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Weekly Whiskers

Searching for solace in the surreal: An exploration of the Rose Art Museum’s newest exhibits

How do we navigate a world that often feels beyond understanding? Where do we turn when uncertainty shapes our future and anxiety defines our present? One potential place is art — or more specifically, Surrealism. A movement which essentially grew during a period of strife and conflict between World Wars I and II, Surrealism offers a lens through which we can tap into realms and realities beyond what’s directly perceivable. Although art in its multitude of forms cannot be dated, October 2024 marked the centennial of Surrealism. To honor such a pivotal event in art history, the Rose Art Museum unveiled two new exhibitions that represent the Surrealist movement. 

Weekly Whiskers

‘Wrongs & RIGHTS’: A curatorial exploration of the historical battle for reproductive rights

June 2025 will mark three years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a decision that set reproductive rights in America back decades. The exhibit “Wrongs & RIGHTS,” curated by Laura Dvorkin and Maynard Monrow, is framed as an intergenerational discussion about the fight for reproductive rights. “Wrongs & RIGHTS” can be found on display in the Kniznick Gallery in the Women’s Studies Research Center at Brandeis. On display in the exhibit are over 20 pieces of various media. Although the exhibit contains pieces that date as far back as 1968 the collection of works are meant to invoke a sense of urgency as a reaction to the 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Featuring 22 artists each piece in the exhibit touches on the topic of reproductive rights differently.  

‘Nosferatu:’ A ballad of eerines

This past Christmas, director Robert Eggers, known for “The Lighthouse” and “The Witch,” released his eagerly awaited film “Nosferatu.” This modern reinvention of the 1922 film “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” is being hailed for reviving the gothic horror genre and with a slate of underrated, though adored, actors the movie provides a uniquely contemporary interpretation with thematic shifts representative of current politics. Nonetheless, Eggers’ direction respects its inspiration with silent film cinematography practices and a return to the spirit of the period’s feminist depictions.  

‘The Color of Pomegranates’: The beauty of weirdness in crafting impactful narratives

Sergei Parajanov’s film, “The Color of Pomegranates” is truly groundbreaking with its interesting filming techniques, storytelling choices and iconic overall aesthetics. Parajanov’s ability to mesh the story of Sayat Nova, a famous Armenian artist and poet, with historical aspects of his culture made the movie a staple in filmmaking and in the Armenian diaspora. His images and film style appealed to the many surrealist filmmakers at the time and yet his visions for the film didn’t align with the beliefs of the Soviet government, resulting in the ban of the film for over 50 years. Despite this, filmmakers all over the world today refer to the movie as one of the most influential of its time. No matter if you watch the first or second version of the restored films, Parajanov’s vision remains clear. The unconventional narrative techniques of Parajanov’s “The Color of Pomegranates” accentuate the weirdness and experimental nature of the film by adding depth and meaning that is only discernible by the audience themselves.

‘Clueless’: The Quintessential Teen Romantic Comedy

Everyone seems to have a teen romantic comedy that holds a special place in their heart. For most, these films evoke a strong level of nostalgia, like the fond memories of watching “Mean Girls” for the first time at a middle school sleepover. Upon rewatching, however, these films tend to be a mixed bag. While some — like “Ten Things I Hate About You” — are able to remain on their pedestal, others fall flat when examined with a scrutinizing, grown-up eye — as seen with “The Kissing Booth.” For me, Amy Heckerling’s “Clueless” is perhaps the most nostalgic teen rom-com of all time. I first watched the film at 14 years old, and it’s been imprinted on my mind ever since. But, as time passes and our once juvenile tastes grow more sophisticated, does this film still hold up? For the most part, yes. With privileged, yet unconventionally wise female characters, eternally quotable dialogue and an escapist setting that borders on fantasy, “Clueless” is the quintessential teen rom-com to be enjoyed by viewers of any age. 

