Frost on Glass: Ice Flower Art

When a pane of glass is exposed to very cold air on the outside while inside the air is reasonably moist, frost can form.  Known as ice flowers or fern frost, it is remarkable for the intricate patterns it creates.  The surface of the glass influences the way that the ice is formed so that the first process of crystallization, known as nucleation, is randomized.  The patterns, then, are almost infinite in variety.  Science aside, ice flowers are a source of wonder, things of elegance and beauty.  They are nature’s art at its most exquisite.

Image Credit Flickr User MarkyBon

Odd Bird

Clark is gay but he hasn’t told his conservative family (comprising of mom and his very, very big brother).  When he was younger, he created a comic book to help escape – The Adventures of Odd Bird.  A promising artist, a publisher has expressed an interest in publishing it and Clark must make the journey home to retrieve the document. Yet lots of things have changed for him and he decides it is time to come out to his family.  With his heart in his mouth, Clark prepares to come out to his family...

Written and created by Katey Dore of Crafty Short Films, Odd Bird stars Michael Varde, Betsy Moore and Jacob Peacock.  Most of the action of this film takes place at Circle-J Ranch.  And I’m just  going to leave that there without any explanation. If you know, you know. If you don't, you don't need to.

Watch Odd Bird below:

Mesofaune

Some stories are epic in scale – and so indeed is Mesofaune.  A lone captain, scarred by years of battle against a huge swamp beast, navigates his ship through a murky quagmire.  His quarry is elusive and he must use every item at his disposal in his ruthless pursuit of revenge.  There are definite shades of Moby Dick here and the battle scenes are quite simply amazing. Please make sure that you watch this to the end for a remarkable twist in the tale.  It is not so much deus ex machina but rather deus est machina.  If you know your Latin, that might just be a spoiler. If not – watch away!

This remarkable animated short was created by ARTFX, the International School of Cinema, 2D & 3D Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), Video Games, Programming and Fine Arts in France.  The crew of the film included Louis Cresson, Alexandre Gauch, Maxime Guedon, Léo Kobisch, Yanis Laserre, Morgane Mongendre, and Romain Pautre.

Her Song

Astonishingly beautiful and heart-rendingly poignant, Her Song is not the usual animated short that we feature on Kuriositas.  A young girl visits her grandmother and over a cup of tea their conversation leads to a revelation – a secret never to be told, as it were.  Exquisitely animated, this extraordinary piece of art harkens back to a somewhat bleak time in Irish history (not so long ago) when unmarried pregnant women were forced into Mother and Baby homes, often with tragic results.

Directed by Éabha Bortolozzo and Jack Kirwan, Her Song was produced by Greg Connolly with Radii Animation and features performances by Brenda Fricker and Nicola Coughlan. The film’s evocative atmosphere is enriched by an original music composition from Matilda O'Mahony and Rachel O'Grady.  If you are not often taken aback by something, give this award winning animation a go.

Watch Her Song below.

The Trift Bridge: The Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge in the Swiss Alps

Climbers have to be fit and healthy to even reach Trift Bridge.  Yet once they get there they must be in possession of other qualities.  It is the longest pedestrian-only suspension bridge in the Swiss Alps and even the sight of it can render some people weak at the knees. It is 330 feet (100 meters) above the floor of the valley and a staggering 560 (170 meters) in length. Climbing mountains is one thing: clambering across them on a skinny bridge with a yawning chasm below is another feat entirely.

This is only the second bridge to be situated in this dazzlingly beautiful valley landscape.  In 2004 an enormous hydroelectric plant was built below the Trift Glacier.  The plant collected and controlled the run off from the glacier (yes, a whole plant just for the run off).  A bridge was needed to access the power plant below the glacier and so this precariously positioned structure was built.  Inevitably, the bridge attracted people who wanted to cross it simply for the thrill, rather than for reasons of employment.

Hypnosis

Have you ever been a magician’s assistant? I’ve never fancied it personally – and this short from ARTFX (International School of Cinema, 2D & 3D Animation, Visual Effects, Video Games, Programming and Fine Arts) convinces me that my instincts were right.  In this story, Bergerac the Magician invites a young boy from the audience to help him and to undergo a form of hypnosis.  Yet the boy’s reaction to Bergerac’s facial features provokes a punishment most cruel – but a lesson, too.

