Niche House

The musings of a lost soul as they navigate the world of arts and culture. Photos by Ekrulila from Pexels 

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2023: Best Movies of the Year So Far

As a new year starts, the probability of good movies being released is low. The most-awaited movies are commonly dated in the mid-year or last quarter of the year as the production and preparation are being done with careful attention. However, some movies have proved us wrong. The well-known critics have already awarded a number of films with more than three stars. Most of them are indie films with low to no budget. And surprisingly, it has made an impact on the film industry.

How to Determine a Good Movie?

The movies that will be included on this list may be subjective to each person. As a basis, here are the top considerations that people look onto:

Storytelling: A great movie usually has a compelling story that keeps the viewer engaged and emotionally invested.

Cinematography: The visual presentation of a movie can also be a significant factor in its quality. The use of camera angles, lighting, and other visual elements can greatly enhance the film's impact.

Acting: The quality of the performances by the actors can also play a big role in a movie's success. Strong performances can help bring the characters to life and make the story more believable.

Direction: The director's ability to bring all the elements of the movie together and create a cohesive and well-executed final product is another critical factor.

Cultural impact: Some movies may have a significant impact on the culture, either through their themes or their cultural relevance, which can make them stand out as some of the best movies of all time.

List of 2023's Best Movies

If you are curious to know what movies have been highly rated, we have listed down the list of the best movies of 2023 so far. This list might help you decide what movie you are going to binge watch next.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4

"John Wick" is a popular action movie franchise that stars Keanu Reeves as the titular character, a retired hitman who seeks revenge against those who wronged him. The series has been praised for its intense action scenes, sleek cinematography, and Reeves' charismatic performance.

The first movie, "John Wick," was released in 2014 and was directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch. It was a surprise hit, grossing over $86 million at the box office and receiving critical acclaim for its action choreography and style. The sequels, "John Wick: Chapter 2" and "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum," were released in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Both films continued the franchise's focus on high-octane action and further explored the world of assassins and hitmen that John Wick inhabits.

Last March 22, 2023, the Chapter 4 has became the talk of the town and is once again proved that it's one of the best action movies of all time. The sequel is about the story of an excommunicado trying to win the price on his head that is continuously increasing. The franchise has set a standard of what action in Hollywood should be.

WHEN YOU FINISH SAVING THE WORLD

The film is directed by Jesse Eisenberg and starred by Finn Wolfhard- a young actor who has made his name famous since the release of Stranger Things.

The movie synopsis is about a mother and her teenage son that struggle to bond, which they try to look for elsewhere. While the son falls in love with a very political kid at his school, the mother clutches onto a young boy she encounters at the women's shelter.

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY

Indiana Jones is another sequel. Popular action-adventure film series follows the exploits of the title character, Indiana Jones, as he traverses the globe in search of lost treasures, unravels enigmatic riddles, and faces off against perilous enemies.

George Lucas, the master of American cinema, created an imaginative world. Though Lucas has never confirmed if Dr. Jones is based on a real-life person, many have hypothesized that a few historical persons may have served as Dr. Jones's inspiration.

AIR

Although the plot of Air, Ben Affleck's wildly entertaining business drama about Nike's attempts to attract Michael Jordan, initially seems like an absurd one for a movie, it is actually a brilliant one. Pop culture was permanently influenced by the invention of the Air Jordan shoe, and Jordan's ground-breaking profit-sharing agreement with Nike would give athletes ownership in the goods they were being used to market.

The movie places the Air Jordan as an example of the 1980s' rampant consumerism, but it also raises the possibility of a vast, intricate new universe. The CEO in charge of the shoe company's basketball outreach, Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), makes the point to Michael himself that the player essentially exists outside of space and time in what will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest sports-movie monologues.

A THOUSAND AND ONE

A Thousand and One paints a moving picture of endurance in the face of systematic injustice and is a dedication to parental love and Teyana Taylor's skill.

The feature film debut of A.V. Rockwell is about a novelistic portrayal of 11 years in the life of Inez (played to perfection by Teyana Taylor), who struggles to provide for herself and her son Terry. Inez abducts her 6-year-old son Terry from the foster care system in an unrepentant and carefree manner. They set out to recover their sense of security, identity, and home in a New York City that was changing quickly.

RYE LANE

Romantic Comedy film is less preferred by most viewers but it's never dying. Instead, it's hanging out in South London with David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah's delightful 20-somethings, Dom and Yas, who find up spending the day together after a less than ideal meet cute in an art gallery restroom.

Both are moving beyond breakups, and the delight of Raine Allen-Miller's film comes from the dawning knowledge in each that they might finally be ready to open their hearts again, through playful banter and some side excursions along the road.

M3GAN

We know how movies are going beyond our imagination like creating ideas made of amazing technological inventions. On this list of the best movies this 2023, one of the most famous technological advancements is represented. A living example of artificial intelligence, M3GAN is a lifelike doll that has been designed to be both a parent's and child's best friend.

M3GAN, created by Gemma, a clever roboticist, can observe, listen, and learn as it serves as a friend, a teacher, a playmate, and a guardian. When Gemma finds herself suddenly in charge of her 8-year-old niece, she makes the unthinkable decision to give the kid an M3GAN prototype.

OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERRE

Next on the list of the best movies is a movie directed by Guy Ritchie. Theoretically, Ritchie's films should be romps, but an oppressive anxiety always threatens to ruin many of them. So, here's something actually endearing and agile:The film is about an elite assassin, Orson Fortune, who is tasked with finding Greg Simmonds, a billionaire arms dealer, and preventing the sale of a lethal new weapon technology he is using.

Fortune and his crew reluctantly enlist Hollywood's biggest movie star, Danny Francesco, to assist them on their world-saving quest after joining up with some of the best operators in the world.

KNOCK AT THE CABIN

A young girl and her two fathers (Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge) are taken hostage and left with a difficult choice by four strangers (headed by an outstanding Dave Bautista): They must gladly sacrifice one member in order to stop the end of the world. The family must choose what they believe before everything is gone since they are confused, afraid, and have little access to the outside world.

While maintaining an unsettlingly consistent tone, the movie seamlessly switches between the textures of one thriller subgenre and another.

MISSING

The last film on this list is directed by two staring directors named Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick. In their attempts to keep the viewer guessing, Missing can be hard to believe, but a quick pace and relatable anxieties prevent this twisting techno-thriller from going astray. The leading actress searches for answers when her mother vanishes while on vacation in Colombia with her new lover is hampered by international red tape.

While stranded in Los Angeles thousands of miles away, June ingeniously makes use of every piece of cutting-edge technology at her disposal to try to locate her before it's too late. Her internet sleuthing eventually creates more concerns than it does answers, though, as she continues to delve deeper.

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Top 5 Movies About Chocolate

There's just something about chocolate that I can't resist. I love the way it tastes, the way it melts in my mouth, and the way it makes me feel. I'm also a big fan of movies about chocolate. Whether it's a classic like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or a more modern film like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I just can't get enough. I even have a few movies about chocolate on my must-watch list, like Chocolat and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Of course, I also have a few movies about other things that I love, but chocolate is definitely one of my top loves.

