Art
The radical history of vaginas in art & popular culture
Pussy power? — In her latest video for ‘PYNK’, released this week, Janelle Monae pays tribute to self-love, pink and ‘pussy power’. But are vagina depictions in modern visual culture really all that empowering? Polyester Editor Ione Gamble investigates.
Written by: Ione Gamble
Challenging the media’s portrayal of Asian women
Through art & photography — A new photography show, opening this week at Brisbane’s Metro Arts, confronts the tired cultural stereotypes surrounding east Asian womanhood.
Written by: Cristiana Bedei
Tracing British football’s vibrant aesthetic history
The beautiful game — Inspired by his father’s extensive archive of Aston Villa programmes, designer Matthew Caldwell decided to begin his own collection of classic matchday memorabilia, building an all-encompassing visual history of British football in the process.
Written by: Niall Flynn
Illustrations that capture the changing face of Iran
Diaspora letters — Historian and artist Beeta Baghoolizadeh shares Diaspora Letters – a collection of digital drawings exploring memory and migration in the Iranian diaspora.
Written by: Iman Sultan
Young artists explore coming of age in the Middle East
Banat Collective — In The Middle Of It All is a new book showcasing the diverse experiences of Arabian womanhood, featuring contributions from writers, illustrators and photographers.
Written by: Salma Haidrani
David Shrigley: Life lessons from an art world anarchist
‘Don’t be afraid of failure’ — Known for his deadpan drawings and acerbic nihilism, David Shrigley is one of the most well known (and divisive) artists working today. Here, he reflects and shares what he’s learned so far.
Written by: Adam White
The artist unveiling the hidden history of Afghanistan
Forgotten secrets — Sydney-based artist Meena Sadiqi demystifies and celebrates her Afghani heritage in her ongoing Instagram collage project, Meena Home.
Written by: Salma Haidrani
Georgia O’Keeffe: A portrait of a woman ahead of her time
Art, image, style — Ahead of a new retrospective, we look back on the legacy of Georgia O’Keeffe – the American art pioneer who broke free of gender constraints to live life on her own terms.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Jasmin Sehra: ‘Art has always been a part of my life’
My Element: Built by Grime — As part of Huck's new film on UK grime culture, trailblazing London artist Jasmin Sehra talks heritage, hardships, and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Written by: Grace Shutti
How to spark serious social change, using art
Six tips from ACT UP — Legendary ACT UP founding member Avram Finkelstein combined art and activism to combat the AIDS crisis. Here, he shares the invaluable lessons he’s learned.
Written by: Miss Rosen