Considering this is a student film, this is staggeringly well made.  It's a work of art - beautiful, mysterious, full of action and with - what I admire about it most - structurally perfect.  I won't give anything away (spoilers, sweetie), but you're not going to be disappointed.

Watch the animated short below.

The Tarn Between Us

Childhood friendships can sometimes resonate with us throughout life.  Sometimes they can do much, much more than that.  Watching this short film set in Cumbria’s Little Langdale Valley – the heart of the Lake District, I can’t help but think that James and Adeline will see each other again. Yet first, they must reconcile both to the distance that has been between them and that which will soon inevitably interrupt their friendship again.

This very sweet short film is almost wordless – but then it doesn’t really need a script.  Many of us have been a James or an Adeline and we will recognise in this pair echoes of our own lives and loves.  There’s a Welsh word – hiraeth – a deep longing for something (especially home) and this to me is what this short is all about.

 “The Tarn Between Us”, by Bjornfell UK and directed by Katie Armer, is a hauntingly beautiful short film (a tarn is a small mountain lake formed in a hollow left by a melting glacier before you go and look it up and so make the title quite a clever play on words). The film was produced by Katie Armer and Olivier Jumeau, and filmed and edited by Will Nutter. It stars Angelique Taylor as Adeline, Theo Ives-Leduc as James, and Sue Nutter as Adeline’s Mother.

Watch the short film below.

The Milky Way – As Seen from West Texas (Hyperlapse)

Sit back, grab a coffee and relax. Watch the sun go down over vast West Texan panoramas and then wait for the majestic stars to appear. This amazing piece of footage by the Hyperlapse Guy is a really great way to unwind. It makes you appreciate just how huge and awe-inspiring our galaxy really is – and how small we are beneath that endless sky.

The music by Shawn Williams is a perfect accompaniment to the sight of the Milky Way, gently building as the night deepens. Its slow rhythm and rich tones match the smooth motion of the stars, creating a mesmerising blend of sound and vision that captures the quiet beauty of the desert night.

Watch below:

Wilson

After crash-landing on an uncharted planet, a space marine named Wilson creates a quiet life with an unlikely companion - a native creature who becomes his closest friend. But when Wilson falls terminally ill, he must make an impossible decision: return to Earth for a cure and abandon the only friend he has left, or stay and face the end on the world that became his home.  This, for me, certainly has echoes of Avatar, but is sufficiently different for it to build its own world - and it isn't short of the usual sci-fi tropes either. Yet it all comes together in a refreshingly novel way and is very much set in its own universe.

Here's the surprise - this film was made by students on a very limited budget.  Quite incredible.  Hats off to directors Célia Safti, Emile Menard, Laura Martinelli, Lise Lett, Mallaury Labourse, Noah Ross, Romane La Rosa, and Vincent Gleizes for this beautifully crafted short film. Created at ESMA – École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques, the piece features original music by Inès Hadjla, with sound design by Guilhem Favard, Tristan Le Bozec, José Vicente, and Yoann Poncet. The voice work comes from Emile Menard, completing a talented team whose work blends artistry, emotion, and technical finesse.

Watch Wilson below:

The Art and Architecture of the World’s Most Extraordinary Casinos

Casinos have always been more than just places to play games. They are cathedrals of chance, monuments to human bravery, and examples of how architecture can affect mood. From the gold-plated halls of Monte Carlo to the futuristic towers of Singapore, each casino tells a story of art, wealth, and risk.

As the digital and physical worlds continue to merge through online experiences and new ideas like casino free chips 2025, the design of real-world casinos is still a fascinating study of how art and ambition can come together. Architects are building temples behind every chandelier, curve, and skyline that honor luck, illusion, and the never-ending interest in fortune.

The Casino as an Artwork

The first casinos were based on European opera houses and palaces. They weren't just built for gambling; they were built to be grand, a place where the rich and powerful could see and be seen. This artistic legacy lives on today, but the materials used have changed from marble to glass and LED light.