Whenever I see movies about chocolate, I can't help but crave it even if I just ate. There's something about movies that make the chocolate look so good that my taste buds start tingling. And it's not just the chocolate itself, but also the creamy filling and the soft, fluffy marshmallows. It's like they're calling out to me, begging me to eat them.

And of course, I always give in. After all, who can resist the temptation of chocolate? Not me, that's for sure. In fact, I think I might even love chocolate more than movies about chocolate. But that's a whole other story.

Have you already watched or heard movies about chocolate? I know, just thinking about watching a sweet movie is already mouth-watering so I have listed movies about chocolate that you can watch while enjoying the luxury living at home with your family. Yes, adults such as your mother, and father are allowed to enjoy this kind of movie (even if they are diabetic, this is safe for them).

No need to search for more, here are the top 5 chocolate movies you shouldn't miss.

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

When thinking about movies about chocolate, what comes to your mind? It is indeed the movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in 1964. This sweet movie is a story about the lucky Charlie Bucket who won a lottery announced by Willy Wonka and Johnny Depp himself. The winning lottery might mean enjoying luxury living, but Charlie has a different destiny.

Wonka is an eccentric owner of the Wonka Chocolate Empire, who made a game of chance where five lucky children could take a full tour of the greatest chocolate factory, their factory. Luckily, Charlie got the golden ticket hidden inside the chocolate bar wrapper. How exciting it is to visit the biggest chocolate industry!

This film birthed another sweet film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka.

2. Chocolat (2000)

One of the most famous movies about chocolate is Chocolat. This chocolate film is a story of a mother and a daughter. Juliette Binoche who played the character of Vienne Rocher brought her daughter Anouk to a small french village in Europe to continue her career as a chocolatier. Vienne decided to open a chocolate shop around people with different belief systems. People especially the women are very conventional and the tradition that the life of Vienne is different from theirs. The shop of Vienne became popular in their place that it became a meeting place for family and friends. Her chocolate change the lives of the people in the village and created a positive impact on their outlook on life.

Vienne's chocolate recipes may taste sweet yet in the chocolate film it symbolizes a sense of lust and temptation. The chocolate film showed the journey of Vienne and how she found her dream home in this village.

3. Murder, She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie mystery (2015)

This chocolate movie is a story about Hannah Swensen a smart woman baker who owns her very own bakery in Minnesota together with her husband and children. She is well known because of the product she offers from her bakery.

As sweet as her chocolates are, this movie is quite different for it doesn't offer sweetness at all but rather mystery on what happened to his delivery boy. One day, his delivery boy was found dead with chocolate chips all over his body, and what's shocking is that chocolate chips are the very ingredients part of her recipes in making her cookies that are very famous in the world. Her chocolate chips became the primary evidence in the murder case.

4. Like Water for Chocolate (1992)

This sweet movie is a story about two young people who deeply love each other yet cannot marry each other. Because of it, the character Tita turns her frustrations into making witchy dishes while expressing her love through it.

This dramatic movie showed that love is like a chocolate river, sweet and flowing and that love like water is very essential as you make your hot chocolate.

5. In Search of . . . the Heart Chocolate

This is a documentary film that explores the history of chocolate and the reasons why people are obsessed with chocolate. This is starred by Sarah Feinbloom, a filmmaker. The film features her interviews with chocoholics, or people who are already addicted or obsessed with chocolate, and the reasons why it became a vital part of their lives.

There are many mentioned sweet films, yet the top movies are the quality ones I mentioned in this blog. I hope this can save you time as you search over the net or over Facebook, for the top chocolate movies you can enjoy.

Some of these were shown or featured in cinemas, while others are just available from some legal browser. Might as well call your group of friends and don't forget to call your family, as you look for the chocolate film that will suit your type. Achieve a sweet movie time as you enjoy your luxury living with a bite of chocolate.

[nichehouse]

The Psychology of Color: How Color Design is Used in Architecture

When it comes to design, one of the most important details to keep in mind is colour. Whether it's the colour of the walls we paint in our homes or the clothes we choose to wear, research suggests that colour can have a big influence on our feelings and actions. What exactly is meant by the term "the psychology of colour"? Then, what are some ways that we may put it to use?

Colors have the power to elicit a variety of emotions in people. In contrast to the positive connotations that are commonly attached to the colour red, which represents vigour and enthusiasm, blue is frequently associated with serenity and relaxation. If we give great consideration to the colours we surround ourselves with, it will have a beneficial effect on our mental health.

Architecture allows for the manipulation of the psychological effects of colour on a space. For instance, walls painted in light colours create the impression of openness and airiness, whilst walls painted in dark colours create the impression of closeness and cosiness. Color psychology could be used to assist architects in the construction of buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also help the people who live in them feel more positive about themselves.

Consider the following the next time you are trying to decide what colour to paint your living room or what fabric to use for the drapes in your home: Both design and psychology are influenced by psychology.

Throughout the years, we have depended so much on our perception or personal preference of the world to survive. We developed different meanings for the elements we acquire through our senses. One particular example is how we perceive colors in our environment. The color theory has warm colors and cool colors. Because of our psychology of color, there are color meanings wherein we give meaning to the different shades in the color spectrum.

What does color psychology have to do with architecture?

In Eva Heller’s Psicología Del Color, scientific research on how our minds are affected by the external aura from certain colors, it is found that different hues in the color spectrum affect our mood which further influences our actions.

Color psychology has an important role in architecture. It’s a crucial element that goes into the design of every building structure. Their interior and exterior placement also contributes to how we visualize each color.

How do colors affect our psychological being?

There are different factors that affect our psychology of color. Color associations are affected by age, cultural differences, personal preferences, and other situational factors. Other factors also affect color meaning. But despite these varying factors, humans share a universal meaning for every tone in the color spectrum. Here are the different psychological effects of some popular colors.

A. RED

The color red can trigger excitement or alertness. The same shade of red can mean anger or passion. Being one of the warm colors in the color spectrum, we need to carefully balance red with other colors. This is to avoid creating certain moods like impulsiveness unnecessarily. 

B. ORANGE

Orange elevates creativity and enthusiasm. The color orange is best used with white for a balanced color scheme.

C. YELLOW

No other color can shine brighter than the color yellow. Yellow is so eye-catching that it’s a popular color for road signs that grabs the attention of its target audience. With the right amount of intensity, yellow can be beneficial for human psychology.

D. GREEN 

Like color therapy, the color green is often seen as relaxing. It promotes health and well-being. Green is a color that allows our eyes to rest, creating a calming mood.

E. BLUE

The color blue has certain moods. However, with the right color combination, blue can speak with confidence. Aside from the logo of Facebook, blue also represents luxury living. It’s a cool color that has a noble mood to it. Business banks often use this color to exert a sense of security. With the right shade or tone, it might be one of the best colors to use for your home.

