In Ghana, fantasy coffins have become a colorful celebration of life and legacy. Families see them as tributes to their loved ones, while collectors view them as art. Nicolas Ablorh Annan, a coffin maker from Accra, notes that the practice originated among the Ga people but has expanded across Ghana. His family business, started by his great-grandfather, now ships fantasy coffins to museums abroad for exhibitions. At funerals, the presence of these elaborate coffins captivates mourners with their craftsmanship and vivid colors. Eric Kpakpo Adotey, a carpenter specializing in fantasy coffins, says the atmosphere shifts as people admire the coffins, and laughter blends with tears.
The V&A's new David Bowie museum in east London has unveiled a treasure trove of artifacts, including handwritten notes and meticulous details about the artist's unrealised projects. The archive, which includes 200 items on display, reveals Bowie's obsessive collecting and detailing of mundane objects. Visitors can book one-on-one time with the archived items, which include a metal key to Bowie and Iggy Pop's infamous Berlin apartment, elaborate stage costumes, battered guitars, and fan art. A handwritten letter from Lady Gaga reads: "I feel my entire career has been an artistic plea for you to notice me". The museum is curated by indie five-piece The Last Dinner Party, and part of the show features notes detailing Bowie's unrealised projects, including a stage adaptation of George Orwell's novel 1984.
The inaugural Hin-Between Festival has kicked off at Hin Bus Depot in George Town, marking two major milestones: its 10th anniversary as an art and community space last year and the 10th anniversary of its weekly Hin Market this year. The festival, themed 'Time', is a celebration of the space's journey as a creative hub that brings together artists, creators and storytellers to explore how time shaped their experiences, memories and visions. Exhibitions are spread out in different spaces within the depot, including a site-specific exhibition 'A Decade with Hin' by Thum Chia Chieh, which showcases photographs of the space's changes over the last 10 years. Another exhibition features a video and sound installation by Singaporean duo Samantha Lee and Jing Jie Lim, questioning the idea of what is real and authentic online by showcasing the behind-the-scenes decisions required to manufacture curated social media moments.
The winners of the Dress Like a Museum Exhibit 2025 have been announced. The official award ceremony revealed specific awards won by contestants, including the Van Gassayu Award with a prize money of 1,000,000 won ($720), the Costume Play Award with a prize money of 500,000 won, and the Together Haeju Award with a prize money of 100,000 won. Additionally, Appreciation Awards were presented as prizes, with a National Museum of Korea mug awarded to the recipients.
The Maya Bazaar LGBTQIA Festival in Bangalore is a significant event this weekend. The festival, which celebrates diversity and inclusivity, features various art and cultural events. These include a panel discussion on the importance of LGBTQIA rights in India, a showcase of local art and crafts, and a performance by a renowned dance troupe. The festival aims to promote unity and understanding among people from different backgrounds, making it a special event for the community.
Gustaf Westman, Swedish designer for IKEA, discusses his approach to creating a winter collection that is both functional and playful. He emphasizes the importance of chunky, oversized designs that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Westman's collection features bold colors and textures, which he believes will appeal to customers looking for a cozy and inviting home decor.
Adobe has raised its fiscal 2025 revenue and profit forecasts, driven by strong demand for its design software. The San Jose, California-based company's shares rose 3% in extended trading after the announcement. Adobe's design software, including Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, and Illustrator, are widely used by enterprises, students, and creative professionals. New users and subscribers joining the Adobe ecosystem are the primary drivers of growth, according to CFO Dan Durn.
Dylan Mulvaney, a 28-year-old actress and trans influencer, is promoting her upcoming off-Broadway debut in "The Least Problematic Woman in the World" at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York City. Mulvaney, who previously performed in the Broadway musical "Book of Mormon", took to her Instagram Story to share a bright-eyed and smiling selfie showcasing her outfit, which featured a baby pink crop top with cursive lettering. At a photo call event at So & So's in New York City, Mulvaney posed alongside a poster board promoting the Tim Jackson-directed play. Jackson previously worked with Mulvaney on her one-woman play, which had a world premiere in Edinburgh.
Edwin Low, founder of Supermama in Singapore, is expanding the platform beyond Southeast Asia to include designers from East Asia. This move aligns with his vision of connecting Southeast Asian designers and makers, as seen in the New Nanyang collection where local artists paired with Japanese makers to create objets. Low's next project, We Are Super, aims to be a social enterprise that turns inclusive design into impact, employing persons with disabilities and incorporating a cafe, retail space, and skills gallery.