Modern casino architects work like set designers. Every element — color, lighting, space — serves a psychological purpose. Red carpets make people feel energized and rushed. Curved ceilings make people want to move. Gaming floors without windows make a world that feels real and timeless.

But creativity is more than just manipulation. Casinos use architecture as a stage to turn math and chance into emotional drama. They make players feel awe before the first card is even dealt.

The Belle Époque Jewel is the Monte Carlo Casino.

The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco is one of the best places to see how art and gaming come together. Charles Garnier, the same architect who built the Paris Opera House, built it in the late 1800s. It is still a symbol of style and excess.

The ornate sculptures, arches, and frescoes on the outside of the building reflect the hopefulness of the Belle Époque era. Inside, marble columns, gold-leaf ceilings, and crystal chandeliers show how craftsmanship used to mean being rich. From the mosaic floors to the hand-painted murals, every detail celebrates not only gambling but also European art.

The beauty of Monte Carlo is in its simplicity. It's theatrical, but never rude, which is different from the bright lights and energy of Las Vegas. It shows that architecture can turn gambling into a ritual of refinement.

The Venetian Macao: Where Illusion Meets Size

Monte Carlo is the epitome of classic luxury, while The Venetian Macao is the epitome of modern grandeur on a huge scale. The Venetian, which opened in 2007 and is based on its sister property in Las Vegas, is a 10.5 million-square-foot tribute to both Italian architecture and Asian ambition.

People who come here enter a world of canals, painted skies, and singing gondoliers. Faux daylight comes after a permanent sunset color that is made by custom LED lights that change throughout the day. The illusion is complete—half artifice and half wonder.

The Venetian Macao is an architectural wonder in terms of logistics. It has thousands of gaming tables, luxury suites, and entertainment venues, and it is one of the biggest buildings on Earth. But it feels like a whole because of the art that goes with the theme: columns, arches, and Renaissance frescoes that make people forget they're in a very modern business machine.

It's the art of imitation taken to a whole new level. It shows that in the world of casinos, fantasy and skill can work together beautifully.

The Future of Casino Design: Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands changed the way casinos are built for the 21st century. It looks like a ship balanced on three towers above Singapore's skyline. The resort was designed by Moshe Safdie and combines technology, sustainability, and symbolism.

The SkyPark is the most impressive part. It is a cantilevered structure that connects the towers like a bridge between worlds. It is part cruise ship, part sculpture, and part engineering miracle. From the infinity pool, guests can see the city's financial district, which combines views of work and play in one picture.

Natural light pours into the atrium, breaking the casino's tradition of having no windows. Safdie's design encourages openness, honesty, and reflection, which are not things that are usually associated with gambling spaces.

Marina Bay Sands shows that casinos can change from being flashy to being symbols of a city's identity. The design strikes a balance between show and calm, making for an experience that is both emotional and architectural.

The Wynn Las Vegas: Where Minimalism Meets Luxury

Steve Wynn changed what luxury meant in Las Vegas when he opened his resort in 2005. Wynn didn't copy; instead, he embraced modern minimalism. The Roman columns and fake pyramids were gone, and in their place were soft gold tones, curved walls, and floral patterns inspired by nature.

Roger Thomas designed the Wynn's interiors, which use light and pattern as works of art. Murano glass sculptures, botanical installations, and flowing spaces give the area a calm sophistication that is hard to find on the Strip. Every hallway feels planned, taking guests on a sensory journey instead of just showing them too much.

Architecture here doesn't shout; it whispers. The Wynn shows that a casino doesn't have to be over-the-top to be beautiful; it can be beautiful because of how well it is balanced, proportioned, and set up.

The Grand Lisboa: A Modern Symbol of Macau

The Grand Lisboa is a symbol of the boldness of modern Asia, while The Venetian Macao is a tribute to the grandeur of Europe. Hong Kong architect Dennis Lau designed it to look like a golden lotus flower, which is a sign of wealth in Chinese culture.