F. PURPLE

More of cool color, purple has a luxurious vibe to it. Especially when it’s combined with gold or white accents, it can also be associated with luxury living. In fact, the reason why there’s no country flag with the color purple in it is that it was such a rare color in the early times that only the wealthiest nations could afford to use it on fabric or textile.

G. BROWN

Because of its earth-oriented tone, the color brown is also associated with nature. Often represented by wood or clay, color associations with brown include comfort and foundation.

H. BLACK

Black is a mysterious dark color. It highly symbolizes luxury living because of its elegant mood. The color black, under an appropriate light, can be a color of privacy or security.

I. WHITE

Last but definitely not the least used is the color white. This is a popular color used in minimalist architectural design because of its clean external ambiance. There’s simplicity and peace in white.

Which color should you use for your luxury home?

Being aware of color psychology can be a huge advantage for you. As an example, trying to find a particular brand of paint for your dream luxury home is easier if we have a better understanding of choosing colors. You can play with the most popular colors or shades of the same color to find the best one for your house.

I know for a fact that Brittany Corporation brands its estates with careful planning. You can choose from a variety of their exclusive luxury houses to bring your luxury living desires to reality. 

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10 Chocolate Inspired Interior Designs

A few descriptive things people talk about me is my love for chocolate. Every time I went out with my loved ones, everyone knows I will order cocoa and strawberry. 

With the world opening now, retail spaces are becoming cool in their decoration, cushions, textile, graphic design, space planning and interior designs. Colorful interior design is higher to achieve due to high competition and it makes me harder to think of adding chocolate to these designs. So why not turn this little distraction into a big inspiration.

Do you love chocolate as you love interior design?

The chocolate scheme is an essential part of the interior design profession over the world and across different cultures, decorative arts, and tools for centuries. Evoking warmth to accessories and space planning, the delicious addition of chocolate account expresses a sense of luxury living. From rich tanned leathers, we can have our cool cake with the limitless choice of chocolate finishes, paint, collection, fabrics, natural materials, and furniture.

Feeling inspired by my love of chocolate, let us look at the 10 chocolate-inspired interior designs that I got from a design book by Mary Mcdonald.

Ten(10) Chocolate-Inspired Interior Designs

1. CHOCOMELT CAFE

How amazing that the architects, and interior designers of this cafe created spaces and styles that respect the chocolate bar as the business uses high-end materials and follows a process that preserves its service. I must say that the interior designer created the Chocomelt’s place to evoke parts focused on chocolate treats. The professional interior designer managed to warm up the scheme of the room by the use of chromatic light. Wooden board patterns reminisced chocolate and showed decorative art while creating an appetite when you look at its interior.

2. POP SUGAR

This cute sweet shop is another to check out. Pop Sugar's sweet interior design shop has a watch, a cushion, and certain interior decoration of cool retro charm styles. People who loves retro might be in love to this place. The interior space is unique with a wavy façade and light textile which was inspired by melting chocolate. Interior designers have been very careful in painting the room in chocolate color and understand that education on balance is important. 

3. 100% CHOCOLATE CAFE TOKYO

Exhibiting excitement, the Japanese cafe, designed by architects, and the best interior designers show a hospitality design with a gleaming communal, dark-wood ceiling material and mirrored walls that resembles a chocolate bar. Looking at it, the interior architecture is indeed one of a kind!

4. ORIOL BALAGUER MADRID

The atmosphere in a room with chocolate colors and collection is always calm and friendly to achieve. Would you agree with me about that? It is easy to enjoy luxury living in such interior designs, and just relax. This shop was inspired by architecture and by creating chocolate. Thus shaped as a domed light sculpture to resemble a cocoa pod. Its interior design is focused on chocolate color elements, cushions, and decorative arts.

5. La Chocolaterie De Jacques Genin Paris

A combination of brown and gold creates a bohemian atmosphere that is so rich and stylish. Stepping into this hospitality design shop and you would never guess you’d watch the home of a rebel chocolatier. Architect  Guillaume Leclerc’s streamlined design and art for space planning and textile shell keep the focus and mission—on the chocolates. 

6. Fleming’s Livingroom Virginia

Decorating brown with greens are always a good idea. Chocolate looks perfectly natural with green. Bright colors on chocolate create a luxury living atmosphere like living in the comfort of your house.  If you want a natural vibe, pair any shade of green rugs and cushions with your brown inspiration and it will be a complete project. It’ll be a serene feel, and it will create an organic touch hospitality design kind of interior decoration. Make your base brown and sprinkle green cushions throughout the space. That simple tip can make you look like a professional interior designer, believe me!

7. Sette’s Bedroom London

Pink and brown looks good together. Actually that combination is one of my favorites. Soft shades of brown and pink colors ideas create a rustic atmosphere of a bedroom. Ask your best interior decorator to playoff brown with light walls that is within your budget. Take your dark chocolate veneer alongside lighter white stone in a bedroom and you will see that it will create a clean finish with added layers of warmth to your chic-flic room.

8. Hotel Fabrica 

From its chocolate-inspired decor to choco-therapy treatments, this business does involve my favorite treat in its commercial design. The chocolate-colored wall makes a bold statement together with building codes and the use of timber adds a rich texture to the spaces and interior designs.

9. Nimvo’s Bedroom

For sophistication to a brown interior design bedrooms, hang an essential chandelier. Brown complements golds and the light. Use sparkling furniture in the bedrooms and there’s instant light-glowing style. Additional information, using light in a darker bedroom will enhance its depth and will create luxury living vibe.

10. Oasis of Chocolate

Do you know that chocolate is a good friend for the wooden details of your interior? Rich colors and natural materials embody the purest of tradition, and fine leathers will make up this luxurious interior design dining room which epitomizes elegance.  You better try this in your luxury house or office.

Show your love for chocolate

You can show your love for chocolate by designing your own interior at home using the above inspirations that will definitely express your uniqueness and sweetness. You can also hire the best interior designers that will get paid commissions from you once you have your unique chocolate-inspired commercial space planning earned.

[nichehouse]

Color of The Month: Most Popular Brown Art

There is art in everything because art comes in many different forms.

I must say, art has come a long way. It’s now more than just a way to record history. Art to me is a form of self-expression. For some people, art could be a symbol of luxury living. You might have heard of artworks being sold at museum auctions. There are several art pieces that have been sold for a huge amount of money. Learning history is one thing, but actually owning a piece of history is quite an experience to have.

The vast majority of art pieces created throughout history have been earth-oriented. This is likely because humans have always had a strong connection to the earth. We depend on the earth for our survival, and it is the only place we have ever known. The earth is also a powerful source of inspiration, with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

It is no wonder that so many artists have chosen to feature the earth in their work. From sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits of animals, there is an endless supply of subject matter to be found in nature. And as our understanding of the earth has grown, so too has our appreciation for the art that celebrates its beauty.

Why are most art brown in color?

