Giant painted sculptures will form an art trail paying tribute to The Spiders from Mars guitarist.
Giant rat sculpture trail to honour Mick Ronson
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Giant painted sculptures will form an art trail paying tribute to The Spiders from Mars guitarist.
8 Indigenous musicians to know in 2024
CBC Music is celebrating National Indigenous History Month with eight artists you need to know in 2024. Whether you’re a fan of breezy folk music, cathartic pop, electrifying hip-hop or soulful R&B, these emerging musicians should be on your radar.
Mattmac
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Mattmac is an Oji-Cree music producer and rapper from Garden Hill First Nation who has been on the rise for the past few years, and recently had a breakthrough when he was crowned the winner of CBC Music’s 2023 Searchlight competition. His tracks are a tight mix of crisp trap beats and catchy pop hooks, and often feature collaborations with fellow Indigenous artists such as Mariame and Rex Smallboy. Whether rapping about anxiety or singing about heartbreak, Mattmac’s unapologetic authenticity shines through in every song.
His latest release, “Imposters,” is an upbeat track that acknowledges the pressures of fame while also celebrating his community: “I wanna see my people at the top,” he sings. “We’re out here breaking barriers and countering stereotypes, and just doing our own thing,” he said in a press release, summing up not only the song’s empowering theme, but also his approach to making music. — Natalie Harmsen
Anachnid
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It’s been just over four years since Kiki Harper, a.k.a. Anachnid, shared Dreamweaver, her debut album full of electro-pop synthscapes that transport you to a different world. The Oji-Cree musician has released a few tracks since her 2020 record was longlisted for the Polaris Prize — her most recent being a three-song EP, 2023’s Freak of Nature, in collaboration with Popop Records and Musique Nomade.
On Freak of Nature, Anachnid’s vocals are sparse, haunting and ethereal, which is a bit of a departure from her past work. There are no lyrics, and the sounds coming from Harper are natural, human sounds she hopes listeners can connect with on a visceral level, “to show, really, what the Indigenous universe is like,” Harper told Popop in French.
Freak of Nature is an extension of her lived experience as an Indigenous woman in downtown Montreal — tuned up with synths, drums and vocal effects. Harper’s vocals are non-intrusive, inviting the listener in close. In a time where it feels like we’re constantly surrounded by noise, Anachnid tells us to stop, listen and just be. — Kyle Muzyka
Wyatt C. Louis
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Folk artist Wyatt C. Louis is a nêhiyaw singer-songwriter based in Moh’kinstsís, Treaty 7 Territory. Their voice echoes with warmth and soul on their debut album, Chandler (their middle name), which was released in May. The album is filled with gentle guitar strumming and honeyed melodies that capture the haze of summer. Bursts of pedal steel on songs such as “Bobtail Road” add a country feel to Louis’s sound, but don’t let the lush instrumentals distract you from their songwriting skills: CBC Music producer Robert Rowat described Louis as “a lyricist who imbues simple, direct language with poignant layers of meaning.”
Chandler may be a new release, but Louis is already looking ahead to their next project, which could potentially include linguistic nods to their heritage: “I’m working one tune where I’m trying to incorporate Cree words that I’ve learned that also mean a lot to me,” they told the Calgary Herald. “I’m trying to mix the two and make them co-exist.” — NH
Semiah
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The first line in Semiah’s electro-pop banger “Celestial Bodies” hits in a way that’s hard to describe: “I don’t give a flying f–k about you,” the Mohawk, Turtle Clan artist sings, in a melodic raising of her voice that makes it feel pointed at you, the listener. But don’t worry — it’s not. “I really say that with my chest,” Semiah told CBC Hamilton in 2022. “I don’t give a f–k about any of these politicians that told us we can’t be who we are.”
The song is also a nod to who she is and who surrounds her: generations of grandparents, aunties and uncles who are with her always. Semiah calls herself the Baby Aunty, and she’s certainly channeling her auntie energy in parts of her 2023 EP, After the Night Ends.
She was reluctant at first, but as Semiah lets the audience in on the teachings and culture that guide her — like on “Celestial Bodies” — her authenticity shines through. “The overall song is celebrating that we’re still here … and it’s really just such a miracle that we still have what we have today.” — KM
Rebecca Strong
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Rebecca Strong, a Denesuliné singer from Prince Albert, Sask., was most recently crowned the winner of Canada’s Got Talent. She’s covered a number of popular artists including Billie Eilish and Adele — she sang a passionate rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” before winning the competition. But the powerful young vocalist has been singing for much longer than her run on national TV: growing up, she performed in the bands the Strong Sisters and in Thunder and the Skydancers with her family.