At night, thousands of LED lights on the building change color in rhythmic patterns, making the skyline look like a moving sculpture. In the building, reflective surfaces and curved hallways make the feeling of movement and energy even stronger.

The Grand Lisboa's shape is completely different from what is common in the West. It's not so much about symmetry as it is about symbolism. This is a unique Asian way of making casino art that combines cultural identity, technology, and spectacle. It shows how architecture can turn local ideas about luck and fortune into real things.

Art as Atmosphere: The Blueprint for Feelings

The one thing that all great casinos have in common is that they can make you feel something. They all use architecture to change how people feel, whether it's through lavish classicism or futuristic design.

The rhythm of the space, the music, and the lighting are just as important as the walls and ceilings. Not only do casinos host games, but they also plan out experiences. Designers study how people think and feel as carefully as artists study light and shape.

This rule holds true even in the world of ideas. Online platforms use interface design, sound effects, and motion graphics to copy these cues. These are the digital versions of architectural appeal. It's not a coincidence that people who are drawn to the glow of screens want the same thrill as people who walk under chandeliers.

The language of casino design is always changing, from real-life halls to virtual spaces, but its message is always the same: beauty fuels belief.

The New Frontier: Digital Beauty and Virtual Wealth

As technology moves forward, the idea of casino architecture is starting to include digital spaces. Designers now make virtual casinos with 3D lobbies, interactive rooms, and realistic soundscapes that make you feel like you're really there.

When bonuses like casino free chips 2025 bring digital players into these immersive worlds, the line between the real and the virtual gets even blurrier. These incentives don't just copy how casinos work; they take space art to a whole new level of imagination.

This is how the architecture of luck keeps changing. Casinos, whether made of marble, steel, or pixels, are still symbols of how people want to make the unknown beautiful.

Conclusion: Where Design and Fate Meet

The most amazing casinos in the world show that architecture can be both an art form and a way to connect with people. They're not just places to gamble; they're also monuments to creativity, ambition, and telling stories about culture.

Each building shows a different idea of what luck means: elegance in Monte Carlo, illusion in Macau, and futurism in Singapore. They make up a world-wide gallery of human imagination, shaped by the excitement of chance.

The casino is still one of the most interesting forms of art in the world. It's a place where architecture doesn't just protect luck, but also gives it shape, light, and soul.

First Image Credit

The Tanuki in Japanese Popular Culture (Oversized Balls and All)

First-time visitors to Japan are often struck by the abundance of statues of the Tanuki (Japanese Raccoon Dog), which we featured recently on our sibling site, the Ark in Space.  Their first question when seeing these stout ceramic creatures for the first time is “What is that?” – and the second inevitable question is not about the straw hat, the sake bottle or the promissory note.  It is “Why does it have such big balls?”.  That’s a good (as well as obvious) question and, strangely enough, it has very little to do with fertility or masculinity.  Although that probably doesn’t hurt.

Image Credit

Catherine (or The Evolution of a Crazy Old Cat Lady)

How does a crazy old cat lady become a crazy old cat lady?  Let me introduce you to Catherine, who we first meet as a toddler.  When the transition comes from fluffy toys to real animals, poor Catherine manages to inadvertently kill every small animal with a pulse that she comes into contact with… until that time she comes into contact with a cat. Cats, as we all know, have nine lives so even Catherine’s unfortunate habit of accidentally killing her pets doesn’t have much impact (until life number nine, of course).

We follow Catherine through the years and see how life – especially other people – slowly but surely turns her into a crazy old cat lady.  Yes, this is a bittersweet animation but made with such a gloriously dry European pragmatism that we (kind of) overlook the decimation she leaves in her wake.  Directed by Belgian artist and animator Britt Raes, this is one of her earlier works – somewhat overlooked – which should by rights have a much larger audience than it has so far had. 

Watch Catherine below:

Golden Record Received

Have you ever wondered what might happen if the Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977 to reach out to extra-terrestrial civilisations (among other things!) was discovered by an alien species?  This animated short by Katarina Hughes answers the question.  Although this “ground” has been covered by a number of TV shows and movies (most notably in Star Trek: The Motion Picture), I think Hughes has come up with something… much more likely… here.