We can all agree that brown is abundant in nature. It has been a readily available color ever since. We see it in rich soil, dark wood, and fair skin.  Paintings from prehistoric times have been examined to contain either raw umber or burnt umber. Umbrian clay, being a natural clay pigment, was widely used for its distinctive earth tone. Artists generally heat this natural clay pigment composed of manganese oxide and iron oxide. Umbrian clay heated turns to a darker shade of brown paint. 

Brown progressed with history. Aside from umber, artists found a way to create other tones of brown. Reddish-brown earth mined from Siena in Italy can be used as raw sienna or burnt sienna. When heated, this reddish brown earth turns into a dark reddish brown color. Dark brown clay mined from Umbria was also used to create luminous brown portraits. Moreover, dark brown clay was one of the popular browns used for classic oil paintings during the Renaissance. Today, artists have a variety of paint mediums to choose from for their art exhibitions.

Many well-known artists have used brown in their work, and brown is still a colour that many people like to use. Rembrandt is one of my favourite artists whose paintings include brown. I love how he uses different shades of brown to make depth and contrast. Brown is a very flexible colour that can be used in many different ways to make different effects.

Vincent Van Gogh is another well-known artist who likes to use brown in his work. He used brown a lot to make his paintings feel warm and inviting. Brown is a colour that I think can be used in a lot of different ways to make a lot of different effects. Brown is a great colour to use if you want to make a painting feel warm and inviting or deep and full of contrast.

What are the most popular brown arts to be created?

This brown coloring is what artists have used to create portraits and landscape paintings. That’s why most art pieces share the same browns in them. But only a few famous painters have managed to use brown to create some of the world’s top fine art. 

Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci

The Mona Lisa has got to be the most popular brown art of all time. This painting effectively uses the background to highlight how the subject appeared. It is still uncertain where Leonardo da Vinci got the inspiration for the subject of this portrait. Some say it’s his mother while others say it’s a painting of himself. I don’t know for sure which side is correct but we can all agree that this art has brought so much impact around the world.

Nevermore by Paul Gaugin

Arnolfini by Jan Van Eyck

Another painting that you should know is Jan Van Eyck’s Arnolfini. The painter creatively uses different shades of brown to create such a sophisticated oil painting. Despite having brighter colors, its ground layers are still composed of browns. This painting also somehow depicts the grandiose lifestyle that Arnolfini and his wife had. Who knew brown could be used to portray luxury living well?

Nightwatch by Rembrandt Van Rijn

Finally, we have the famous Nightwatch. What makes this art popular like the other paintings of Rembrandt Van Rijn is how he played with brown and other earth tones to create chiaroscuro effects in his work. I admire the contrast that the painter makes between light and darkness. Brown works well with the chiaroscuro effect because it acts as a transition color.

Even in the present time, brown is still widely used. Other artists such as Bob and Roberta Smith create contemporary art that features brown to create signs that address life issues in the community. 

Brown is a color that is often overlooked, but it can be very versatile when used in prints and paintings. Rembrandt was a master of using brown in his work, and his paintings are some of my favorites. Brown can also be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a room, and it is a popular choice for home décor. When used correctly, brown can be a very beautiful and elegant color. 

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10 Famous Pop Art Artists You Should Know

However, as written in theartstory.org, there has been a sort of "revolution" in the 1950s through 1960s. In London, 1952, artists calling themselves the Independent Group began to meet regularly to discuss topics like the mass culture's place in fine art, the found object, and science and technology. The British though uncertain towards American Pop Culture, remained interested in general to Western Movies, science fiction, comic books, billboard, automobile design, and rock and roll music.

The conversations went on, until finally, Pop Art made its way to the main stage, having its own spotlight.

In comparison, to fine art, pop art "...is Commercial Art, a reproduceable Art form of the seemingly eternal icons for the masses, developed on the streets, outside of the galleries of the elite, and from the symbols of daily life." This is as stated in www.kooness.com.

If we're referencing the term Pop Art to Pop Culture, this type of art, basically, uses what's popular in today's society as subject, or the other way around, it makes anything ordinary turn into an exemplary art subject, which the masses can have access to. With that, here are some Pop Art Artists worthy of your attention.

Andy Warhol

If you've ever seen a painting or a print of a can of Campbell's Soup, Andy Warhol was the one who originally created the now famous art. Andy Warhol was a brave artist, who is also an advertising illustrator, who blurred the line separating fine art and mainstream aesthetics.

When he first showed the world the Campbell's Soup Can during his first solo exhibit, the show flopped, and a secondary showing was then planned but got cancelled. However, as of present, Andy Warhol has his own museum located in Pittsburgh. About his 32 Campbell’s Soup Cans? It is now one of the prized pieces that is in the New York Museum of Modern Art. Actually, as reported in origins.osu.edu, an earlier version of Campbell’s Soup Can (Tomato) sold through Christie’s Auction house in 2010 for over $9 million.

Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama does not only create art in 2D, she also creates sculptures and creates art installations turning them into exhibits worth visiting.

But, to specifically describe Yayoi, tate.or.uk, states that she is sometimes called ‘the princess of polka dots'. Simply because although her masterpieces may vary in form, they all have one thing in common: DOTS!

Although, she may not be a leading figure when it comes to Pop Art, the way that she fought to be an artist from a young age encapsulates the defying character Pop Art possess.

Roy Lichtenstein

His art was considered "disruptive" in a manner, and he described pop art as "not 'American' painting but actually industrial painting". This means that Pop Art serves a function and it is art that is not primarily concerned with form.

Jasper Johns

Just like Warhol and Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns was representing Pop Art at that time.

Although his works are famous, these masterpieces resisted to be easily interpreted. Johns' artwork introduced the "what's-it" quality that has come to define his output. In the following years, Johns would continue to make paintings and prints that are likewise hard to parse." says artnews.com.

John's art could be representative of Pop Culture itself. It is not easy to understand and to appreciate the value of each trend, one needs to take a close, patient, look.

Pauline Boty

As bold as Pauline may have lived her life, it was documented that her art pieces were only shown to the public after 30 years of her death.

For most curators and commentators, they would describe her works as wild, experimental, surreal and eye-catching. Some of her works you need to see are "Bum" and "It's a Man's World" which gives us a glimpse of how progressive Pauline's mindset has been.

James Rosenquist

Whatever was popular, could be a person, food, or a cosmetic item, James has the capacity to put the objects together into one cohesive art that can have a hidden message.

Robert Indiana

For Yayoi Kusama, it was the use of dots, for Robert Indiana, it is all about the use of short impactful words. Whether he is making a painting or a sculpture, Indiana dedicated his pieces to highlighting "flashy bold" words. Nowadays, his art is mass reproduced and can be seen on paper bags, t-shirts, and more.

David Hockney

Just like all other Pop Art Artists, Hockney used mainstream culture as subject: pools, and modern day homes. But, theartstory.org wrote that what makes him standout is his tendency to lean towards Cubism.

The dictionary defines Cubism as an early 20th-century style and movement in art, especially painting, in which perspective with a single viewpoint was abandoned and use was made of simple geometric shapes, interlocking planes, and, later, collage.

