Photos by Milan Loiacono Editor’s note: The ability to write one’s own story is a luxury. Society often tries to wrestle the pen away, dictating a narrative that is rarely accurate and often damaging. The incredible women pictured throughout this story — Peace Ikeduba, Olivia Robinson and Heavin Hunter-Hernandez — took back the pen to define for themselves who they are and … [Read more...] about My Black is Beautiful: Building Black Pride
Currents
Flipping the Script: Challenging Motifs in Literature and Film
From the opening pages of Genesis to the opening scenes of Western movies, media has traditionally associated light with positivity and darkness with negativity. Across literature and film, authors and directors use literal light and darkness to suggest figurative meanings about characters, plots and themes. Villains sneak in shadows, dwell in dungeons and cloak … [Read more...] about Flipping the Script: Challenging Motifs in Literature and Film
Written in the Stars: How Cultures View the Cosmos
Art by Bethany Wilson. People have always been drawn to the sky. “The stars, the peacefulness, the beauty,” Physics Professor Gerard Fasel said. “It makes you marvel, it makes you wonder. That’s what the night sky does for me.” Cultures around the world have developed different interpretations of celestial bodies, crafting intricate myths and stories to explain the … [Read more...] about Written in the Stars: How Cultures View the Cosmos
Seeing the Value in Dark
Cemetery flowers in "Dark Spring" | Photo courtesy of Katherine Parsons Out of the darkness, bright tulips bloom. Others wilt and whither. In "Dark Spring," Digital Art Professor Katherine Parsons' art project, she explores how cemetery flowers reflect both life and death. This VR experience for Coaxial Arts in downtown Los Angeles focuses on the relationship between … [Read more...] about Seeing the Value in Dark
Creatures of the Night: California Rallies for Wildlife Restoration
Art by Milan Loiacono and Savannah Welch. While the Malibu community falls into a deep sleep, a frog calls for his lover; a mountain lion hunts for her cubs; an owl sings for all of the Santa Monica Mountains to hear. The night is alive. Although unseen to many, nocturnal animals continue to play a vital role in the Santa Monica Mountains — keeping ecosystems balanced … [Read more...] about Creatures of the Night: California Rallies for Wildlife Restoration