#museum narratives

[blackkatdraws2]

I don't know what I was doing When suddenly, we fell apart

[Achromatic Loop AU]

[nobrashfestivity]

Franz Sedlacek, Twilight Song, 1931, Albertina Museum, Vienna, Austria.

[sollucets]

just khatha things

[ghost-37]

Angela Davis - Seize The Time (2023) Oakland Museum of California

[talistheintrovert]

midnight museum crack 7/?

it's all about The One aka the spicy loml

[llycaons]

yayy revolutionaries

[thevagabondexpress]

I think the thing a lot of authors of things using mythology (be they set in ancient times, modern times, or some intentionally anachronistic postmodern thing) forget is that mythology is not about killing these specific monsters with these specific kinds of ancient weapons or retrieving these specific artifacts or these ancient evil things that were locked away long ago.

In reality, mythology is: X and Y are canonically eternally mad at each other because of Z, "The affair was bogus do not believe the Daily Mail!", the guy you put on a pedestal in middle school turns out to be a drunk, and there will be a monster-or-something-of-the-week problem for your protagonist to McGyver their way out of, or filibuster-like-a-Starfleet-Captain their way out of, or sleep-with-someone their way out of, or prove-they-didn't-sleep-with-someone their way out of, or get-Q-to-provide-a-cool-gadget their way out of, but then this problem will never occur again because either you'll be best buddies now or the thing will be gone for good because the Hydra is like Napoleon, these things are individuals, not genuses and species.

tl;dr, mythology isn't IKEA furniture. the point is to capture the right kind of character dynamics and the right kind of narrative hijinks, not whether you have AA batteries and philips head screws.

[hoochieblues]

Céline et Julie vont en bateau: Phantom Ladies Over Paris (1974) dir. Jacques Rivette

[izzymalec]

i actually LOVE seeing old men's clothes in museums, they're like i'm wearing a skirt over my armour and my dick gets a little cup

[wkaustubh]

Exploring the Peranakan Culture in Singapore

The vibrant tapestry of Singapore's cultural landscape is incomplete without the rich threads of Peranakan heritage. Just as the nocturnal Wildlife Park Singapore beckons nature enthusiasts, the term "Peranakan" refers to the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay Archipelago, including Singapore, during the 15th to 17th centuries. This unique cultural fusion has given rise to a distinct Peranakan identity that encompasses aspects of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian traditions. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, akin to the thrill of the reverse bungee in Singapore, the Peranakan culture stands as a captivating testament to the harmonious blend of diverse influences in this vibrant metropolis.

Historical Background

Early Migration: The Peranakan story begins with the migration of Chinese communities to the Malay Archipelago. These early settlers intermarried with local Malays, resulting in a harmonious blend of cultural practices.

Cultural Fusion: The Peranakan culture stands as a testament to the amalgamation of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences. The fusion extends beyond mere culinary preferences, permeating every aspect of daily life.

Distinctive Peranakan Cuisine

Iconic Dishes: Peranakan cuisine, also known as Nyonya cuisine, is celebrated for its unique blend of flavors. Signature dishes like Laksa, Ayam Buah Keluak, and Kueh Dadar showcase the intricate marriage of Chinese and Malay culinary techniques.

Culinary Traditions: The preparation of Peranakan dishes involves time-honored traditions passed down through generations. The meticulous use of herbs, spices, and indigenous ingredients contributes to the unmistakable Peranakan flavor profile.

Peranakan Art and Craft

Intricate Designs: Peranakan art is characterized by intricate designs, often seen in textiles, ceramics, and architecture. These designs reflect the cultural diversity and are a visual representation of the Peranakan identity.

Symbolism in Art: Each piece of Peranakan art tells a story. The intricate patterns on porcelain, known as "straits Chinese porcelain," are laden with symbolic meanings, representing prosperity, good luck, and familial ties.

Traditional Peranakan Clothing

Sarong Kebaya: The traditional attire of Peranakan women, the Sarong Kebaya, is a graceful ensemble comprising a kebaya blouse paired with a batik sarong. This attire is a symbol of Peranakan femininity and grace.

Beaded Slippers: Completing the ensemble are beaded slippers known as "kasut manek." These meticulously crafted shoes are a hallmark of Peranakan fashion, showcasing intricate beadwork and vibrant colors.

