Curious Muse

The Spartans. Known for instilling fear in the hearts of their enemies at the very sight of them, this ancient Greek city state rocketed back into public consciousness with Zack Snyder’s infamous film, “300”.    Who were the Spartans? What role did Sparta play in the ancient world? What made them a force to be reckoned with among the Greeks?  This is Sparta Explained. #Sparta #Histo...

The history of art is long and complex. It starts with the earliest creations using stone, wood, bronze, and natural pigments. Then, it ventures through the 15th Century, with the introduction of oil on canvas, before moving to the acrylics, sprays, and markers of the 20th Century.    In this week's story, we want to fast forward to the latest trend in the realm of art: the digital revol...

Often known as the "Queen of the Curve," Zaha Hadid was one of the most admired and extraordinary architects of her time. Forbes even named her among the 100 most powerful women in the world. Her daring and unconventional buildings tiptoe the line between fantasy and reality, changing our understanding of what architecture can do. She has won some of the world's top honors in the realm of architec...

Pirates. Few subjects capture our collective imagination more. In recent times, pirates have been the inspiration for countless books, movies, costumes, theme park rides, video games… movies again, more movies, very, very... long movies.    But far from the cuddly, non-threatening image of pirates that prevails today, these were some of the most feared individuals in history. And, as we...

Magical realism is an interesting word combination that is used often, but usually with little understanding. So, what is magical realism? Isn’t this term a contradiction? Is magical realism just a variation of the fantasy genre? Let’s investigate!   In this video we'll explore:  📍What is required of magical realism as a literary genre?  📍Who are the most important writers? ...

Why is an urinal considered a piece of art? What does the word Dada represent? What are Dada soirees? What does Dadaist poetry sound like? And can everything and anything become a work of art if we chose to declare it art? In this episode, you'll find out the answers to these questions and learn more about the famous art movement called DADAISM.   #Dadaism​ #Art​ #CuriousMuse​

An obsession with sunflowers, a mutilated ear, and a melancholic temperament; these are just a few characteristics of a truly great artist: Vincent van Gogh.   He spent years in relative obscurity, putting his depression onto canvas, only to become one of the most celebrated artists of all time. But can these innocuous details really summarize such an iconic figure in the art world?  Was...

2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Vuitton — the man behind one of the most successful luxury brands in the world!  What better way to celebrate the life of such a fashion legend than to examine the history and cult-status of Louis Vuitton?    Once just a small company with limited supplies, Louis Vuitton has since grown into one of the most recognizable manufact...

You’re probably familiar with the work of Pablo Picasso, but how much do you know about Cubism — the art movement he invented with his friend and fellow artist George Braque? Moreover, what is Cubism, and why is it considered such a radical movement? In this video, you will learn about one of the most groundbreaking movements of the 20th century that changed the course of art history forever. &nbs...

👨‍🎨 For many artists, architects, and historians, the Bauhaus is a symbol of modernism and artistic ingenuity. However, to the vast majority of people, the Bauhaus seems like a rather peculiar and short-lived German art school. 🪑 In this episode, we'll find out what Bauhaus is and why it became the most influential design movement of the 20th century. #Bauhaus​​ #Design​​ #CuriousMuse​ #Curious...

Since 1997, over half a billion copies of the Harry Potter books have been sold, making it the best selling book series of all time. The Harry Potter film series is the third highest grossing series of all time, only falling behind the Star Wars and Marvel franchises.   So, how did JK Rowling do it? Well, if the answer isn’t witchcraft, it just might be the sheer number of cultural, historica...

How does a thriving metropolis turn into a desolate ghost city? Let's explore the answer while taking a look at some of the most famous and curious ghost cities from around the world: Angkor Pompeii  Chernobyl  Hashima Island  Tianducheng #GhostTowns #Architecture #CuriousMuse

African sculptures, Oceanic ritual masks, Japanese woodblock prints…Today, you can turn to Google to see thousands of pieces of artwork from around the world. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, non-Western art just started to make its way to Europe. Works from abroad fascinated European artists with their beautiful aesthetics, subtle color palettes, unique perspectives, and non-tr...

Contrary to the image in your mind, alchemy is not about robed, wizard-like figures involved in some occult practice in his dimly lit apothecary. The practice is old – ancient, in fact – but what is alchemy, really? Is it science or is it magic? What does it have to do with the philosopher’s stone?   In this episode, let’s find out what alchemy is!   #Alchemy ​ #History ​ #CuriousMuse

You've probably heard of Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, or Frida Kahlo. These surrealist artists created many amazing artworks. But do you know about the philosophy behind the movement? What does Freud have to do with Surrealism? Why did Dali show us his dreams and nightmares? And why did Magritte paint an image of “raining men”?  Let’s find out in this story!   #Surrealism #Art #CuriousM...

This week we take an in-depth and immersive look into the life of the iconic Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. In this podcast, you'll learn about the key moments and experiences that shaped Frida and her art. From suffering multiple injuries to surviving turbulent relationships, Frida proved to be larger than life in her drive to live and create.   #FridaKahlo #Art #CuriousMuse

Nearly every culture and religion in the world have certain beliefs about the afterlife. While most of us are very familiar with the version of Hell as a fiery pit, how much do we know about the other versions of Hell that exist?     This week, we take you on a tour through Hell to explore the finest of Underworlds!   #Hell #Mythology #CuriousMuse

For many of us the world over, coffee is a staple. But how is the drink related to goats? Is coffee linked to the devil? How has coffee been linked to occult practices and telling the future? Some of us are shamelessly dependent on the drink to get us going in the morning, but how many of us know the darker history behind our favourite drink?   In the last few years, the drink has seen a cult...

Almost everyone has heard of Geishas, and can recognize one by their distinctive look. And yet, only a few people really know the historical role they've played in Japanese society and what they really do. The world of the Geisha is still shrouded in misconceptions to this day.  In this podcast, we open up that secret world and explore the lives and times of the Geishas - from their humble be...

From iconic illustrations to prominent prints, Andy Warhol made a lasting impact on the world of art. But the talent and influence of this legendary icon extends beyond the art, to the catwalks of fashion. In this video, we pull back the curtain and give a quick history of Andy Warhol’s life and how his pop art changed the way we dress.   #AndyWarhol #Art #Fashion #CuriousMuse

Ballet is one of the most exquisite forms of high art in existence. Watching it for the first time can be a bit... overwhelming. And while you know that it’s impressive, for sure, you aren’t quite sure why.   But the truth is that you don't need to be an expert to enjoy it and you can make your first experience watching the ballet nothing short of a stellar one.   Here is your 5-ste...

“The caffeine of Europe,” as he liked to call himself, Filippo Tommaso Marinetti was the godfather of Futurism, Italy's most coherent artistic movement of the 20th century. In this video, you'll learn why Futurism attacked traditions, promoted "the beautiful ideas which kill" and claimed that beauty exists only in struggle.

The Big Apple. The metropolis. The City that never sleeps. Nowhere else on earth quite captures the imagination quite as much as New York. It has shaped our culture, inspired our songs, films, fashion and cuisine. You can love it, you can hate it… most people have a healthy mix of both. But whatever you feel. you just can’t ignore it. But have you ever wondered… what was New York like 100 years ag...