In case you don’t know, , the Golden Record is a 12-inch gold-plated copper disc Launched in 1977 aboard NASA’s Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, designed to communicate the story of life on Earth to any intelligent beings who might one day find it. Curated by a team led by astronomer Carl Sagan, the record contains sounds and images chosen to portray the diversity of life and culture on our planet - from greetings in 55 languages and natural sounds like thunder and birdsong, to music ranging from Bach and Beethoven to traditional songs from around the world. It also includes 116 photographs encoded as analogue data, depicting everything from human anatomy to everyday life. Housed in a protective aluminium cover and accompanied by a stylus and symbolic instructions, the record is a time capsule of humanity’s hope, curiosity, and desire to reach beyond our solar system - a message in a bottle from our “pale blue dot” cast into the cosmic ocean.

So here’s what might happen. Watch Golden Record Received below.

The Tanuki – The Japanese Racoon Dog

Endemic to Japan, the Tanuki (otherwise known as the Japanese Racoon Dog) isn't a dog even though it's a canid and one thing is for sure - this is not a racoon either.  Deeply embedded in Japanese folklore this elusive canid still roams the countryside as it has done since time immemorial.  Our sibling site, the Ark in Space has a neat set of facts about the tanuki.  I know it's in the eye of the beholder, but I think this is one of the cutest mammals around...

Image Credit

Blackjack Party Game Guide

If you love a good party and have a soft spot for blackjack, then Blackjack Party is the perfect game for you. Whether you're browsing non-GamStop casinos with £5 deposit or just looking for a lively table, you'll play at a blackjack table with a festive atmosphere, while you do your best to win the game and cash in.

Best Blackjack Party Casinos

If you're curious about playing Blackjack Party, you don't have to wait any longer. However, it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees and know which online casino is truly reliable. That's why we've done our research and selected the best non GamStop casinos for you here:

• Wager Land
• Casino 007
• Booming Slots
• Vegas Hero
• Super Spin
• G4mble
• Vegas Hero

How to play Blackjack Party?

The game instructions and rules of Blackjack Party are very clear. They are largely identical to those of the regular version of Blackjack. The live casino game's environment, in particular, distinguishes the two. This live game aims to create a festive atmosphere.

Game explanation and rules

You play this format at a regular table in a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Normally, you'll only see one dealer, but in Blackjack Party, you'll encounter two. At the end of each round, a second dealer in festive attire will personally deal the cards.

Blackjack Party is very similar to blackjack played in a brick-and-mortar casino, as it's a highly social game. You can interact with other players at the table and the dealers using the live chat function.

The main difference between a "normal" live version and Blackjack Party is therefore primarily the environment. The standard rules you'll encounter in Blackjack Party are:

• You play with eight decks and these are shuffled by a third dealer.
• The house will always stand when the card value is 17 or higher.
• You get the option to Double Down on your first two cards, which increases your bet.
• You can split the cards when your first two cards have the same value.

There's room for seven pairs of hands at the table. Most gambling sites without GamStop have more than enough tables available. If you do end up at a table that's already full, you can use the "Bet Behind" option. There are also several other side bets available.

Side bets

Just like with Evolution's other Blackjack games, this game also allows you to place Blackjack side bets. There are three side bets: Bet Behind, 21+3, and Perfect Pairs.

Bet Behind

This side bet allows you to play along with one of the players at the table. You're betting on that player's outcome. As a result, you're riding on the success of the player who, hopefully, is winning. However, you don't have to match the bet. You decide how much you want to bet.

21+3

You've probably encountered this side bet before in variations. With this bet, you're betting on the probability that your first two cards plus the dealer's first upcard will form a poker hand. If this actually happens, you receive a payout.

This payout is as follows:

• Suited Trip: This wins you 100 times your bet. You bet on three of the same card.
• Straight Flush: Three consecutive cards. This wins you up to 40 times your bet.
• Three of a Kind: This is three cards of either the same number or the same picture. With this, you win up to 30 times your bet.
• Straight: Three consecutive cards, of different suits. This wins you up to 10 times your bet.
• Flush: these are three cards of the same suit and with which you win up to 5 x the bet.