Architecture and Heritage Homes

Shophouses and Their Significance: Peranakan influence is also evident in the architecture of shophouses. Elaborate facades, vibrant colors, and ceramic tiles contribute to the distinctiveness of Peranakan-style buildings.

Preserving Peranakan Heritage: Efforts to preserve Peranakan heritage include the restoration and conservation of heritage homes. These initiatives aim to maintain the authenticity of Peranakan architecture for future generations.

Language and Literature

Unique Language – Baba Malay: The Peranakan community developed its own language, known as "Baba Malay." This linguistic blend incorporates elements of Malay, Chinese, and Indonesian, further emphasizing the cultural amalgamation.

Folktales and Stories: The rich oral tradition of Peranakan culture is encapsulated in folktales and stories that have been passed down through generations. These narratives offer insights into the community's history, values, and customs.

Festivals and Celebrations

Peranakan Weddings: Peranakan weddings are elaborate affairs, blending Chinese and Malay wedding customs. Intricate ceremonies, vibrant costumes, and traditional rituals make these celebrations a unique and visually stunning experience.

Lunar New Year Celebrations: The Lunar New Year holds special significance for Peranakans. The festivities include elaborate family reunions, traditional feasts, and the iconic tossing of the yusheng for prosperity and good fortune.

Challenges in Preserving Peranakan Culture

Modernization Impact: The relentless march of modernization poses challenges to preserving Peranakan culture. Changing lifestyles, urban development, and globalization threaten to erode the distinctiveness of this unique heritage.

Efforts for Cultural Conservation: Despite challenges, various initiatives aim to safeguard Peranakan culture. Museums, cultural organizations, and community-driven projects work tirelessly to document, preserve, and celebrate the rich Peranakan legacy.

Peranakan Influence in Modern Singapore

Contemporary Peranakan Culture: The Peranakan influence extends beyond traditional boundaries. Today, Peranakan culture is embraced in contemporary settings, influencing fashion, design, and culinary trends in modern Singapore.

Popular Peranakan Establishments: The popularity of Peranakan cuisine has led to the establishment of renowned Nyonya restaurants and Peranakan-inspired cafes. These establishments not only showcase the culinary heritage but also serve as hubs for cultural exchange.

Tourism and Peranakan Experience

Peranakan Museums: Museums dedicated to Peranakan culture offer visitors a deep dive into the history, art, and traditions of the community. The artifacts and exhibits serve as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Peranakan heritage.

Cultural Tours: Guided cultural tours provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore Peranakan neighborhoods, sample authentic cuisine, and witness the living traditions that continue to thrive in the community.

Personal Narratives

Interviews with Peranakan Community Members: Personal narratives from members of the Peranakan community offer a unique perspective. Interviews highlight the challenges faced, the pride in preserving culture, and the ongoing efforts to pass down traditions to future generations.

Stories of Cultural Preservation: Heartwarming stories of individuals and communities actively engaged in preserving Peranakan culture showcase the resilience and determination to ensure that this rich heritage remains alive and thriving.

Conclusion

In the tapestry of Singapore's multicultural identity, the Peranakan culture weaves a vibrant and colourful thread. From its humble beginnings to the challenges of modernization, the Peranakan community stands resilient, proudly preserving its unique heritage. As we explore the intricate blend of traditions, art, cuisine, and personal narratives, it becomes evident that Peranakan culture is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing entity shaping the cultural landscape of contemporary Singapore.

[adamshallperish]

we need children's museums for adults

[doubtspirit]

Stanczyk (1862) by artist Jan Matejko , The National Museum in Warsaw

[stormyoceans]

what are your impression of midnight museum?:) did you like it as a whole? who's your favourite character? what didn't you like?

OH I LOVED MIDNIGHT MUSEUM!!!!!! i mean, okay, let's be honest.. it was an absolute mess and if you asked me to explain what the hell happened in the last two episodes i probably would not be able to do it, BUT STILL!!!!!!! I LOVED IT. sometimes being able to entertain your viewers is more than enough to make a show both memorable and likeable, and i think midnight museum is the perfect example of this

the show is a mixture of fantasy, science fiction and mystery, which are three genres im personally very weak for. the first half also has an episodic nature to it that i miss in television a lot: it can be boring when there isn’t a strong horizontal narrative getting advanced in the background, but if you can make it work it’s really fun for the viewers, and in this particular case i do believe the show was at its strongest when it fully embraced this format. the ‘artifact of the week’ with the enigma of dome’s identity was really entertaining to me, and i loved how creepy and disturbing some of the storylines were. the decision to throw in an abundance of biblical symbolisms as well in the second half of the show probably wasn't a good idea for the plot as a whole, but that's something i find incredibly fascinating so i'd be lying if i said i didn't love every (confusing) second of it

