Keanu Reeves Knows His Mythology

April 5, 2023

Good morning. ☁️ Did you know that the new Keanu Reeves John Wick movie is heavily informed by Greco-Roman mythology? Historian Sarah E. Bond, a self-confessed fan of the series, wrote a fun breakdown of all the art and mythology references in the film. I almost want to watch it now.

In other stories, Italy is planning a high-speed train from Rome to Pompeii, archaeologists discover rare zodiac reliefs in an Egyptian temple, and there's news about that drunken guy from Philadelphia who stole an ancient sculpture's thumb in 2017.

We also have recommendations of shows to see in Los Angeles this month, an artist's queer interpretation of the Jewish Mikvah bathhouse, and other delightful things.

— Hakim Bishara, Senior Editor

John Wick Gives a Bone-Cracking Lesson in Greco-Roman Mythology

Familiar tales of Greek and Roman mythology abound in the latest chapter of the cult series. | Sarah E. Bond

SPONSORED

Yayoi Kusama: I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers

Yayoi Kusama will unveil her latest works on May 11 in one of her largest gallery exhibitions to date at David Zwirner in New York City. The exhibition will feature new paintings, new sculptures elaborating on her signature motifs of pumpkins and flowers, and a new Infinity Mirrored Room.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Representation of the zodiac sign Sagittarius (photo by Ahmed Emam, courtesy Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Archaeologists discover a complete zodiac relief series hidden by 2,000 years of soot and grime on the ceilings of the Egyptian Temple of Esna.

Rome and Pompeii are set to be connected with a direct high-speed train in 2024.

The man who stole the left thumb of a 2,000-year-old Xi'an Terracotta Warrior has accepted a plea deal for interstate trafficking.

SPONSORED

BRIClab 2023/24 Residency Applications Open for NYC Artists

The visual artists, performers, and media makers selected as residents receive $2,500 stipends, mentorship, documentation of their work, and more. Learn more.

CRITICS' PICKS

Minerva Cuevas Strikes the Gods of Environmental Destruction

In taking aim at contemporary corporations, especially oil companies, Cuevas draws a connection between colonization, trade, and the devastation of the natural world. | Annabel Keenan

10 Art Shows to See in LA This Month

Your list of must-see, fun, insightful, and very Los Angeles art events this month, including Carmen Herrera, Robert Russell, Olivia Mole, and more. | Matt Stomberg

SPONSORED

Brooklyn Museum Presents A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration

The exhibition features newly commissioned works by 12 acclaimed Black contemporary artists such as Carrie Mae Weems, Theaster Gates, and more. Learn more.

QUEER VOICES

Chitra Ganesh's Coloring Book Resists Queer Erasure

Queer Power! A Time Travelling Coloring Book honors LGBTQI+ activists and cultural icons. | Rhea Nayyar

Queering the Jewish Mikvah

Artist Nicki Green sees the traditional bathing ritual as a site where trans and nonbinary people can embrace their gender identity. | Isabella Segalovich

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