Perfect Pairs

With this side bet, you bet on the probability that the other player's first two cards will be a pair. The payouts depend on the other player's pair. You win between 6 and 25 times your bet with this bet.

When do you win?

The rules of Blackjack Party are very similar to those of regular games. The goal is to get closer to 21 points than the live dealer. If you reach 21 with your cards, you automatically win and the game ends. You can also win if the dealer busts with their own cards. If you placed a side bet and it turns out to be correct, you also win.

Betting and payout

Both the bet and the payout in Blackjack Party are largely the same as standard Blackjack. Anyone familiar with the rules can easily play this Blackjack variant. You can play Blackjack Party starting at €5 and up to a maximum of €1,000. However, different bets apply to the side bets:

Side Bets	Betting Limits
Bet Behind	€0.50 to €100
21 + 3	€1 to €250
Perfect Pair	€1 to €500

The Return To Player (RTP) is exactly the same as the regular version, at 99.52%.

Image Credit

Chain - Award-Winning Animated Short

As far as grisly ends go, I quite like being a human being.  The chances are I’m not going to be gobbled up by a member of another species because I’m the one doing the gobbling (which, frankly, sounds a little rude).  I was reminded of this when watching Chain, the award-winning animated short directed by Ling Han.  It works on the old Chinese proverb “The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind” – or 螳螂捕蟬,黃雀在後 in other words.

Of course, taken as an extended metaphor, this proverb encompasses all life.  How many times does one pursue goals only to find that there are forces far stronger standing in the way?  Chains appear in every place, in every time and impact all of us. This does make Chain sound awfully serious, when in fact it is more often than not gloriously silly. 

It’s no surprise to discover, however that it has won more than 80 international awards including Best Animated Film at the Paris Art and Movie Awards.

Watch Chain below – and thank your lucky stars that you’re human (but, you know, watch out for those creeps at work).

Octopus Ninja

This is awesome!  I’ve always suspected that the octopus as a species is more than capable of adapting to a ninja lifestyle and this (kinda) proves it.  An octopus dad sees his family abducted and taken to be made into sushi – but he isn’t going to stand for that. No, he is going to dart, jump, swoop and throw an awful lot of knives.

I really enjoyed this animated short – it’s pretty much action all the way through.  However, the ninja octopus is invested with so much character that it’s all we need.  As he fights to save his family, we really root for him!

This short film was completed over a year and a half, and created entirely by Donghoe Kim while at the Ringling College of Art and Design (and it's always a pleasure to feature Ringling animators on Kuriositas!).

Watch the animated short below.

Planet of the Lemurs: 10 Beautiful Little-Known Species

Image Credit Flickr User gripso banana prune

Most people have heard of the Ring-tailed Lemur and might suppose that it is the only species. However, there are many varieties of Lemur, a lot of which are beautiful and incredibly rare. The Ark in Space takes a look in to the planet of the lemurs and discovers the wonderful diversity of this lesser known family of animals.

S.A.M. - Short Film

The SEO of a tech company, Andrew Roth (played here by Ryan Siegel and reminiscent of Boy Kavalier in the recent Alien: Earth) is getting impatient.  His aim is to replace creatives in the TV and film industry with Simulated Acting Modules, replete with artificial intelligence.  The prototype is S.A.M – and he looks and sounds human in every way.  However, there are issues with “Unit 001” that seem insurmountable and Roth demands that his scientific lead, Silas (played by Alex C Askew) moves forward and abandons further work on S.A.M.

But Silas, not to mention S.A.M. may have other ideas.  This entertaining science-fiction short was written and directed by Jared Hunte.  He also plays S.A.M. – which makes it look as if he is covering his bases in case AI really does decide to take over one aspect or another of the creative process.  Hunte is exellent in all three roles, so he shouldn't have to worry..!

Watch the short film below.

