Culture

Our curated articles offering new takes on the big themes and questions in our culture. Plus reviews of books, film, media and experiences. Culture is one of four key themes covered by Seen & Unseen.

Review
  1. Attention
  2. Culture
A corner of an art gallery displays three pictures to one side and one to the other.
In a culture of immediacy there’s a lesson to be found in the art of Georgia O’Keeffe. Alex Hughes reviews a recent exhibition of her work.
5min read
Article
  1. Comedy
  2. Culture
Three actors stand on a stage, in costume, surrounding a metal conical structure.
How a comedian survived the Fringe and kept going back.
5min read
Essay
  1. Culture
  2. Weirdness
Spiritual Experiences in London
Amid prevailing cultural suspicions towards religion, exploring spiritual experiences reveals their profound significance to individuals and civilizations. Dan Kim calls for an open-minded investigation into the nature of reality.
9min read
Review
  1. Comment
  2. Culture
Margot Robbie as Barbie in Greta Gerwig's Box-Office smash hit movie
Pat Allerton reflects on the Barbie movie, the societal questions that it answers and the existential question that it doesn't.
5min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
An actor looks on as a film director stands beside him staring with his hands raised.
Overwhelmed by the cinematic experience of Oppenheimer, Daniel Kim reflects on director Christopher Nolan's powerful modern mythmaking.
6min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Music
Barbie stands on a balcony and waves while looking out over her city.
Caught up in the Barbie moment, Belle Tindall ponders the haunting depths of the anthem that Billie Eilish has penned for the influential movie.
6min read
Review
  1. Books
  2. Culture
Rick Rubin | The Creative Act: A Way of Being
A biography lacking in personal anecdotes, makes up for it with a profound understanding of the creative process. Imogen Stokes recommends an essential read on art’s transformative power.
5min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A young couple sit next to each other on a beach sharing a towel.
Jennifer Lawrence’s latest eyebrow-raising romcom brings the sexual-awakening story back from the 90s movie graveyard. Lauren Windle explores what it really means to grow up.
4min read
Article
  1. Books
  2. Culture
A man dressed in Georgian clothes walks out of the mist.
Just over 200 years ago, Jane Austen died, now there's a struggle on how to interpret the most beloved of her male protagonists.
6min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A silouhette of an adventurer, wearing a fedora hat, stepping gingerly along a rickety bridge.
A nothing of a film robs Indiana Jones of a decent goodbye, leaving Yaroslav Walker yearning for something more black and white.
6min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Music
A painting of a 18th century man who wears a wig, white neckerchief and dark collarless coat.
Jeremy Begbie explores the significance of faith to Bach's musical vision
9min read
Interview
  1. Culture
  2. S&U interviews
A group sit in a lounge playing musical instruments while the man closest to the camera laughs.
As vintage comedy Frasier reboots, Kelsey Grammer talks with Krish Kandiah about his comeback and the significance of another recent role in Jesus Revolution.
4min read