The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched its pavilion at the Seoul International Book Fair, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and promoting collaborations with South Korea. The pavilion features diverse activities, including panel discussions, performances, book displays, and culinary experiences.
The Dragon Boat Culture Festival in Zigui County, Yichang City, Hubei Province, China, commemorates the renowned Chinese poet and minister Qu Yuan. This year’s festival featured an innovative artistic portrayal of ancient sacrificial rites, merging local landscapes with virtual reality to showcase ancient songs. The festival included the opening ceremony, a CCTV special program, and the Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Month, filled with traditional activities such as dragon boat races, folk performances, and a Chinese-style fashion fair. Qu Yuan’s legacy as a native of Yichang and the significance of the Dragon Boat Festival in his honor were highlighted.
Art of Heritage, led by HRH Princess Nourah Alfaisal, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage. With a collection of over 57,000 artifacts and initiatives like Yadawi, the organization aims to empower artisans, revive endangered crafts, and connect the past with the present. Princess Alfaisal believes that the loss of heritage crafts poses a threat to national identity and emphasizes the importance of creating new markets and training programs to support cultural practitioners.
Moving to a new country can be an exciting and eye-opening experience. For those who have relocated to the United States, there are certain aspects of American culture that stand out as particularly endearing. From the enthusiastic school spirit to the generous portions of food, and the friendly and outgoing nature of strangers, there are countless reasons why expats have fallen in love with American society.
French artist Ben, renowned for his painted slogans, died by suicide at age 88, hours after the passing of his wife. Ben, also known as Ben Vautier, was a proponent of blurring the line between art and everyday life, with his work appearing on a wide range of objects. His distinctive cursive script and provocative slogans, such as ‘What is the use of art?’ and ‘What are you doing here?’, left an enduring mark on the art world.
A complete and enigmatic manuscript of Albert Camus’ renowned novel ‘The Stranger’ is set to go under the hammer at Tajan in Paris today, with an estimated value between €500,000 and €800,000. Despite being dated ‘April 1940,’ experts believe it was written in 1944, based on the recollections of Camus’ wife and other clues. The manuscript reveals numerous revisions, additions, and sketches that differ from the first edition, raising questions about Camus’ creative process. Previously auctioned twice, this literary masterpiece has belonged to a private collector until now.
