Bwog is rooting for chocolate!

Happening off-campus: In 1999, Tracey Emin’s “My Bed,” an unmade bed displaying personal detritus including stained sheets, contraceptives, and empty alcohol bottles, shocked the art world when shortlisted for the Turner Prize, sparking media outrage over its explicit depiction of a woman’s intimate life and post-breakup depression. Over the decades, “My Bed” has been conserved and taught in schools, gradually shifting from a symbol of shock value to one of artistic courage and emotional authenticity. The artwork’s evolution reflects broader cultural shifts: while the initial shock has dissipated in our current media landscape, its power to move viewers has deepened, revealing that Emin’s real achievement was not transgression for its own sake, but the brave documentation of ordinary human vulnerability.  (BBC)

Happening near campus: Salon du Chocolat NYC returns March 7 and 8, to Center 415 on Fifth Avenue, bringing over 60 international and national chocolate producers to Midtown for a weekend celebration of craft and indulgence. Attendees can expect culinary demonstrations from renowned chefs, tastings of artisanal bonbons and truffles, and a Fashion Showcase featuring wearable chocolate gowns designed to honor America’s 250th birthday. Immersive experiences include a sacred cacao ceremony led by “Chocolate Shaman” Jamie Metzl, a Kids Zone with bean-to-bar activities, and Chef Håkan Mårtensson’s live chocolate sculpture that evolves throughout the weekend. After more than two decades as a beloved Manhattan tradition, Salon du Chocolat NYC continues to blend timeless chocolate-making craft with innovative experiences for both professionals and enthusiasts. (Gothamist)

Happening on-campus: This Tuesday, February 3 from 4 to 5 pm, the Italian Academy is hosting Laura Di Bianco. for a public seminar at 1161 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10027. Doors open at 3:30 PM for first-come, first-served seating. Di Bianco, an assistant professor of modern and contemporary Italian studies, will discuss her book project “Crumbling Beauty: An Environmental History of Italian Cinema,” which examines classic, forgotten, and emergent Italian films from the silent era to the present to retrieve forgotten environmental histories and renew vision for the climate crisis struggle. The conversation will be moderated by Jane Gaines, Professor of Film at Columbia University. You can find more information and register here. 

Rewatching: For some reason I’ve gotten really into watching ANTM again. Perhaps it’s because of the Netflix documentary but something in me just decided it was time to watch Tyra Banks scream “WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!” at some poor, young aspiring model. I’ve been on a real reality show kick lately, and I think it’s because I’ve been blessed with Traitors, Survivor, and Love is Blind episodes weekly.

Chocolate via Bwarchives