the real strength of the show lies in its cast, though. i already knew that gun and nanon are incredible actors, but i wasn't familiar with tor before midnight museum and i will always be grateful to it for introducing him to me because he is phenomenal. he showed up on that set every single day and decided to give so much yearning longing pining aching worrying agony anguish guilt restraint with the twitch of his mouth alone, and i respect him so much for it. honestly there aren't many people who are able to convey so many emotions in such an effective way. the supporting cast was also pretty solid and some of the guest actors gave an outstanding performance, like fah and tu in episode 5 for example

the other strong point of the show is the relationship between khatha and dome/chan/one. it’s basically on the level of chinese censored gay romance, and even when the writing didn’t give it justice, gun and tor’s on screen chemistry still managed to make it incredibly compelling to watch (an anon once told me that gun would have insane chemistry with literally anyone he got paired with and you know what? I COULDN’T AGREE MORE). the choice of not making their relationship a romantic one does baffle me a little tbh, especially because they were trying to push the brothers agenda while also giving explicitly romantic elements and parallels, but i can easily overlook this since the ending was very satisfying to me (i also don’t think this was queerbaiting btw, but that’s another story)

as for the things i disliked, my main issue with the show is the execution. the premise was original and had a lot of potential, but it’s obvious that the writing team lacked an overall vision of the (overcomplicated) story they wanted to tell: the moment they abandoned the episodic structure to focus on the larger narrative, the events start missing a sense of unity and direction, and the characters feel aimless too. i find every member of the main gang really interesting and likeable, but with the exception of khatha (love that old man btw, he is my absolute fave) they’re all criminally underdeveloped

MDL originally had midnight museum listed as having 15 episodes, and im not sure where did that information come from, but i actually think they did need those 5 extra episodes to make the plot more coherent, give more depth to the characters and explore the relationship between them (we should have had AT LEAST another june focused episode, a couple on triphob and bam and their relationship, one on anthika and boon, and one to let dome gain a little more sense of identity). if we ever get a season 2 they better fix this and fully develop all the characters BEFORE they try to explain what the hell is going on

ANYWAY. TL;DR:

[sanstropfremir]

OMGGG the backhanded art comment 💀🤡 I wanted to say thank you sooo much for adding your input because comments like that are the reason why I have the urge to rip my hair out everytime I enter the comment section of an MV/Dance Practice like wdym "it's not dance, it's art" ?? what did you think dance was??? How little do you care about dance then?? You're literally the first person I know to address it which was kind of unexpected but very much needed (Sorry if you can feel the frustration radiating of this ask, but that's how much I despise it)

kljlkjflkjflksda well i did go to a very prestigious art school so i do have the experience to back up my backhandedness. i have to thank @exo-s-victory-lap first bc if they hadn't posted that comment on the birthday dance practice i wouldn't have said anything, bc i never read the comments on any kpop-related videos as i don't need the headache. but you're right it is a thing that very few people talk about, mostly because like i said, there's a mass lack of education around the different types of 'art' beyond painting and sculpture, and what even is 'qualified' to be called art in the first place. to be honest dance gets the most of this pseudo-'complimentary' offensive garbage because the average person in the west just does not interact with dance as an artform like, at all. the most common types of dance at the moment are street dance based/whatever shows up on tiktok and they've become so ubiquitous that people have ceased to see it as a skill and connect it to being worthy of being called 'art'. the convention of what constitutes 'art' in a lot of the general public's eyes is western eurocentric forms that have 'historical' backing, but only those that have been approved by the 'elite' as the ones acceptable. and very very few forms of dance have made that cut, so relatively few people recognize it as such.

[starbuck]

okay, i can’t find the post i made about it way back when but i listened to Man, It’s So Loud In Here for the first time in a while tonight and Song About The Narrative, my Beloved… how i have missed you…

[aura-bug]

idk what to put in ur askbox out of the options. have this freakin. stuff. from the asian art museum in washington dc when i went to visit for a school thing

AUUUUUUAAAAAUAGHHHHHH YOOOOOOOOOOOO THIS IS SO FUCKING COOL TY FOR FEEDING ME 🔥🔥🔥