“I like to write about things that people can relate to,” she told CBC News of her forthcoming album. Following her win, she plans to hit the road for a tour. “I want to share my music with as many people as I can.” — NH
Sekawnee
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The West Coast is teeming with Indigenous hip-hop talent, but no one is quite doing it like Sekawnee. The Afro-Indigenous musician raps over G-funk and trap-inspired beats so cold you might expect a “Mustard on the beat” tag — except these tracks have sampled and reverbed powwow vocals. This kind of First Nations flavour isn’t exactly new, but Sekawnee and his frequent collaborators, Chasé Scanz and EfrainYB, move through the song “Nations” effortlessly: they are constantly reminding us where they’re from, but in a style that feels both fresh and unforced.
And it’s not just their lyrics. In the music video for “Nations” — which has been a big hit on Native TikTok and has almost 100,000 streams on Spotify — the three rappers are situated in community: donning lacrosse sticks, driving ATVs around, and hanging out with the kids from the rez.
Sekawnee is for the children and for his culture — two things he carries with him as he continues to build momentum, releasing his latest, “Hereditary Sound,” on May 31. — KM
Jessa Sky
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Métis Cree pop singer Jessa Sky’s vulnerability is her artistic strength. Whether she’s laying bare the challenges of sobriety, or lamenting lost love in her songs, Sky’s willingness to reveal her dark sides invites listeners to connect with her music. Her debut album, Sky’s the Limit, is an exercise in diaristic transparency: “I choose to share my darkest moments with such a large audience, because I can almost guarantee someone is or has experienced what I have,” she told Canvas Rebel in 2023.
The record serves as a soundtrack for healing, and its songs are poignant anthems of resilience. “We were given strength from the creator, to overcome and be somebody greater,” she sings on “We’re Not Lost,” one of the standouts of the project. Sky’s the Limit is pop with purpose: Sky presents her ups and downs with care, but uses bright melodies to unite all her thoughts and feelings. It may only be her first album, but it’s indicative of her commitment to heartfelt, lyrical storytelling. — NH
Sister Ray
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It was the “storytelling rooted in collective value, resilience, and safety” in traditional Métis music that helped Ella Coyes, a.k.a. Sister Ray, understand their place on this land. Coyes is more than a singer-songwriter; they are a storyteller whose specific and personal lyrics carry their story in ways that are impossible to do without song.
“Sharing it through the music, there is this sense of feeling almost kind of infinitely understood,” they told CBC Arts last year. “Music feels like the most true format for me to make sense of things that maybe should be secrets, but they escape the realm of secret for me and live in songs.”
Those secrets manifest in astounding honesty; they are experiences so specific and yet somehow allegorical, as if your tarot cards are being read in folk-song form.
Coyes is wrapping up their second album, building off their 2023 EP, Teeth. They (and we) would like you to know that they are making this new record in socks and sandals. — KM
Hunterdon photographer on display in SoHo Photo Gallery, New York City
HIGH BRIDGE – Rob Tucher of Glen Gardner, formerly of High Bridge, a historic structures photographer, is one of the nine artists featured in the current exhibit “Expression Through Tradition” at the SoHo Photo Gallery at 15 White Street in New York City.
The “Expression Through Tradition” show, will run through Saturday, June 22. The exhibit includes photographs by the nine members of the Monalog Collective. Tucher is a member of the collective, which is “dedicated to supporting black-and-white film photography and traditional printing processes.”
Dating Back 40,000 Years, These Are the Oldest-Known Animal Sculptures Carved by Humans
The carver is believed to be part of the Aurignacian, an Upper Paleolithic group whose people lived between 43,000 and 35,000 years ago
Travel Photographer of the Year awards are open for entries – whatever your age or ability
Open to amateur and professional photographers from all ages and geographic locations, the Travel Photographer of the Year 2024 awards are now open for submissions.
Founded in 2003, the competition encourages and celebrates everyone and anyone who is interested in travel photography, with previous entrants ranging from 88 to just five years old.
From May 31 to October 6, the competition is encouraging photographers to enter their work into the four portfolio categories:
- Faces, People, Cultures
- Planet Earth
- Landscapes, Climate and Water
- Nature and Wildlife
There are also four one-shot single image categories:
- Cities, Towns and Streets
- Escape
- Festivals and Celebrations
- Women in World Cultures
Roie used a Nikon D850, 180-400mm lens, f/5,1/200s, ISO 1000. (Image credit: Roie Galitz / www.tpoty.com)
In addition, there is also the Young Travel Photographer of the Year, which is open to photographers aged 18 or under, and has awards in two different age groups, and the theme is ‘Travel Experiences’. Entry fees start from £12.
