Gladys Nilsson, at 85, continues to infuse her art with a whimsical approach, challenging conventions related to gender, aging, and intimacy, as discussed by Lauren Stroh for Momus. Nilsson, a Chicago-based artist, emerged during the second-wave feminism era and often faces pressures to address gender issues in her work. Her female depictions, often unconventional in proportion, have been seen as a critique on traditional art norms, while also reviving classical beauty ideals. Nilsson turns these critiques on their head, celebrating everyday figures in her contribution to the Menil Drawing Institute’s Wall Drawing Series.
The Washington Post’s decision to eliminate its book section amidst layoffs has sparked significant backlash, according to Lauren Rothfeld in the New Yorker. The move reflects the corporate priorities driving mainstream media, as explained by a senior editor who noted the overwhelming number of complaints received. Despite growing readership for Book World, its removal highlights a troubling trend where popularity is mistakenly equated with value, reducing readers to mere consumers.
ProPublica’s Mica Rosenberg reveals harsh conditions in ICE’s Dilley detention center, citing testimonies from over 30 children. Among them is Maria Antonia Guerra, a nine-year-old from Colombia, whose planned vacation turned into a prolonged detention. Her story underscores the trauma of family separations and the inhumane environment faced by detainees.
Elizabeth Lopatto for the Verge examines how Jeffrey Epstein’s influence remained untethered even post-#MeToo. His connections with powerful figures, including Charlie Rose and Steve Wynn, illustrate a network where accusations of misconduct were trivialized. The Epstein files reveal ongoing attempts to support accused individuals, showcasing systemic failures in addressing abuse.
Naomi Jackson reflects on the cultural erosion caused by gentrification in Brooklyn for Curbed. The transformation has displaced Black communities and stifled the borough’s rich cultural life. Jackson laments the loss of artistic and social vibrancy, emphasizing the need to preserve the creative spirit that once thrived in these neighborhoods.