Foundling

Ah, this is just lovely.  We first meet Yens the Hedgehog who, while alone in the world, loves the way his life revolves around little pleasures – the walks through the woodland, the relaxed hours spent atop the hill enjoying the scenery, just taking things easy.  Then, one rainy afternoon, while he sits indoors, comfortably sipping on a hot cup of tea, along comes baby spider Spinny.  To put it mildly, Yens’ life if turned upside down. Little by little, Spinny’s antics throw Yann’s world into chaos. Soon, he is wishing that his days of peace and quiet could return… 

Is there going to be a happy ending?  Of course!

This heartwarming animated short created in Spine2D, with backgrounds in Adobe Photoshop, and compositing in Adobe After Effects by Nina Podlesnyak. Music was done by the composer Lauryn Vania Kurniawan, with funds raised by Kickstarter.  It is entirely possible that The Foundling was not created with my specific demographic in mind but – frankly – I didn’t let that bother me as I spent a really cozy ten minutes embedding myself into the world of Yens and Spinny. 

Watch Foundling below.

How AI Interprets Paintings by Van Gogh

This is a homage to Vincent van Gogh – but how successful it is, I guess, is entirely up to you.  It’s a visually entrancing piece – a visual poem – that traces his development as an early artist.  As such it is the first in a trilogy of videos planned by Ryta, the founder and creative force behind Creators of Curiosity.  I have included the second part below the first.

Certainly, those commenting on the video seem to love it.  One says: “Absolutely mesmerizing! Van Gogh’s paintings truly come alive, with every brushstroke moving and the violin adding intense emotion. A beautiful, creative tribute to his timeless legacy.”  Another says: “Feels like touching Van Gogh’s soul through brushstrokes and motion. Shadows and light breathing as one - this is more than art, it’s a heartbeat”.

I’m not sure.  Although using AI to do this kind of thing certainly brings remarkable results I am always reminded of  what Jean Baudrillard said about it: “The sad thing about artificial intelligence is that it lacks artifice and therefore intelligence.”  I think the same has to be said here – there is something a little inhuman about many of the people featured in this piece which doesn’t fit comfortably with me.  Also the description - that the AI is "enhancing brushstroke texture, impasto depth, and luminous painterly detail" - enhancing means to make better - and I don't think one can improve on Vincent through algorithms, however sophisticated (even though this is probably as good as it gets, at least for the moment). Having said that, of course, I might not be quite getting the point!  

Take a look for yourself and – as a human – decide for yourself too!

...And here is the second of these visual poems.

 

Six Superb Short Stories to Help Celebrate Black History Month

To help celebrate Black History Month, here are some short stories for you to enjoy. I’ve read them over the past year and felt it was the right time to share them with you. Each story is accompanied by a brief précis to help you decide which ones to explore. While we can’t reproduce the full texts here for copyright reasons, you’ll find a link to each story below.

If you have your own recommendations, please add a comment below.

And the Earth Drank Deep by Ntsika Kota

In Ntsika Kota’s “and the earth drank deep”, a young hunter’s first kill unsettles him, revealing the weight of tradition and mortality. Later, when he lies about his role in a jackal attack, the elders uncover the truth, exposing themes of courage, deception, and the burden of expectation.

Mabweadziva by- Ethel Maqeda

Two sisters sit outside an abandoned bakery, haunted by memories of Zimbabwe’s violent past and their own entangled histories. Through fractured storytelling, silences, and bitterness, the narrator recalls war, loss, and family rifts. The story explores memory, trauma, and the struggle to find meaning in sacrifice and survival.

Granddaughter of the Octopus by Remy Ngamije

A granddaughter narrates the uncompromising life of her matriarch grandmother, who owns land, raises children from numerous fathers, and upholds fierce autonomy. Despite pressure from family, men, and corporations, the grandmother resists selling her land. Themes of inheritance, strength, sexuality, and defiance emerge in raw, poetic prose.

Winner of the 2021 Commonwealth Writers Short Story Prize for Africa.

The Strange Story of the World by Chigozie Obioma

After his bank is shut, Papa’s life spirals into poverty. He tries business ventures, rituals and desperate schemes to restore status. A goat, a song, poverty’s humiliation – all combine to expose his fracture under pressure. His son Saka witnesses a father consumed by longing and despair.

