From the US

On the morning of July 14, the New Horizons space probe flew by Pluto, capturing this beautiful image that has since become a viral sensation. More images are expected to be released soon, providing us with the first real glimpse of the former planet. This amazing moment in history and will provide us with knowledge that we lacked before. In addition to taking the photos, the New Horizons probe carried the ashes of the man who discovered Pluto, Clyde Tombaugh.

From South Africa

The Artscape Theatre Center in Cape Town, South Africa will celebrate the achievements of women from August 6 to 9 with three theatre productions. These productions showcase the work of trailblazing women in productions about women. One such production is Cold Case: Revisiting Dulcie September, which is about the life of activist Dulcie September. For more information, visit the artscape website.

From France

Masahisa Fukase, a Japanese photographer known best for his photobook “The Solitude of Ravens,” spent his early photographing years taking pictures of nothing but his wife, Yoko. The photographer, known for having a melancholic and obsessive art style in which he photographs only one thing over and over, spent 13 years only photographing Yoko. After she lefthim, he turned to photographing the ravens as a symbol of turmoil and depression. “From Window,” a collection of these photos of Yoko, is now on display at the Les Rencontres d’Arles until the end of August.

From Turkey

The 22nd Istanbul Jazz Festival took place between June 27th and July 15th. Over 250 artists gathered to be involved in theatre, music, and movies, among which were Joan Baez and Aloe Blacc. Local artists made clear in their art and in their interviews that much of their inspiration was being drawn from their tumult in their region. Amir ElSaffar, an Iraqi-American composer and trumpet player, credits the region for giving him the distinct emotion present in his music.

From Paraguay

On July 12th, Pope Francis paid a visit to Paraguay, specifically a shantytown called Banado Norte. An estimated 1 million people gathered to hear the final Mass given by the Pope on his tour across South America. He spread a message of hope and acceptance, saying that the Catholic Church welcomes all, and even briefly speaking out against Capitalism during this tour, causing some controversy.

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