For the first time, this year’s competition will also include a Rising Talent award for amateur or semi-professional photographers, or those who have only been professional for up to two years.
Sponsors of the awards include SheClicks, the community for women photographers, and Eye for the Light, the free online photography, travel and adventure e-magazine.
The judges this year will include the multi award-winning nature and wildlife photographer Ellie Rothnie, who was appointed a Canon Ambassador for Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2023.
The overall winner of the Travel Photographer of the Year will be the entrant who submits the best two portfolios across any of the four portfolio categories.
“The Buryatian shaman Vitalli performs a ritual to connect with the spirits on frozen Lake Baikal, with the sacred Ogoi (Dragon) cape in the background.”
Maloukos used a Canon EOS R5 , 15 35mm lens, f 18 , 1/125s, ISO 100 (Image credit: Athanasios Maloukos / www.tpoty.com)
10 winners will receive a cash prize, imaging software and online photography training, membership to the Royal Photographic Society, as well as a portfolio review from one of the judges. Two of the ten winners will receive an additional portfolio review from New York photographer’s agent Frank Meo, and Rising Star winners will get a place on the awards upcoming mentoring scheme.
On top of the prizes, winners will also gain widespread media exposure and have their work featured in UK and international exhibitions. Currently confirmed exhibits include Banbury Museum and Gallery in Oxfordshire, UK (29 MArch – 6 July), Foto Festival Manzana 1 in Bolivia (November 20 – 24), Xposure Festival of Photography in Sharjah, UAE (February 20 – 26 2025).
“Wild is Life Sanctuary, Harare, Zimbabwe Mateo smiles as Marimba nestles into her safe place, tucked under Mateo’s chin. Marimba, a ground pangolin, was around a year old when her mother was poached for her scales.”
Turley used a Fujifilm X-T3 , 16 – 55mm lens, f/2.8 , 1/500s, ISO 1000. (Image credit: Sam Turley / www.tpoty.com)
If you’d like to enter or try your hand and this type of photography, check out our guide to the best cameras for wildlife photography, and the best trail cameras.
We’ve also put together a guide to the best travel cameras around.
Architectural Installations by John K. Raustein Harbor Bulging Sacks and Woven Textiles as Sites for Contemplation
“When everything we know becomes strange (reactivated outlines) terracotta/candy” (2023). Photo by Øystein Thorvaldsen. All images © John K. Raustein, shared with permission
What’s the smell of terracotta? Of mauve? Artist John K. Raustein invites these questions about his architectural sculptures and installations covered in monochromatic textiles. Using a singular color emphasizes the diverse textures and physical qualities of his works and asks viewers to consider how such hues would unconventionally engage the senses. “I often draw on memories from my own childhood, seeking to evoke sensations, colors, sounds, smells, and places to visualize a bodily sense of existential uneasiness,” he shares.
From his studio in Oslo, Raustein builds large-scale constructions that create immersive, abstract environments. He blends rigid frames with soft, pliable cotton, the latter of which cloaks the skeletal components and appears as bulging sacks, weavings, and strips dangling from upper poles. The idea is to “challenge traditional notions of space and structure,” he says. “Existential dread remains a significant theme in my work, reflecting contemporary societal issues like climate change and social inequality. My installations create spaces for contemplation and connection.”
“Facilitated truths (the new world)” (2022), Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art. Photo by Kunstdok /Tor S Ulstein/ Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art
Raustein is also interested in longstanding textiles traditions, including ties to invisible labor, gender roles, queer culture, and environmental impact. He sources materials from local and sustainable producers and gravitates toward fabric with a history.
For example, silver cloth appears in a forthcoming exhibition at Stavanger Museum because of its link to healing and magic, particularly during Medieval times. The exhibition, titled Mitt Stavanger, honors the 900th birthday of the artist’s hometown and looks back at its difficult moments, particularly when the bubonic plague decimated the city. He adds:
I have created a room where the walls are covered with textiles embroidered with symbols from the Primstav, (a wooden Norwegian runic calendar) and represent Syftesok (St. Swithun’s wake, 2 July), a day significant to Stavanger’s patron saint, St. Swithun. The room also features display cases filled with textile sculptures in silver, inspired by lucky charms and talismans. These ‘textile amulets’ carry the sheen and aesthetics of silver, embodying a belief in magic and protection against disease, death, and evil forces.