John Redding Goes to Sea by Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston’s “John Redding Goes to Sea” follows a young Florida man whose restless spirit yearns for adventure beyond his rural home. Torn between his dreams of the ocean and the expectations of family and community, John embodies the tension between duty, tradition, and the pull of personal destiny.

How Much is that Doggie in the Window by Gloria Mwanga Odary

On a scorching November day, the narrator recalls Mama throwing a cooking stick at their maid Kagonya. The household dynamics shift: Kagonya’s integration becomes brittle, and whispers of a new home, family tensions, and lost innocence hang heavily in the humid air.

Huanglong – Land of the Yellow Dragon

The Minshan Mountain Range is situated in the north of China’s Sichuan Province.  An area of outstanding natural beauty it is home to a four kilometer stretch of travertine landforms and pools.  Even in its home country the place is relatively little-known. Yet Huanglong, literally Yellow Dragon, is a place of wonders.

Image Credit Flickr User La Citadelle

Over the millennia the springs around this small crease in the mountains have deposited limestone which has built up to create a series of pools – over 3,000 of them - which extend to almost four kilometers in length.  The chain of pools are said to resemble a huge golden dragon, which gives the place its name.

How Abba's "Thank You for the Music" Really Happened...

 
I guess some comedy sketches are way funnier if you know the context. So a new sketch from the UK’s Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping about Abba is pretty brave, given the shrinking demographic that might get this.  Never mind, I’m part of that demographic and found this hilarious so all you young people scratching your collectve head can just jog on…

The sketch centers around the creation of the song “Thank You for the Music” – one of Abba’s greatest hits of the greatest hits of the band Abba (that was translated directly from the Swedish).  In it, Bjorn introduces the song to a sceptical Agnetha – watch the rest to see what happens.

The End of England? Welsh National Theatre Reimagines Glyndŵr’s Uprising with Owain & Henry

Michal Sheen is already famous for his outstanding performance of stirring dramatic monologues.  This taster for the Welsh National Theatre’s production of Owain & Henry promises more of the same…

Owain & Henry retells the story of Owain Glyndŵr’s 15th-century uprising against Henry IV in powerful blank verse. Written by Gary Owen and starring Michael Sheen as the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, the play begins in 1400 when Glyndŵr (one of my father’s heroes) is declared an outlaw by the English crown. Rather than submit, he sparks a rebellion that gathers Welsh, English, and French allies, culminating in a march on Worcester. With Glyndŵr’s forces holding the high ground and outnumbering the English, the battle’s outcome could mean not only freedom for Wales but also the fall of Henry’s rule - and perhaps, as the play provocatively suggests, “the end of England.”

I think I might go and see this… Watch the preview below.

Spaceman: Award-Winning Sci-Fi Short Film

Spaceman has been making waves on the festival circuit, earning Best Sci-Fi and Best Short Film at the Harrogate Film Festival, as well as being selected for screening at the prestigious Aesthetica Short Film Festival.

This poignant and visually arresting short film tells the story of a family sharing their final moments together before an asteroid collides with Earth. With striking visuals and an emotional core, Spaceman offers a moving reflection on love, loss, and the things that matter most when time is running out.

Spaceman is a testament to the power of short-form cinema: compact, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Majara Residence: The Colorful Dome Village of Hormuz, Iran

Approaching the small island of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf by boat, an entirely unexpected sight greets the eyes: a series of colorful, interconnected domes of different sizes. Perched at the southern tip of Iran, the island is sparsely populated, little visited (even though many of its 6,000 residents rely on tourism for their living), and somewhat overlooked by the rest of the country. So, have a group of aliens, looking for a quiet corner of our planet, landed and made their home here? The truth is a little more down-to-earth than that — but just as fascinating. Image - Wikimedia

The domes are, in fact, an accommodation complex, created to help solve a problem. The island relies on tourism but has a lack of places for visitors to stay. Known as Majara Residence (from the Persian word for adventure), the gateless community is made up of 17 suites which can hold close to 100 guests, plus cafés and restaurants.