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Reflections on restitution: A conversation with Dr. Alexandra Ratzlaff

On Nov. 24, the 37th annual Brandeis University Thanksgiving Tea was held in London. This event highlights the endurance of the Brandeis community and is the longest-running Alumni Association event held in the World. Current Brandeis students studying abroad are invited to attend, learn and meet alumni in Great Britain, forging the connections between their pasts and our futures. Sharon Rosenberg ’00, Senior Director of Alumni Relations, spearheaded this event with a passion felt by all students and alumni present.

Adagio

On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, Adagio Dance Company held their annual fall show case in Levin Ballroom. Dancers from Brandeis and other institutions from the Greater Boston area dazzled and stunned the audience with their kicks and twirls, right in line with the show’s them, the “Roaring 20’s.”

Freedom and fear: An artistic exploration

How do we create in moments of extreme suffering? What role does art play to placate or heal emotional pain? These are questions multidisciplinary artist and activist Daria Pugachova explores with her dynamic and interactive creations. Born in Rivne, Ukraine, Pugachova was always a creative. She studied architecture at Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, and for years played the drums with her band, Panivalkova. However, in 2019, when her band ended, Pugachova pivoted towards just as engaging and interactive works, exploring concepts of grief, dreams and community. 

Margaret Oliphant’s ‘The Doctor’s Family’

Throughout my life, I have been immersed in the idea that women, particularly mothers, are held to an impossibly high standard. Watching my mother balance her career as a lawyer and raise myself and my brothers introduced me to the term “supermom.” Supermoms are commonly defined as moms who work full time jobs while still performing “traditional” female roles in the home. I grew up in my mother’s office. There were always toys laying around amidst all her clients’ files. To me, growing up in my mom’s office is the epitome of a working mother’s life, as they are expected to juggle their role as both a caregiver and an employee. 

Crossword: Brandeis in a Few Words

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MELA: ROYA

On Saturday, Nov. 16, Brandeis’ South Asian Student Association held their 28th annual MELA, a vibrant celebration of the cultures of ten cultures and regions of South Asia. This year, SASA organized a magical night of dancing, music, fashion and other cultural performances, embodying their theme of “Roya.” Roya is a Farsi word meaning the “realm of dreams.” Between the beautiful backdrop, performances and overall appreciation for South Asian culture, the night was a dream brought to life. 

Yum Cha

On Saturday, Nov. 9, Brandeis’ Club Cantonese held their annual culture show, “Yum Cha” in Levin Ballroom. “Yum Cha” literally translates to ‘drink tea,’ though the show itself offers much more than a comforting cup of tea. C2B curated an exciting night of festivities celebrating Cantonese and East Asian culture. Filled with songs, dances and delicious eats, the night was a celebration to remember.  

Sudoku Solution

Weekly Whiskers

The unseen politics of grief: ‘High Maintenance’ and the privilege of mourning

We’re not strangers to grief. It’s inevitable that we will all stumble through the five stages at one point or another, likely on numerous occasions.  While loss is most commonly associated with physical loss — such as that of a loved one — it can also apply to more ideological dimensions. Political grief became a widely recognized phenomena in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election when Donald Trump’s victory sent shockwaves through the nation. For millions of Americans, Trump’s victory wasn’t just a political loss — it was the loss of societal values, moral compasses, and, for many, the very idea of a future they had once hoped for. And now, on Nov. 6, 2024, those very same feelings of loss were echoed, if not intensified. 

Diwali

On Sunday Nov. 3, Brandeis’ Namaskar presented a celebration of the Hindu holiday, Diwali. Diwali, also considered the festival of lights and the start of the Hindu new year, is a holiday that celebrates the triumph of Prince Rama over the demon king Ravana. The day of Diwali marks Rama’s return to his home, Ayodhya and ultimately symbolizes the enduring victory of good over evil. To honor this holiday, Namaskar hosting a grandiose celebration filled with laughter, dancing, henna and good eats. This event embodied the light spirit of the original holiday, bringing joy and hope for everyone in attendance.