Mitt Stavanger opens on June 20. Raustein is currently working on a monograph to be released in the fall, and you can follow news about both on Instagram.
“When everything we know becomes strange (tomorrow everything repeated itself again) / primrose” (2023). Phot by Øystein Thorvaldsen
“Facilitated truths (the new world)” (2022), installation view at Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art. Photo by Kunstdok/Tor S Ulstein/ Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art
“When everything we know becomes strange (controversial decisions)” (2023), installation view at Sølvberget Gallery, Stavanger. Photo by Øystein Thorvaldsen
“Facilitated truths (the new world)” (2022), Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art. Photo by Kunstdok /Tor S Ulstein/ Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art
“When everything we know becomes strange (reactivated outlines) terracotta/candy” (2023). Photo by Øystein Thorvaldsen
“When everything we know becomes strange (controversial decisions),” (2023), installation view at Sølvberget Gallery, Stavanger
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Architectural Installations by John K. Raustein Harbor Bulging Sacks and Woven Textiles as Sites for Contemplation appeared first on Colossal.
Mastering Headshot Photography With the Canon EOS R5 and RF 100mm
Want to get great commercial, headshot photos using the Canon R5 and the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens? The following advice will help you produce the best professional headshots and show you how to interact with your clients for stunning, natural results.
In the realm of portrait photography, headshots are a subgenre all their own. I went to learn headshots as an addition to my wedding photography with Peter Hurley in New York. Ideally, you want to capture the subject’s personality and unique features in a single frame. A key element to achieving stunning headshot photos is the equipment you use. Here’s how I create my captivating headshots using the Canon R5 camera paired with my Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens.
The Canon R5 and 100mm Lens: A Perfect Combination
I’ve had the Canon R5 for over two years now, and it’s a great choice for portraits and headshots, partly due to the resolution size, tethering directly into Lightroom or Capture One, exceptional image quality, and ease of use. When paired with my 100mm macro lens, the combination of the two becomes a powerful tool for headshot photography.
Understanding the 100mm RF Lens
Before delving into the intricacies of headshot photography, let’s first explore why the 100mm is an excellent choice for this type of portrait. Designed specifically for Canon’s full frame mirrorless cameras, the RF version lens boasts a wide aperture of f/2.8, allowing for beautiful background blur (bokeh) while also being impressively pin-sharp.
The 100mm focal length is ideal for headshots (Peter Hurley actually told me the best focal length is 92mm!) but Canon doesn’t make a 92mm lens, ironically, providing great compression while also keeping you close enough to your subject to interact with them.
Mastering the Shot
Creating compelling headshots goes beyond pressing buttons and setting dials. It involves understanding composition techniques and interacting with the client on their level to elicit the facial responses and expressions you want for different looks. For example, a great headshot session should feature funny, intriguing, candid moments, quizzical looks, and straightforward plain professional headshots that could be used on LinkedIn. Ideally, you need multiple changes of clothing for different social situations. I’d recommend using a tripod to keep your height consistent, with my recommendation being the Manfrotto MT055CXPro4.
The R5’s high-resolution sensor allows for cropping in your editing software without compromising image quality, giving you the flexibility to experiment with composition during shooting. Don’t be afraid to include a little more around the edge of the frame than you would generally need. You can then crop in afterward. The articulating touchscreen on the R5 allows you to see the settings and compose your shot without, in some cases, having to stoop.
When framing a headshot, I tend to use the rule of thirds. Positioning the eyes along the upper horizontal line draws attention to the most expressive part of the face. Don’t be afraid of cutting into the hairline if the hair isn’t a feature or if the person has a shaved or bald head. Leaving space to the right or left allows space for copy text if the subject of the photo is going into a magazine article or editorial newspaper. I frequently do this when shooting player cards for the Olympic swimming teams and the Commonwealth Games athletes.
Utilizing Autofocus for Precision
The Canon R5’s autofocus system is a game-changer for headshot photography, and it rarely misses the mark. Gone are the days when, if you wanted to shoot at 2.8 or below to get the bokeh, you missed the shot and got eyelashes that were out of focus.
Taking advantage of the eye-tracking autofocus feature, which locks onto the subject’s eyes for precise focusing, is key. This is particularly crucial in headshot photography, where the eyes are the focal point and convey the majority of the subject’s emotion. The Canon R5’s advanced autofocus system ensures that you can consistently achieve tack-sharp focus on the eyes, resulting in compelling and engaging headshots with emotion.