Claes Oldenburg

Whatever he observes in his surroundings, he gets inspired to create an art installation out of it. Brittannica, describes Oldenburg as being known for soft sculptures. He uses soft, yielding vinyl to create sculptures that has a almost a sexual characteristic to it.

He has been linked to Pop Art due to his choice of using everyday consumer products in his art.

Hariton Pushwagner

It may be believed that Pushwagner took Pop Art to the next level. He was not only using popular personalities or items as subject, he was portraying scenes from real life into his art.

Knowing these Pop Art Artists allows us to be aware of the evolution that has happened in the art scene and even in society. Their art and their stories are real characterization of the changes that has happened in history, and through this we can have a glimpse of how our life today has taken into shape.

[nichehouse]

5 Healthy Ways to Keep Up With Pop Culture

Besides, the term that we've heard so much of in the past few years, even before the pandemic, is the term "self-care". Now we give value to mental health, and to taking better care of ourselves so that we can love other people from a place of peace and security. This is the best trend in pop culture that people need to identify with.

Follow What Adds Value

As a user, try follow accounts on TikTok and on Instagram that adds value. Follow people who share information that are useful and practical, like medical practitioners who share tips on becoming healthier or those who freely share facts about diseases and medicines.

Also, if we're thinking of valu-adding, you should follow Elon Musk on Instagram. Get motivation on how to have a rich mindset and reach your goals despite the limitations that you face. The founder of Tesla shares how to have the right mentality so you can focus on enriching your life and not just on pleasing other people.

Listen to What Makes Sense

Oftentimes, people believe that content on the media does not makes sense. When it comes to pop culture, people believe that influencers only make content that would make noise or become popular.

There is nothing wrong with staying updated. So, yes, you can still keep up with pop culture. And the good news is, even when you keep yourself updated, you can still be healthy. The secret lies in having a big picture perspective when it comes to taking in information.

Subscribe to What Keeps You Posted

On the rise of content creators, all rights reserved 2021 onwards, what can we watch so we would be able to be trendy?

Keep up with pop culture in a creative and fun way with Rhett and Link of Good Mythical Morning on YouTube. This YouTube Channel features videos that tackle trends, play games, and conduct experiments. Keep up with the latest movies, and even with the latest food trends by subscribing to this channel.

They explore different food brands, rate them, and even dissect what composes a famous food product.

Of course, if we're talking about things we can watch, we got to talk about Netflix.

Stream What is Eye-Opening

What's pop is not just Anna's business suits, or accessories, it's also her manners when she's dealing with investors, and potential partners. After all, being on trend is not all about the external factors, it's also how you improve your life because of all the new things you get to learn.

Pay Attention to News of the Present and the Future

Yes, it's trendy to watch the news. Well, what better way to know what's popping ing pop culture than to be updated with current events. Even the youth are into it. Facebook, from being just a means to connect with a network of people, is now being used to deliver news immediately to the whole world.

Keep up with pop culture by following pages of your local and international news provider on Facebook to ensure that you are reading legit news updates. But, you can still read directly from their websites or watch the news channel. Getting news, from trustworthy researchers, writers, and reporters, actually sums up what has been discussed above. When you read the news you keep up with pop culture. But while doing that, you add value to yourself as you keep yourself informed. You get facts that makes sense, because current events affect you. And with the news, it's not just about knowing what is happening now, especially that big news tend to have lasting effects on the society that we move in.

At the end of the day, keeping up with pop culture is all about being informed and making sure that you use the information to help alleviate yourself and this world.

[nichehouse]

How can pop culture be useful for education

In the generation where we lived today where the advancement of technologies and development are so high, the influence of pop culture is stronger than before. I rarely know a person who doesn’t have a cellphone and social media. I can’t even imagine living every day without listening to a popular playlist, not watching television, not seeing any popular videos and popular news in the luxury of living at home, and even communicating with my sphere of influence without having it. I can’t even see my nieces and nephews not talking about the popular anime, music, and dance that they are seeing on Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, and all sorts of social media and not applying it in their own life. 

With these stated facts, why not put all of this entertainment media activity to good use by tying it into the lessons that can be useful in educating the young generation?

If integrated appropriately, pop culture for education can help boost student engagement and interest levels in a number of ways.

Let's take a closer look at how Pop culture can be useful for education.

Pop Culture Makes Concepts Easier to Relate To

Incorporating pop culture and media into the classroom is a frequent debate among educators as some of the older generations of educators prefer it to be like the usual by the book while the younger generation of educators can relate to and teach it so well.

Pop Culture for education could be distracting especially those sensitive topics and not acceptable in one's culture. On the other hand,  it has many advantages too if integrated properly into the lessons being taught. Sometimes it can be intimidating for an educator of the older generation to relate to learners of a different generation without him knowing about the topic. 

By applying the things learners know and care about to an educator’s lessons, topics and concepts, I can see it can become easier for students to understand and relate to. In addition, these topics and concepts may be easier for the educators to explain if one can compare them to specific instances of pop culture because everyone in the group knows the topic. 

Depending on the subjects the educator teaches, there are several ways an educator could add pop culture for education into their lessons to make the teaching easy to grasp and fun to tackle with. For instance, you could relate a math concept to the 2-for-1 pizza deal you saw advertised on TV last night or the new dance step you see in Tiktok for music class.

Pop Culture Encourages Collaboration & Discussion

Another example of this would be using a Korean drama to spark learners' thoughts and feelings about a certain topic or viewpoint that the educator wants to teach. Since most of the Kdrama series has a more realistic point of view of life’s personal decisions, every part of the classroom can discuss and have an open discussion regarding some of the topics likewise making a realization that it is fun being in school. Dramas and series are a great start for discussions since younger generations today want to be heard. And they are more aware and inclined in expressing their strong opinions and emotions regarding personal life experiences and creative thinking.

Pop Culture Awakens Critical Thinking Skills

Including pop culture for education in each lesson helps to awaken and develop critical thinking skills in every student. If pop culture is explained to them properly and at the right time that everything they see and hear on the internet, cellphone, social media, TV, and radio is not necessarily true, it can provide them the perfect opportunity for them to investigate and solve popular topics further while in the luxury living at home. Through critical thinking, research, and investigation, each student can discover facts and supporting information for these topics and form their own opinions, beliefs, and conclusions. Since popular culture for education is so helpful that it releases the thoughts, creativity, and resourcefulness of every child. 

On the other hand, students can utilize their critical thinking skills when it comes to situations happening in their lives. For instance, if I see friend A unfriends friend B on Facebook for no apparent reason, I can use my critical thinking skills to analyze the situation and figure out the truth behind friend A’s action by gathering data and researching it.

With all that has been said, keeping the learners on their toes when adding pop culture for education to their lessons will both give the students and education benefits since the lessons will be more engaging and it will help show that there are always lessons to learn from their favorite TV shows and movies.

So what are you waiting for? Have pop culture included in your lesson plan and you will see how it is so useful for education.

