Arts & Culture
“Reading The Listeners is like being gently electrocuted,” local author Alexis M. Smith said as she introduced the author of the novel, Portland State professor Leni Zumas. Zumas’ novel is “a story of humanely sloppy punk-rock love,” Smith told a crowd of about 50 last week at the Angry Pigeon Gallery in the Pearl District.
Appropriation, or the taking of something without right or license, is a common theme and tool in contemporary art and throughout modern pop culture. Sports teams fit their logos with imagery depicting cultural stereotypes, even as conceptual artists pilfer commercial brands for use in their own works. In some cases, these forms of appropriation can be provocative or invigorating to an icon or image. But when exactly is appropriation inappropriate?
Lauren Kamp, Graduate student at the School of Education in front of Food for Thought Cafe.
“There are only three countries in the world that truly exert global influence at the level of popular culture,” said Ken Ruoff, director of the Center for Japanese Studies at PSU. “One is the United Kingdom, another is the U.S., but curiously enough, the third one is Japan.”
What happens to that iPod Nano you replaced? That bulky television set rendered obsolete by the newest LED-screen model? If you’ve ever been curious about where your “e-waste” ends up, the documentary Terra Blight will shed some light on this mystery. And the truth can sometimes hurt.
A night of soulful and artful music, dancing and cheap craft beer, all within walking distance of Portland State—and it’s for a great cause?
This review comes with a disclaimer: I am not a “film lover.”
Just kidding, put down the pitchforks—of course I love film. But I grew out of being a film snob long ago, and I am just as happy being called a “movie buff.” I believe that entertainment is not a bad word: I love all genres of film, I don’t have lofty opinions about camera angles and I’ve only ever used the word vision ironically. I’m also constantly wary of the “Emperor’s New Clothes syndrome” in films—where something is presented in such a pretentious way that “film lovers” are obligated to like it.
In the words of Portland-based professional designer Eric Hillerns, Portland is “a city of design and for design.” As home to a host of world-renowned brands such as Nike and Adidas, the city certainly has a case to make for its design credentials. But how are things on the ground floor, where design finds its roots?
An Ice-T-directed documentary featuring Chuck D, Dr. Dre, Method Man, Immortal Technique, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Run-D.M.C. and about 30 other prominent artists.
Our generation has become dependent on the Internet: our schooling, social lives and daily activities all quietly revolve around Facebooking, texting, Tumblring and tweeting whether we’re conscious of it or not.
While our last few sunny days give way to rain, it’s time to start packing up the grill and saying hello to fall recipes. Fall—my favorite cooking season of the year—brings warm and luscious dishes spiced ever-so-nicely with rich flavors. Take advantage of these months and get to know what’s seasonal in Oregon.