Latest news with #Aztecs
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Eva Malhotra and the irony of a woman's world unfurled on canvas
'Women are invisible to the male gaze, except in the area of lust. All their other accomplishments, talents and capabilities go unnoticed,' says Eva Malhotra. Perhaps an unusual statement from an artist when discussing her exhibition in Bengaluru, but not as strange as her life experiences that mirror the ordeals of women the world over. The seven canvases on display in her series, Call to the Mystic, are an unusual presentation of space, time and the universe, as well as the sacred and scripts, rendered as abstracts. Executed as carved acrylic and copper foil on canvas, each of the pieces evoke a sense of mystery, wonder and curiosity. Early grounding Born to an American father and a mother who was Mexican, Eva spent the first 10 years of her life in Mexico before relocating to Los Angeles. 'We lived quite close to the border in Mexico and we'd cross into the United States to attend school everyday. But even as a child I'd see how differently I was treated in comparison to my cousins because I looked more 'American' than them,' says Eva. Growing up in a huge joint family in Mexico, Eva says her home was brimming with cousins, uncles and aunts, a few of whom were in the same age group. 'The conversations around the dining table revolved around politics and current affairs, and opened my understanding to the world outside.' 'My paternal grandfather was a commercial artist and his paints and works were always around. There was also a piano in the house so we all grew up exposed to art and music as well.' Sadly, a series of tragic events marked Eva's childhood. The death of a baby brother, the long hospitalisation of her mother and sibling, as well as the separation of her parents, not only left a deep impact, but also exposed her to the ugly realities of religious prejudice, disparity, abuse and racism. It is ironic how goddesses are revered but women are disrespected on so many levels. 'I was made aware of the discriminatory treatment that religion brings, even though Jesus Christ and his teachings are inclusive, and all these injustices developed my critical thinking skills at a young age,' she says. School in Mexico inculcated in Eva a pride in ancient Mexican culture and civilisation. 'The world only knows about the Mayans and Aztecs, but the Olmecs, Teotihuacans and Toltecs, were no less in any way. We had a formidable past that colonisers suppressed, and after settling in America, I refused to buy into their discrimination against Hispanics.' Work in progress Eva says her mother was quite keen that she got a good education, and 'always encouraged us to to become professionals' as she knew first hand how important it was. 'My mother would regularly take us to the local library and I was extremely interested in mythology and fairy tales,' she says, adding that it led to a fascination with Spanish literature which she began to study. Eva paired her social awareness and childhood experiences with classes in political science, history and economics, along with art theory, eventually becoming a lawyer. It was while she was studying at Berkeley, that she met Krish Malhotra was doing his LLM (Master of Laws), and they got married. During a visit to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, a piece of art by a Japanese artist on dark wood, fascinated Eva. 'It was a carving and it captivated me. I felt like the breeze flowing through the grass in that piece and it inspired me to work with wood.' 'I began collecting little items I would find in the street — nails, wires, pieces of glass or stones — and hammer them into wood to create my many-layered compositions.' A series titled Cosmos was well received and as she progressed with her art, she took to using lacquer and creating encaustic works where heat is used throughout the process, to fuse layers of different media onto the canvas. However, her innovative ideas turned out to become a creative channel of all the trauma she had undergone. 'I was working with wood carving tools, experimenting with the medium and technique, making aesthetic choices based on volume, form, line and harmony.' 'But importantly, what I found was that the movement and rhythm, were building emotional strength in me,' says the artist, adding that the act of gouging, nailing and scraping at those pieces were cathartic. 'After a while, I started adding natural dyes such as turmeric and indigo as well as oil colours into the grooves.' 'Sometimes while I would be working it would almost be like uncovering an old scar, and it would bring up painful memories.' 'I remembered the sexual abuse I had suffered as a child and the unjustified feeling of shame, responsibility, guilt and fear it had created in me. Due to the early onset of adolescence, I was preyed on by men and bullied by my peers. The humiliation and isolation found visceral expression in my work. The series was titled Vulnus, which in Latin means wound.' That was Eva's first exhibition and she was in her mid-50s at the time. Even as she found her groove, the NAFTA Treaty (1994) between the United States and Mexico came into effect and Eva says she saw how the economy birthed a floating population of working women. 'It lead to more exploitation as well as human and organ trafficking,' she says. 