[nichehouse]

5 Greatest Trilogies to Watch

Movies are for the people who can commit time. In a world full of people who only have the patience for tv series, it is refreshing to see someone or to be the person who can just sit down and focus on a movie from start to finish. Watching a great movie can give you a detailed account of the story and at the same time transport you there, in the movie settings.

Before, standalone films used to suffice, but audiences who get so engaged with the films would ask for more, which is why sequels get released. If you are the kind of viewer who does get engaged with the best movies, then a trilogy, or a series of three movies, will definitely be worth your time.

The greatest trilogies can hook audiences from the first movie up until the last. The first one is usually used by the director and the producers to build the world of the film and introduce the conflict. Movie number two, then, contains a lot of the excitement in the story, because the premises were already laid down and there is no rush to finish the trilogy. The last part of the trilogy concludes the set and is usually where there is a debate among fans, who either love or hate the ending. Either way, the important thing is that the viewers get immersed in the story and think about it long after they watch them.

In this article, I am going to give you five of the greatest trilogies that you should definitely watch. This list contains different genres to cater to different tastes.

Millennium Trilogy

First one on the list of greatest trilogies is the Millennium film trilogy, an international success and a classic. This is based on Stieg Larsson's book trilogy with the same title. If you are not familiar with the trilogy name, then you may have heard of the title of the first book/film: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

This is a crime thriller and the main protagonists are Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist, and Lisbeth Salander, a one-of-a-kind genius who is an unforgettable character to the trilogy's viewers. An unlikely duo, the two of them try to solve a mystery that entails unearthing years and years of family crime. They get so involved in all the drama that they even become targets themselves.

This is a well-paced story that you should definitely watch on a movie night. Make a fresh batch of popcorn, because the plot is going to keep you on your toes. Watch this at home in your own theater at home.

Divergent Trilogy

The second trilogy on our list is another film trilogy based on successful books. I personally was not very impressed with the books, because it is very similar to the Hunger Games, as they are both dystopian novels. The difference, though, is that the film adaptations for the Divergent trilogy were not disappointing. The important things detailed in the books were portrayed well in the movies, so if you do not have the time to read the bestselling books, consider watching the films.

Divergent introduces to us a society divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Each faction highly values different principles. In a coming-of-age ceremony, sixteen-year-olds have to choose a faction, but the main protagonist Tris then discovers that she is a Divergent, which means that she does not fit into any of the factions exactly. Things get messy when some of the factions get into a war, and Tris has to team up with Four and her other friends from the same faction to fight a war that might just end the world she lives in.

Cars Trilogy

This is for the people who like animated films and out of all the Pixar hits, this is my personal favorite, and although it is a success, it is criminally underrated. Disney is known to be adventurous when it comes to their characters, and Cars features personified vehicles.

The main protagonist is Lightning McQueen, a race car, who starts as an arrogant rookie. After a major detour on the way to California for a competition, he meets some town commoners whom he belittles at first, but as he spends time with them doing community service, he learns some valuable lessons about success and even falls in love.

Got you curious about the secret life cars could be having? Go watch this film trilogy, get inspired, and be touched by the support and affection these cars have for each other.

The Chronicles of Narnia Trilogy

This is based on the novels by C.S. Lewis, although not all of them were adapted into films. This is perfect for family movie nights and is one of the greatest trilogies for Christmas movie marathons with the kids. This brings the viewer into a magical world beyond an unassuming wardrobe, where the four Pevensie siblings embark on a journey guided by the king of Narnia, Aslan, who happens to be a lion. Together, they deal with the challenges brought by the antagonist, the White Witch. Imagine watching this with the family on Christmas Eve in your own beautiful home!

John Wick Trilogy

The last entry on our list is a psychological action thriller. John Wick, a former hitman, is peacefully lamenting the death of his wife, but when a group of mobsters takes away some things that are dear to him, he goes back to his old ways and seeks vengeance.

The plot of this one is very simple, but the execution is gold, which makes it one of the greatest trilogies. Keep your eyes peeled for the visual effects, but keep the children away from the screen.

Conclusion

Watching some movies is a great way to unwind after a taxing day, week, or even month. If you do have some time to commit, consider watching the greatest trilogies instead of just random movies. This gives you more immersion into the world that the three films built and more opportunities to learn a lesson or two that will stick with you for the rest of your life.

[nichehouse]

All About Pop Culture

If we are giving this culture a name, let's call it Pop Culture or Popular Culture. Philosophy Now states that Pop Culture "holds different meanings depending on who’s defining it and the context of use. It is generally recognized as the vernacular or people’s culture that predominates in a society at a point in time."

Pop Culture is also known as Culture of the People

A major part of Pop Culture also is the way we communicate. Pop Culture has a way of allowing words to evolve and even be used differently from its original definition.

For example, "snatched" or snatch as its present tense, originally means to take something quickly. But the new generation has given the word "snatched" a new meaning. According to dictionary.com, "snatched" means "on point" or something in particular, whether a hairstyle or an outfit, looks amazing. The website also indicated that the term may have been born out of the popular tv show, RuPaul's Drag Race.

Pop Culture from Social Media Hits Different

Okay, we've talked about Pop Culture influenced by Movies, and TV Shows. Yet, in this information age, what really makes Pop Culture explode is the maximized use of Social Media.

Instead of simply being influenced by a movie on how to live our lives, social media platforms like TikTok has taught us how to live like we are in a movie. InsideHook discusses the "Main Character Syndrome" or the "Protagonist Syndrome." More than any other generation, the Gen Z has caught a bad case of this.

The website explains that this is a way of romanticizing event the most mundane moments of one's life in order to escape the boring real life they are experiencing. Again, this is brought about by the pandemic, especially to young people who did not get to experience prom, graduation, and all sorts of could have been milestones in their lives.

What's New in Pop Culture

E! Online lists down some Pop Culture Moments to look forward in 2022 and one of which is being able to watch movies in the cinemas again.

With the recently concluded Coachella, it is evident that the concert scene is alive again. After years of holding concerts online through YouTube or Facebook, and even making films about their artistry, singers and music groups can now hold physical concerts and indulge in the crowd that gathered for their performance.

But, is Pop Culture really Always Changing?

However, is Pop Culture really always changing? Evolutionary Scientist, Armand Leroi, begs to disagree and as published on scientificamerican.com, he says that the idea that modern culture always changes is not exactly accurate. "That impression is wrong, however. And the reason it’s wrong, to put it very simply in musical terms, is that the songs change but the music kind of stays the same.” Leroi states.

Leroi and his colleagues were able to compare the evolution of Pop Culture with the evolution of animal populations. Scientific American explains that "The researchers’ results, published this week in Nature Human Behaviour, show that the evolutionary pace of modern culture is generally the same as that of many animal populations—which is to say, it is a lot slower than people think."

Yet, no matter how we see it, fast or slow, there are always changes occurring in Pop Culture. And now, more than ever, people want to keep up with it. Probably, people only want to be accepted in a society that has locked us down for so long. There is a desire for each and every one of us to be seen, and being relevant through knowing what's new in the Pop Culture allows us that.