Lighting the Subject
Lighting plays a pivotal role in headshot photography, and the Canon R5’s impressive dynamic range coupled with the 100mm lens allows for stunning results in various lighting conditions. However, I choose to use Canon’s EL-1 speedlight, 2 Canon 600EX-RT speedlights, and 3 of the MagMod MagBox Pro 36″ Strip softboxes in a triangular configuration creating that great catchlight in the eyes. I know Peter Hurley uses the Flex kit, but for me, having a kit that is multi-purpose such as the Speedlites means I can use them for weddings, events, and headshots. Plus, I know my equipment well enough to be able to set it up and know what settings work well enough now to get the shot every time. Spending more money on additional kit to carry around isn’t cost-effective for me, and it’s a lot more kit to drag around.
Post-Processing and Fine-Tuning
Normally, my process is to send all the unedited images to the client, get them to choose the ones they like, and then they just pay for those images rather than me editing everything only to find they only want three or four images out of all the images in a session.
Post-processing is the final step in bringing your client’s vision to life. I tend to do my utmost to get it right in-camera wherever possible, meaning minimal retouching wherever possible, though the client usually has their own ideas about this, and most don’t seem to realize that we can see when a portrait has been overly retouched. Think of those horrible Instagram filters that literally blur everything.
I use Adobe Lightroom Classic (the tethering works on most Canon cameras apart from the R6 Mark II—I found this out recently when testing a new firmware build from Canon) or your preferred editing software to fine-tune exposure, color balance, and contrast. Pay special attention to the client’s eyes, as they are the focal point of headshots. Enhance the details without overdoing it (nothing worse than artifacts when oversharpening an image), ensuring a natural and authentic portrait of your subject.
Conclusion
For my headshot photography, the Canon R5 and 100mm lens combination stands out as my dynamic duo. I’ve tried using a 70-200mm and settled on this combination because of the minimal fuss needed to get great shots, allowing me to concentrate on capturing stunning and compelling headshots with character.
Whether you’re photographing individuals for professional profiles, capturing actors’ headshots, or simply aiming to create timeless portraits, the Canon R5 and 100mm RF lens provide the perfect pairing to be able to blow the client away with great headshots that jump off the page. As you embark on your headshot photography journey, remember that technical proficiency, creative composition, and a deep understanding of your equipment are only the first steps to getting timeless shots.
Atang Tshikare leverages 3D printing to produce bronze sculpture
Atang Tshikare, Crayon Artel, Yael Matute, and Form Farm leverage 3D printing to produce bronze sculpture for ‘Pula e ya na’ solo show.
Panasonic explains stock photos oversight on S9 Japan website
Panasonic Japan has spoken out about its use of a series of stock photos which were used to illustrate the functionality of its new Lumix S9 camera.
In an interview with Japanese media, the company described the oversight, which included the use of an image captured by a Nikon Ambassador, as a ‘dated marketing mindset.’
Following the launch of the Lumix S9, X/Twitter user @zac_de_la_rocha posted a series of tweets (in Japanese) that detailed how the Japanese Lumix S9 product page featured a number of photos that weren’t captured with the new camera — including a photo of a dog running that was found on Shutterstock.
Following the discovery, Panasonic Japan released a statement explaining the use of the imagery was to introduce and explain the S9’s functions and features, but acknowledged that while there was a note that some photos were not taken with the new product, the “content and location of the notice were difficult for customers to understand.”
The company later updated its website and labelled the images captured with other devices, before issuing a public apology.
“We apologise to all Lumix and camera fans for causing great concern. Again, [we’re] very sorry for causing you concern. All of us involved promise to be more sincere in our approach to you and to make changes,” the company wrote.
As far as we’re aware, the use of stock photos appeared to be just isolated to the Japanese Lumix website, with the Lumix AU website using different product marketing material.
In the last few days, a Panasonic spokesperson speaking to Japanese newspaper The Sankei Shimun blamed the oversight on a ‘dated mindset.’
“More than 20 years ago, in a video camera advertisement, there was a technique of inserting images that were not the actual product, and we created the site with that mindset,” the spokesperson said.
Panasonic also said that the images will be updated over time and the company was taking steps to adjust its rules for marketing to avoid the situation from happening again.
The use of stock images by technology manufacturers to illustrate their products’ functionality is not new, with Huawei the most significant in recent years.
