Arts
Creative achievements in literature and the visual and performing arts
Why Oliver Sacks is One of the Great Modern Adventurers
The neurologist’s latest investigations of the mind explore the mystery of hallucinations – including his own
December 2012 |
By Ron Rosenbaum
How Benh Zeitlin Made Beasts of the Southern Wild
The Oscar nominee for Best Director transformed filmmaking as he assembled a new myth out of Hurricane Katrina
December 2012 |
By Franz Lidz
Esperanza Spalding Took on Bieber, Now Takes on Jazz
The innovative bassist and winner of the Smithsonian American Ingenuity Award for performing arts is taking jazz to a whole new place
December 2012 |
By dream hampton
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Dinosaurian Oddities
A new book argues that dinosaur reconstructions, which stretch skin over bone, are bound to be inaccurate and imagines what the creatures may have looked with more fat, feathers and accessory adornments
November 30, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
In the 1920s, Shoppers Got Punk’d By Fake Televisions
Don't touch that dial....really, don't
November 30, 2012 |
By Matt Novak
The Insane Amount of Biodiversity in One Cubic Foot
David Liittschwager travels to the world's richest ecosystems, photographing all the critters that pass through his "biocube" in 24 hours
November 30, 2012 |
By Jeff Greenwald
Drawing on the Edge: Six Contemporary Portraitists Challenge Convention
Six young artists leave their mark on portraiture with the National Portrait Gallery's new exhibit
November 30, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
1 Million Dollars Worth of Rare Dictionaries About to Go on Sale
On December 4, a collection of rare old dictionaries will go on auction at Bonhams in New York City
November 30, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Amazing Modernist Sandcastles Sculpted by Calvin Seibert
Seifert uses simple tools to craft the details: two plastic putty knives and a five-gallon bucket to fill with extra sand.
November 30, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
A Holiday Shopping Reminder: Do We Really Need That Extra Pair of Jeans?
Meaningful purchases trump frenetic shopping and closets bulging with new clothes
November 29, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
In Denmark, Cinderella Wore Galoshes
Cinderella isn't a Disney story, and earlier versions are, well, different
November 29, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Events Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Africa’s Space Programs, the Middle East’s Diva and Ang Lee’s Wedding Banquet
This weekend, explore a continent's long history with the stars, hear the vocal stylings of Karima Skalli and watch another classic in a series of film screenings
November 29, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Meals That Starving Travelers Dream Of
Daydreaming of food is a tradition as old as the saga of man versus wild. What would you wish to eat if you were starving in a tent or a dinghy at sea?
November 28, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
A New Life for Old Breweries
In response to a changing economy and demographic shift toward urban areas, the deserted homes of Schlitz, PBR and other beers are being repurposed
November 28, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Why Do We Hiccup? And Other Scientific Mysteries—Seen Through the Eyes of Artists
In a new book, 75 artists illustrate questions scientists haven't fully answered yet
November 28, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Amy Henderson: A Portrait is a Story Unfolding
Artist Everett Raymond Kinstler's portrait of the legendary performer Christopher Plummer joins the collection as Kinstler is honored by The Players Club in New York City
November 28, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
These Geometrical Shapes Are Diagrams of Human Consciousness
A late 19th century New Zealand psychologist attempted to depict various states of consciousness with geometric shapes
November 26, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Photos: The National Hockey League Turns 95
Though the league is currently in another lockout, the Smithsonian collections have plenty of memorabilia from the sport's history in the United States
November 26, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events November 27-29: Johnny Mercer, Contemporary Middle Eastern Art and Handi-hour
This week, review the musical genius of Capitol Records co-founder, examine identity in Middle Eastern art and start your stitching
November 26, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Where Did Pabst Win that Blue Ribbon?
The origin of Pabst's iconic blue ribbon dates back to one of the most important gatherings in American history
November 20, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