[nichehouse]

What Makes The Star Wars Trilogy So Popular?

Do you love Star Wars? If you will ask me, I love it! 

For a person who doesn’t know Star Wars, you will be amazed at how popular this film is. Who would imagine the Star Wars trilogy will be a success earning billions of dollars. Wow! A genius director imagined this epic space adventure with a great storyline and different genres that brought balance to this film. It is a recommended movie that will possibly make you a fan or a “number one fan” and will not make you down.

The question right now is, why has the Star Wars trilogy become so popular? 

Let me bring you to the galaxy of Star Wars as you enjoy your luxury living at home. Check this list and see how this Star Wars trilogy dominated other films in the industry.

The Plot of the trilogy

I’m not a full-blooded fan of Star Wars who knows all the deep universes of these films. I will just tell you what I see in this trilogy.

Let’s start with the first film of the Star Wars trilogy, “Star Wars”.  Yes. It’s just Star Wars. Nothing more, nothing less. If you will encounter Star Wars for the first time without looking at the poster, maybe your mind is fooling you with these billions of stars fighting above for living literally. But that is not what the movie will give you. 

The first film is not the beginning of the story. During a civil war, there is a fight between the Rebel Alliance and the Imperial force. A princess and an evil character inside a black suit are the leaders of these two forces.  Starting with the conflicts of the stories like the princess being captured by the Imperial forces then the big problem “Death Star” which can destroy a planet.

The transition to the famous main character Skywalker is one of the parts of the plot of the first film. Imagine because of the two robots who flee with a message looking for a person, the Skywalker journey started. Learning about the “Force” and the destruction of the “Death Star” are the best thing for the plot.

In the second film, Star Wars: The Empires Strikes Back, the lightsaber battle between Darth Vader and Luke is a part that fans waited for a long time. Following with the words, “I am your father”, made the battle scene more intense. What a great surprise!

Lastly, in the ending film of the original Star Wars Trilogy, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Luke knew many revelations like the real life of his father and her twin sister. A sequence is full of excitement and surprises. A happy ending, destroying another “Death Star” and defeating the Imperial forces without leaving the audience with a big question, made this film a solid trilogy.

The Sound, not the graphics!

Yes, some of the scenes are exaggerated or awkward to the face of the audience but check out the sound effects of the movies.  The sound effects like some laser beams attacking big spaceships and a lightsaber hitting another lightsaber will be remarkable for the ears of the viewers.  With an audio system and big television, it will allow you to fully enjoy the luxury living at home. I can say there is unity between the scene and the background music. Star Wars is a futuristic experience living in the 90s.

Not just Luke Skywalker

Setting with “S”

A war in space? Are you insane? Well, that idea brought the Star Wars trilogy to the epic top spot. What can you say to a Star Wars film put inside drylands, snow world, swamps, and forests? Yes, it’s probably common for a sci-fi film to switch settings but Star Wars justify it. Every scene was told perfectly fit the location. We all know in the 90s the graphics were not just as real as today but Star Wars is unique.

A mixed emotion

A roller coaster ride of emotions is what Star Wars will surely give you. At first, you will be not satisfied by the scenes but later on- fear, anger, love, joy, and different kinds of emotions will follow you to the end of the trilogy.

Star Wars is a great film. Most people will surely agree with me. Thinking about the million fans out there, what makes Star Wars so popular to you? Do you see yourself as one of the characters? Do you feel you are on an adventure watching this trilogy? Star Wars can give us different opinions and emotions. You are a part of its success.

Continue to support Star Wars. Try watching it again and experience it while enjoying the luxury living at home.

“May the force be with you.” 

[nichehouse]

How did The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins become iconic?

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is the first book in Suzanne Collins' hugely popular Hunger Games trilogy, about a sixteen-year-old girl participating in a deadly game where twenty-four children must kill each other until one is left standing.

Katniss lives in a world divided into thirteen districts. Every district has a community aspect to focus on, and the county that controls and governs people is the Capitol. The Capitol has been very harsh and cruel to all the districts, forcing them to send a boy and girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to the annual Hunger Games, a life-and-death match on live television.

The Concept

In an interview made by David Levithan, Suzanne Collins’ said she wanted a completely new world and a different angle on the just-war debate.

“Just-war theory has evolved over thousands of years in an attempt to define what circumstances give you the moral right to wage war and what is acceptable behavior within that war and its aftermath. The why and the how. It helps differentiate between what’s considered a necessary and unnecessary war.” Suzanne Collins’ added.

The Hunger Games is a unique film that explores a variety of concepts including Power, Societal Inequality, and Family.

POWER

The first prominent concept of The Hunger Games is Power. How power is often abused by corrupt, totalitarian governments is one of all the ideas explored within the Hunger Games.

The people of Panem are ruled by a brutal and repressive regime that will do anything to remain in power. When Gale talks about the deed, Katniss is quick to remind him that the government would probably cut out their tongues if they tried. The Hunger Games is different in that the government holds onto power.

Like many totalitarian governments, the government of Panem stays in power using military units. Capitol Peacekeepers roam the 12 districts and use violence against people just for them to follow. When Katniss and Primrose file into the world for The Reaping, there are a variety of peacekeepers wearing matching grey uniforms and armed with weapons overseeing the event.

When fighting breaks in District 11, the Capitol Peacekeepers quickly stop the violence that uprises which threatens to interrupt their supply of grain. The government also abuses its power by exploiting the districts, taking the crops and resources that they produce, and giving little reciprocally. As a result of this, The Capitol continues to prosper while the districts endure greater poverty and hardship.

SOCIETAL INEQUALITY

The second concept of The Hunger Games is Societal Inequality. Within the Hunger Games, social inequality occurs throughout the state of Panem, among the twelve districts, and among the inhabitants of any given district. it's this inequity that breeds strife and creates the most conflicts in the book.

In Panem, as an example, wealth is heavily concentrated in the hands of these living within the Capitol, and also the result's that they can’t even comprehend the lives of the poor. The citizens of the Capitol don’t realize that the inhabitants of the districts are even as intelligent as they are—and even as capable of feeling—because they lead such drastically different lives. It’s this lack of understanding that permits the citizens of the Capitol to dismiss the suffering of the Hunger Games as entertainment: they don’t view the tributes as real people. They see them, via the “reality TV” of the Hunger Games, as a way of entertainment while enjoying their luxury living at home.

The way that tributes are selected to be within the Games is maybe the foremost obvious indicator of social inequality. Although the lottery is random in theory, the tesserae system makes the poor more vulnerable. In exchange for extra rations of food and oil, children can enter their names into the reaping additional times. Because the youngsters of poor families need tesserae so as to survive and support their families, they’re more likely to be picked than the kids of wealthier families.

