Culture
Art
In our arts coverage we explore the complex intersection of art and politics, profiling artists worldwide who use their work to reflect, resist, and tell truth to power. With revealing interviews, profiles and in-depth features, we discover how artists navigate and challenge the political landscapes they inhabit, using their work as a powerful catalyst for change and telling potent narratives about our global society. We also look at questions of censorship and sponsorship, as regimes and corporations attempt force or buy influence through art, and investigate cultural appropriation and the legacy of colonialism
Spotlight: Roger Ballen’s world of contrasts
Subi Shah talks humanity, power and expression with Johannesburg-based artist Roger Ballen.
The interview: Mohamad Hafez
The Syrian-American architect and artist about the power of nostalgia and his lifelong homesickness for Syria.
Spotlight: Yinka Shonibare
The acclaimed – and playful – sculptor Yinka Shonibare impresses on Subi Shah his love for cultural exchange.
How a London arms fair shields the war on Yemen
As the world’s largest arms fair takes place in London, Lydia Noon talks to Yemeni artist Ahmed Jahaf about living under a Saudi-led military siege.
The Saudi street artist speaking truth to power
Ms Saffaa talks to Alessio Perrone about the inspiration for her murals and why Saudi women need a different narrative.
Are oil companies losing their social license?
As opposition to fossil-fuel sponsorship grows, arts institutions funded by big oil are looking increasingly out of touch. Danny Chivers reports.
Why I protested a British Museum exhibition of my own people’s history
Yasmin Younis explains why she protested against a British Museum exhibition of her own people’s history.
Using comedy to break down stereotypes
Nick Dowson reports on Mark Thomas’s attempt to train a comedy troupe in the West Bank.
Did the British Museum sell ‘Day of the Dead’ to BP?
New documents tell a damning story of an iconic museum, its oil sponsor and a rights-violating government. Chris Garrard reports.
The Zapatista's CompArte art festival in images
Over a thousand artists gathered in Chiapas, Mexico for an art festival for humanity. Ryan Mallett-Outtrim reports, in this photo essay.
Why Brazil’s art scene is fighting the impeachment
The country's artists are in motion, reports Kimberley Brown.
Freer than the wind – the art of Ai Weiwei
Hannah Garrard visits the Chinese dissident artist’s exhibition at London’s Royal Academy.
The Palestinian boy who remains 10 years old
Noreen Sadik tells the story of Handala, a young refugee created by cartoonist Naji al-Ali. A child that won’t age until he can return home.
Interview with Antony Gormley
The British sculptor, whose naked form has been cast and displayed across the world, speaks to Libby Powell about masculinity, movement and the adventure of being human.
