creations** Illustration serves as a medium that transforms imagination into reality, merging creativity, emotion, and narrative into visual artworks. Among the emerging talents in the illustration sphere, **Lony Mathis** distinguishes themselves as an exceptional artist recognized for their distinctive approach and enchanting artistic interpretations. In this piece, we will delve into Lony Mathis’s […]

Essential Reading Materials

# The Importance of Independent Journalism in Today’s Media Landscape ## Introduction In an era where information is more accessible than ever, the role of independent journalism has become increasingly crucial. Unlike mainstream corporate media, independent news organizations prioritize investigative reporting, diverse perspectives, and holding power to account. The recent push for reader-supported journalism underscores the need for unbiased, in-depth […]

Books Offered at the MCL: *REVS*, *XSOUP*, and *ARBOR* – Investigating Life’s Purpose and Existence

# Books Offered at the MCL: *REVS*, *XSOUP*, and *ARBOR* – Investigating Life’s Purpose and Mortality The Multnomah County Library (MCL) features an extensive range of books that delve into thought-provoking themes, especially the enigmas surrounding life’s purpose and the certainty of mortality. Among these texts, *REVS*, *XSOUP*, and *ARBOR* emerge as significant examinations of human life, intent, and the […]

8 Art Books About Love to Read on Valentine’s Day

# What Art Can Teach Us About Love: A Journey Through Romantic and Creative Expression Love has been a central theme in art for centuries, inspiring some of history’s most powerful and evocative works. From paintings and sculptures to literature and photography, artists have used their craft to explore love in all its complexities—romantic, familial, platonic, and even political. As […]

Why Do My Hinge Matches Resemble Figures from Classical Paintings?

# The Evolution of Online Dating and Its Challenges in the Digital Age Online dating has transformed from a niche activity into the primary way many people meet potential partners. With millions of users worldwide, dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have revolutionized how we pursue romantic connections. However, while they offer convenience and a broad selection of potential […]

“Using Historical Maps to Navigate the Journey of Love”

# The Fascinating History of Heart Maps: Charting the Geography of Love Since ancient times, humanity has created maps to navigate the world, but did you know that cartographers have also attempted to map something as intangible as love? Over the centuries, artists and thinkers have designed allegorical maps of the heart, charting the emotional landscapes of romance, courtship, and […]

Alexis Rockman Depicts the Last Chapter of Humanity Through Art

# The Art of Catastrophe: Alexis Rockman’s *Naples: Course of Empire* Throughout human history, catastrophes—both natural and man-made—have reshaped civilizations, leaving indelible marks on culture, memory, and art. American painter Alexis Rockman brings the visual power of catastrophe to the forefront in his latest exhibition, *Naples: Course of Empire*, currently on view at Magenta Plains Gallery in Manhattan. Through a […]

Reasons Behind Australia’s Sudden Withdrawal of Its Venice Biennale Artist and Curator

# **Australia Drops Artist Khaled Sabsabi from 2026 Venice Biennale Representation** Australia has unexpectedly withdrawn its planned representation for the 61st Venice Biennale, dropping Lebanese-born artist **Khaled Sabsabi** and curator **Michael Dagostino** just a week after appointing them. The federal organization **Creative Australia**, responsible for managing the country’s presence at the prestigious international exhibition, announced on February 13 that it […]

The Drag Queen Artist Who Transformed the East Village Art Scene

# The Art of Tabboo!: Exploring the Vibrancy of 1980s Underground Queer Culture The art world is often shaped by dynamic individuals who push the boundaries of creativity and identity. One such figure is Tabboo! (aka Stephen Tashjian), a pioneering artist closely associated with the queer underground culture of 1980s New York City. Known for his flamboyant aesthetic, expressive paintings, […]