New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Arts

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: Singles from August

In case you missed it, here are new tracks by Kacey Musgraves, BTS and more.

August may have slipped away into a moment in time — and sipped away like a bottle of wine — but that doesn’t mean August releases have to! If you feel like refreshing your...

Donda, the tenth studio album by Kanye West, was released on August 29, 2021. This album is composed of twenty-seven tracks, approximating a two-hour runtime altogether. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Review: ‘Donda’ is a godsend

After several rounds of editing and an expected series of delays, Kanye West’s “Donda” is finally out.
Nico Pedrero-Setzer, Abroad Arts Editor August 31, 2021

Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda. Through mantric divination, Kanye West introduces us to “Donda,” a work of hard drums and heavy tears. Listening...

HBO’s The White Lotus was the streaming darling of the summer. The show attempts to probe Americas colonial past in this satire of the tourism industry. (Staff Photo and Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Review: The white existentialism of ‘The White Lotus’

HBO’s splashy summer drama probes at America’s colonial past, but doesn’t manage to rewrite a critical future.
Isabella Armus, Deputy Arts Editor August 30, 2021

Cradled by lapping tides, a boat full of white, wealthy and unreasonably attractive patrons arrive at the paradisiacal island of Maui as doting staff members wave from the distance,...

A star-studded lineup of musicians celebrating the return to semi-normalcy drew large and enthusiastic crowds. Unfortunately for the revelers, the event was cut short due to lightning from Hurricane Henri. (Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

Review: ‘WE LOVE NYC: The Homecoming Concert’

New York’s anticipated COVID-19 recovery event was an off-key, optimistic celebration, until halted due to Hurricane Henri.
Ana Cubas, Arts Editor August 30, 2021

With a Broadway-like dazzle, “WE LOVE NYC: The Homecoming Concert,” was a candy-coated outlook on the city’s resurgence after COVID-19. In the assortment of indulgent performances,...

Singer-songwriter Lorde released her latest album Solar Power on June 10. The album, her first in four years, reflects her progression into a new phase of her artistic journey. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Review: Forget Lorde, ‘Solar Power’ is Ella’s album

Lorde subverts all expectations on her introspective third album.
Michael Campanella, Contributing Writer August 30, 2021

When Lorde first teased her new album, “Solar Power,” my initial reaction was “oh no.”  Anyone who listened to her last album “Melodrama” close to a breakup can...

The world is full of critics and people wanting to shut you out. That’s all the more reason to make your art. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Dear Artist: Risks have rewards

In a world filled with criticism, some artists feel pressured to conform to what is considered mainstream. However, now is the time for artists to reclaim what is truly theirs: art itself.
Sasha Cohen, Arts Editor August 30, 2021

Let’s face it: people are insecure. Between balancing the desire for social acceptance and putting forth our most authentic selves, we feel as if every decision we make puts...

Members of NYUs Asian Fusion Dance club appreciate and showcase their culture and artistic talent through choreography and performances. With over 300 clubs and organizations on campus, NYU has many arts organizations on campus that are seeking new members. (Image courtesy of Asian Fusion Dance)

NYU arts clubs that will let you dive into your passion

Looking for a way to get involved with the arts at NYU? Whether you’re a new or returning student, here are a few arts organizations on campus that are seeking new members.

NYU can be an intimidating place for anyone. Between the New York City skyscrapers, choosing classes, making friends, and, of course, navigating the subway, there are moments that...

“Zola,” directed by NYU alumna Janicza Bravo, is a 2020 comedy-drama film based on a twitter thread. “Zola” is now in theaters and available to rent on demand. (Image courtesy of A24)

“Zola” Review: A modern Floridian fairytale

Janicza Bravo’s sophomore feature is a dazzling adaptation of a legendary Twitter thread.
JP Pak, Film & TV Editor August 25, 2021

If you were on Twitter in 2015, before it was ruled by toxic sanctimony and political scorn, you might remember it as a sort of Wild West — uncharted territory with outlaws,...

Despite not looking or behaving similarly, Asian actress students are constantly mixed up by their NYU professors. U.S. media perpetuates racial microaggressions by either having stereotypical Asian characters or having white-washed characters played by white women. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

We are both Asian, but we look nothing alike

It’s not too late to recognize your subconscious microaggressions and how they induce anxiety and doubt.
Jennifer Ren, Performing Arts Editor August 25, 2021

It’s almost the year-and-a-half anniversary of the last time I performed for a live audience, and let me tell you: this has been the most maddening, daunting and self-doubting...

50 years after its original release, artist George Harrison has re-released his album “All Things Must Pass.” “All Things Must Pass (50th Anniversary)” remixes and remasters the original, while also providing fans with outtakes and additional tracks. (Image via Wikimedia Commons, Staff Photo by Jake Capriotti)

‘All Things Must Pass (50th Anniversary)’ provides thrilling insight into George Harrison’s artistic process

The remaster of George Harrison’s solo debut demonstrates the benefits of extended albums.
Ana Cubas, Arts Editor August 25, 2021

“All Things Must Pass” finally achieves the emotional impact it initially set out to create. The remastered album is gracefully dense, with oozing, pulsating bass and divine...

Directed by Dan Shaw, Cryptozoo is a new animated adventure. Mythological creatures called cryptids star in the film, available in theaters beginning August 20. (Image courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)

Review: “Cryptozoo”

“Cryptozoo” is what you get when you give a four-year-old amalgamation of Robert Breer and Hunter S. Thompson a box of crayons. It is available on demand and in theaters starting on August 20.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Abroad Arts Editor August 20, 2021

Dazzling does not cut it; Dash Shaw makes films that embody what Humphry Osmond must have envisioned when he coined the term “psychedelic.” Beautifully animated and gloriously...

Starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, Annette is a Rock Opera centered around a chaotic artistic couple. Annette is now in theaters and Amazon Prime. (Image courtesy of Amazon Studios)

Review: “Annette”

Directed by Leos Carax and written by Sparks, “Annette” is as weird as you’d expect. “Annette” is currently playing in theaters and available via Amazon Prime.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Abroad Arts Editor August 19, 2021

“Annette” is deranged. Adapted from a screenplay by odd bod duo Sparks — Ron and Russell Mael — and directed by Leos Carax, “Annette” is the first true rock opera since...