weekend links: RIP Vine, Pussy Riot, FKA twigs
Olivier de Sagazan and FKA twigs in ROOMS. Image courtesy Owen Myers/FADER.
Politics is awfully depressing these days, and this week especially so, following the acquittal of the Bundy terrorists and the forced, violent removal of the Dakota Access Pipeline protesters. But it was heartwarming to see this ecstatic reaction after thousands of buffalo, an animal of spiritual significance to many Native American tribes, arrived at the scene of the protests. Austin fans can show their solidarity and catch some of the city’s finest hardcore acts at a benefit show tonight at the Mohawk. [U.S. Uncut]
Twitter announced this week that it is killing off Vine, the six-second-video app that allowed for instant replays of the weird and wonderful. Although it never took off like Snapchat or Instagram, it has maintained a fervent following among a certain set of artists and Internet-minded creatives who pushed the medium to territory even its founders probably never imagined. Take a moment to look back at some of Vine’s finest moments as we wait for the Next Big Thing. [artnet]
In more tech-related news, the first-ever emojis will be on display at MOMA in December. Designed by Shigetaka Kurita in 1999, they were originally created for Japanese firm NTT DoCoMo’s cell phones. A decade later, Apple developed its own version for the iPhone. The exhibit will illustrate the technological evolution of these commonly used symbols, illuminating the origins of the rice balls, cat faces, and other texting favorites. [It’s Nice That]
Residents, artists, and gallery owners recently met in New York’s Chinatown to discuss strategies to prevent displacement of community members, a problem all too familiar to cities nationwide. One gallery owner, Juan Puntes, made a socially conscious effort to give back to the community by providing educational programs to locals and highlight local artists in the exhibits—important steps that we can all learn from. [Hyperallergic]
Pussy Riot is back with a new song, and it’s the catchiest schoolyard chant since Toni Basil’s “Mickey.” You’ll be singing “Don’t play stupid, don’t play dumb, vagina’s where you’re really from” for days. [The Guardian]
Just in time for Halloween, FKA twigs has put together an astrology-themed art show called ROOMS. There are 12 rooms, each representing a different zodiac sign and designed by a different artist. The exhibit features themes of sadomasochism—a topic she’s recently waded into controversy with—and body horror, reflecting her collaboration with Olivier de Sagazan, a French painter and sculptor known for his body-modifying art. [FADER]
—Sean Redmond and Catherine Trevino