'It also resulted in a rise in femicides in Mexico. Over the years, I have studied femicides and discovered it happens all over the world. In Mexico, there are stabbings, whereas in the Middle East it's by pelting women. Guns are used in the United states and in India, they are burnt,' says the artist, who has lived in India too. Shape and form Not all of Eva's works are executed on canvas — some have been sculptures and art performances too, such as Requiem For a Woman, while This Silence Is Killing Me, came about when she experimented with oils on silk and the horrific memories of abuse came rushing back with the feel of that fabric. However, she says not all her art stemmed from dark incidents, 'there were moments of glee and wonder too, that found a place in my creations.' She recalls an African objet d'art which was embedded with circular mirrors. 'As I picked it up, I caught my eye in that mirror, it was one of the most electrifying experiences I had. I saw my gaze was totally different from how I see myself. It was quite impactful because we never really see ourselves as we truly are. We see ourselves as others see us.' 'The mirror mosaic singled out certain features as well as attitudes reflected in the way you hold your chin or the way you smile, with just your lips or your eyes, and much more. I thought that was an interesting discovery and it led to whole series called Through the Looking Glass.' 'It is about introspection. If we are honest with ourselves, we are constantly looking to see if our conduct is consonant with our values and how we perceive ourselves. While it can entail constant self criticism, to me, there is something almost sacred about how you see yourself, when you are truly looking inward.' World art Every series Eva has worked on has originated from the impact of happenings around her whether it was Bajo la Misma Luna (about borders created by nations or formed based on status, gender preference, religion or identity) or Murmullos inspired by Mexican writer Juan Rulfo 'whose works are like an abstract painting; you can interpret it a million different ways.' This series inspired by Juan Rulfo is currently on display in Chile along with works of art by Juan's son, Pablo Rulfo. Call to the Mystic came about in a similar fashion. 'India is a spiritual and mystical place; I could connect with it as I did with my ancestors, the original people of Mexico.' 'The Mayans were great astronomers and had much knowledge of the universe and the movement of the moon, the planets and stars. They had about 20 calendars which they would follow for training or to heal, physically, mentally and emotionally. They also had spiritual guides called the Counters of Time and one of my pieces in this series is named so as well.' Unlike other exhibitions, Call to the Mystic invites visitors to touch the works of art and revel in its texture, because 'you can never really know my work unless you see it not only with your eyes, but also your hands. When you touch it, you will verify what you are looking at and gain a deeper understanding of my work.' Two pieces from Call to the Mystic — The Counter of Time and In Illo Tempore — will be at the Bihar Museum Biennale in Patna this year from August 7, till the end of the year. Eva will be part of a seminar on issues of Empathy, Memory and Conflict Within Museums on August 8 at the same venue. Inspired by mythology and ancient texts Call to the Mystic by Mexican artist Eva Malhotra is a celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and India, and was introduced in the city by HE Frederico Salas, Ambassador of Mexico to India, and Sandeep Maini, Honorary Consul of Mexico in Bengaluru. Call to the Mystic will be on display at Gallery G till July 14, 2025
Chicago Tribune
7 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Today in History: R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison
Today is Sunday, June 29, the 180th day of 2025. There are 185 days left in the year. Today's highlight in history: On June 29, 2022, R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison for using his R&B superstardom to subject young fans to sexual abuse. The singer and songwriter was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking the previous year. R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison in federal court in New York after judge says he left 'a trail of broken lives'Also on this date: In 1520, Montezuma II, the ninth and last emperor of the Aztecs, died in Tenochtitlan under unclear circumstances (some say he was killed by his own subjects; others, by the Spanish). In 1613, London's original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed, was destroyed by a fire sparked by a cannon shot during a performance of 'Henry VIII.' In 1767, Britain approved the Townshend Revenue Act, which imposed import duties on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper and tea shipped to the American colonies. (Colonists bitterly protested, prompting Parliament to repeal the duties on each of the products — except for tea.) In 1776, the Virginia state constitution was adopted, and Patrick Henry was made the state's governor. In 1967, Jerusalem was reunified as Israel removed barricades separating the Old City from the Israeli sector. In 1970, the United States ended a two-month military offensive into Cambodia. In 1995, the U.S. space shuttle Atlantis docked with Russia's Mir space station as they orbited the earth. In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-3, that President George W. Bush's plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violated U.S. and international law. In 2007, the first version of the iPhone went on sale to the public; over 2.3 billion iPhones have been sold to date. In 2009, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff received a 150-year sentence for his multibillion-dollar fraud. (Madoff died in prison in April 2021.) Today's Birthdays: Songwriter L. Russell Brown is 85. Singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys is 82. Actor Gary Busey is 81. Former actor and politician Fred Grandy is 77. Rock musician Ian Paice (Deep Purple) is 77. Singer Don Dokken is 72. Rock singer Colin Hay (Men At Work) is 72. Actor Maria Conchita Alonso is 70. Actor Sharon Lawrence ('NYPD Blue') is 64. Actor Amanda Donohoe is 63. Actor Judith Hoag is 62. Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter is 62. Producer-writer Matthew Weiner is 60. Actor Melora Hardin is 58. Actor Brian D'Arcy James is 57. Rap DJ and record producer DJ Shadow is 53. Actor Zuleikha Robinson is 48. Rock musician Sam Farrar (Maroon 5) is 47. Actor Luke Kirby is 47. Singer and TV personality Nicole Scherzinger is 47. Comedian-writer Colin Jost is 43. Actor Lily Rabe is 43. NBA forward Kawhi Leonard is 34. Actor Camila Mendes (TV: 'Riverdale') is 31. Soccer player Jude Bellingham is 22.
Boston Globe
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Today in History: June 29, Apple releases the first iPhone to consumers
In 1520, Montezuma II, the ninth and last emperor of the Aztecs, died in Tenochtitlan under unclear circumstances (some say he was killed by his own subjects; others, by the Spanish). In 1613, London's original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed, was destroyed by a fire sparked by a cannon shot during a performance of 'Henry VIII.' In 1767, Britain approved the Townshend Revenue Act, which imposed import duties on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper, and tea shipped to the American colonies. (Colonists bitterly protested, prompting Parliament to repeal the duties on each of the products — except for tea.) Advertisement In 1776, the Virginia state constitution was adopted, and Patrick Henry was made the state's governor. In 1967, Jerusalem was reunified as Israel removed barricades separating the Old City from the Israeli sector. In 1970, the United States ended a two-month military offensive into Cambodia. In 1995, the US space shuttle Atlantis docked with Russia's Mir space station as they orbited the earth. In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-3, that President George W. Bush's plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violated US and international law. In 2007, the first version of the iPhone went on sale to the public; over 2.3 billion iPhones have been sold to date. In 2009, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff received a 150-year sentence for his multibillion-dollar fraud. (Madoff died in prison in April 2021.) In 2022, R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison for using his R&B superstardom to subject young fans to sexual abuse. The singer and songwriter was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking the previous year.
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
One 10p food could help lower cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease
Spirulina, an algae believed to be one of the oldest life forms on earth, is brimming with a number of health benefits linked to lowering cholesterol One food item, brimming with protein, has been associated with lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. Spirulina, an algae believed to be one of the oldest life forms on earth, is thought to have been used by the Aztecs as a stamina enhancer. Usually consumed as a powder mixed into water or in tablet form, it's a comprehensive source of nutrients - offering protein levels similar to eggs. Supplements can be purchased for just 10p per tablet at Holland and Barrett, or in powder form from retailers such as Grape Tree. Spirulina is so packed with nutrients that NASA is exploring its use as sustenance for extended space missions. Easy to incorporate into your diet, spirulina is gaining popularity as a supplement due to its alleged health benefits. Spirulina health benefits Spirulina is incredibly nutritious, packed with high levels of protein, vitamins B1, B2, B3, copper and iron. It also provides generous amounts of magnesium, potassium, manganese and small quantities of almost every other nutrient needed by the body, reports Surrey Live. The key benefits of incorporating spirulina include: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Spirulina, a type of algae, is packed with antioxidants that can protect against oxidative damage. Its active component, phycocyanin, battles free radicals and inhibits the production of inflammatory signalling molecules, offering impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This could help lower your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and certain cancers. Lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels: Research suggests spirulina can lower triglycerides and bad cholesterol, while simultaneously boosting good cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Reduce blood pressure: High doses of spirulina may reduce blood pressure, a major risk factor for many diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. May have anti-cancer properties: Limited animal trials suggest spirulina might have anti-cancer properties, helping to reduce cancer occurrence and tumour size in various cancers. However, before adding spirulina to your diet, it's important to consult a health professional. The algae can interact with some medications, so do your research. Always chat to your doctor first before making any significant lifestyle or diet changes. May alleviate hay fever: As summer approaches, many people suffer from hay fever. According to health experts at Good Food, spirulina may help ease the inflammation that comes with allergic rhinitis. One study has shown a significant improvement in symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion and itching.
Economic Times
03-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Is this little-known, gluten-free seed the ultimate superfood for lowering cholesterol and losing weight?
iStock Amaranth, an ancient pseudocereal rich in calcium, iron, protein, and fiber, is gaining recognition for its impressive health benefits. Studies show it supports bone strength, lowers bad cholesterol, aids digestion, fights inflammation, and helps regulate blood sugar. (Representational Image: iStock) In the quest for better health, one humble seed is attracting growing attention from scientists and nutritionists alike. Amaranth, a pseudocereal revered by ancient Aztecs, is fast emerging as a powerhouse ingredient capable of strengthening bones, cutting cholesterol, and aiding weight management. But what makes this ancient grain so remarkable? According to a report from The Mirror , amaranth isn't your typical cereal grain. Classified as a pseudocereal, it is a non-grass plant consumed much like true cereals but uniquely gluten-free. Dr. Julieta M. Lopez-Martinez highlights that amaranth is rich in calcium and iron, essential minerals that support bone strength and may even help prevent cellular changes linked to tumor development. A study from Vienna's BOKU-University further praises amaranth as 'one of the most promising food plant genera,' thanks to its high-quality protein, unsaturated oils, fiber, and essential minerals. — Farmsent_io (@Farmsent_io) Dr. Josh Axe, a clinical nutritionist, explains that amaranth encompasses over 60 species and was once a staple food for the Aztecs. From its leaves used medicinally to its grain serving as a fiber-rich protein source and oil applied for skin health, amaranth offers diverse benefits. Its complete protein content carries anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an ideal addition to combat heart disease, digestive issues, and chronic inflammation. Calcium is critical for bone repair and strength, and amaranth provides a significant dose. Dr. Axe emphasizes that adequate calcium intake can reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis, a condition marked by weakened bones. Regular consumption of amaranth supports skeletal health, helping maintain mobility and physical activity, especially important as we age. Amaranth's fiber content plays a key role in managing cholesterol and improving digestion. Research published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research found amaranth could lower harmful LDL cholesterol by up to 50%. Its mix of insoluble and soluble fibers traps fats and toxins in the digestive tract, facilitating their elimination and promoting gut health. Scientists at Purdue University confirm that amaranth contains a higher proportion of soluble fiber than wheat or maize, enhancing its digestive benefits. One cup of amaranth delivers more than the recommended daily manganese, a mineral vital in regulating blood sugar through gluconeogenesis—the process of converting protein into glucose. Studies indicate that manganese deficiency may impair glucose balance and kidney function, highlighting amaranth's role in diabetes management. Its rich protein and fiber content also promote satiety, reducing overeating and supporting weight loss. By keeping digestion regular and inflammation at bay, amaranth helps maintain a healthy metabolism and physical activity levels, both crucial for sustainable weight control. From ancient times to today's nutritional science, amaranth has proven itself a versatile, nutrient-dense food with far-reaching health benefits. Whether you incorporate it as flour, grain, leaf, or oil, this seed offers a natural, powerful boost to bone health, cholesterol management, diabetes control, and weight loss efforts. With science backing its myriad benefits, amaranth might just be the secret weapon your diet needs for a stronger, healthier body.