FAMILY

Finally, a serious theme in this novel is Family. Obviously, Katniss volunteers at the start to save lots of her sister Prim’s life, but Prim also has flashes throughout of her father, who died in a very work explosion:

“My father was particularly keen on Mockingjay. after we were hunting, he would whistle or sing complicated songs to them and, after a polite pause, they’d always sing back.”- Katniss Everdeen

Even though his character is dead, he plays an enormous part in the narrative, and therefore the idea of Katniss getting back to her family is front and center all the way through.

The Character

I love lots of characters here. There are lots of characters well worth mentioning but I’m specializing in Katniss Everdeen seeing that she’s the protagonist in this whole series.

Katniss is a sixteen-year-old girl residing with her mom and sister in District 12. The whole thing is fine, Katniss doing her normal daily routine until her sister Prim became chosen as a tribute, which brought about Katniss volunteering for her sister. I really like how Katniss is a woman full of compassion and love for her sister Prim to the purpose that she’ll do everything simply to protect her.

Talk of gender fairness seems bolder now, even if some women and ladies still fight for equality, leadership positions, and reputation for their specific contributions to the past and present.

Enter Katniss Everdeen, an imperfectly perfect lady protagonist who proves that being a woman would not hinder your possibility of surviving challenging circumstances. This has grown to be a metaphor for the conflict of making gender fairness a reality.

While she might lack some of the physical strength of some of her male counterparts, Katniss more than makes up for it with her archery skills and her compassion and care for other Hunger Games participants. She focused on her responsibilities, and though she develops feelings for Peeta and becomes aware of feelings for Gale during the Games, romance remains a peripheral interest for her at the end of the novel. She maintains her fierce and powerful identity and integrity, just as Peeta at one point says he would like to, despite the horrible events she faces in the Games. Soon, she is looked at by a loyal following as their leader and becomes the face of a revolution.

When it comes to characters, The Hunger Games is good at presenting its readers with flawed, realistic people to follow over the course of its three books and it definitely deserves applause. Of course, Katniss isn’t the only character fans have fallen for while reading these novels. Peeta, Gale, Haymitch, Cinna, Effie — every single person introduced as Katniss wins her first Hunger Games and goes on to become the Mockingjay is charming yet flawed, and following them will make bring the readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions of laughter and crying. 

The Chronicle

First-person narration is often difficult to drag off, but Suzanne Collins does it seamlessly throughout The Hunger Games. In part, this can be probably because Katniss is such a relatable protagonist, making it easy to step into her shoes. But Collins’ style also deserves some credit for this, delivering a well-written, easy-to-read story that absolutely flies by.

Suzanne Collins’ combination of short, choppy, stream-of-consciousness sentences and longer, more descriptive inserts the reader directly into Katniss’ mind — which is both a desirable and devastating place to be. The author also never fails me to focus on the darker, fearful parts of the story, making the misery of those books an almost tangible element.

Additionally, Collins’ use of setting is vivid all the way through, like within the Capitol…

“If anything, they have not quite captured the magnificence of the glistening buildings in a rainbow of hues that tower into the air, the shiny cars that roll down the wide paved streets, the oddly dressed people with bizarre hair and painted faces who have never missed a meal.”

And within the forest scenes…

“The woods always look different at night. Even with the glasses, everything has an unfamiliar slant to it. As if the daytime trees and flowers and stones had gone to bed and sent slightly more ominous versions of themselves to take their places.”

Even in the person present, Suzanne Collins makes the settings get in front of Katniss’s eyes.

CONCLUSION

This trilogy becomes so iconic in many ways as it is so relatable to everyone. It taught me that life is not about the ‘odds being ever in our favor’ and that I can change those odds through my choices. By doing so, we have the power to change our world and make it better for everyone.

Thanks for dropping by! Have you read or watched The Hunger Games? What are your thoughts about it?

[nichehouse]

How to Earn Money Using Your Digital Arts

The term New Norm is no longer new to us. See, over the course of two years, the world has already gotten used to the adjustments brought about by the pandemic. With the people staying inside their houses, work from home jobs have been on the rise, and we are all quick to adapt to them.

While a lot more online jobs started becoming more popular, we are going to specifically dwell in the digital arts.

The Difference of the terms Graphic Art and Digital Art

We're all familiar with the term graphic art. We see it on advertisements.

What makes digital art stand out from graphic art is the way that the art has been made or presented. "Digital art is a term used to describe art that is made or presented using digital technology," says tate.org.uk. Additionally, artworkarchive.com states that the practice of digital art is the creation of pieces which are computer generated, scanned, or drawn using a tablet or mouse. Digital art includes digitally manipulated videos, and photographs. And in recent years, digital art has often been interactive – allowing the audience to influence the images which are made. This increasing proximity between the art and the audience is an important part of what makes digital art stand out.

If you are into digital art, here are some laptops that can help you create more:

So What are the Jobs and Businesses to Have in the Digital Art Industry?

Getting into digital art may only be one way to do more in your creative endeavor we want you to discover more ways to expand your creative career. Here's how:

The Rise of Branding

Design User Interface or User Experience (UI/UX)

Artists' and designers' digital art can be seen on website's main menu or homepage, and creativity can even be applied to a search bar.

The Ever on Demand Social Media Management

This is why people, yes even individuals, and companies hire highly skilled graphic artists to create standout content for them. The digital art needs to stop potential buyers from scrolling, capture their attention, and turn their interest into actual sales.

More than a Job, You Can Build Your Own Business

Most artists now sell their artwork through the form of stickers, t-shirts, tote bags, and more. This is an option if you are also interested in creating your own brand and to really solidify your identity as an artist, because you are linking tangible products to your digital art.

A Career or a Side Hustle

Now, the important thing for creatives is to find their confidence in order to create a career or a simple side hustle with digital art. Whether this is the first time you've heard of digital art as well as its potential to create wealth, note that there is a huge market out there that is only waiting for you not just to produce your art but to serve the needs of the consumers as well.

[nichehouse]

Best Movies To Binge Watch this Valentine's Day

There's something special about going to the movies. The big screen, the surround sound, the suspenseful silence as everyone watches the unfolding story... But let's be honest, going to the movies can be a bit of a pain. Dealing with long lines, overpriced snacks, and noisy crowds is enough to ruin any romantic mood.

This year, why not celebrate Valentine's Day by binge-watching your favorite movie at home? You can make popcorn in the microwave, raid the fridge for snacks, and cuddle up on the couch with your loved one. Best of all, you won't have to worry about someone kicking your seat or talking during the film.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is the perfect film for a date night. The story follows a married couple who discover that they are both assassins working for competing agencies. As they attempt to kill each other, they also start to fall in love all over again. The film is full of action, romance, and comedy, so there's something for everyone.

And with a runtime of only 105 minutes, it's the perfect length for a date night. So if you're looking for a fun and unique movie to watch with your partner, Mr. & Mrs. Smith is the perfect choice.

50  First Dates (2004)  

If you're looking for a great romantic comedy to watch on your next movie date night, you can't go wrong with 50 First Dates. The film stars Adam Sandler as Henry, a marine researcher, and Drew Barrymore as Lucy Whitmore, a patient suffering from short-term memory loss.

Together, the two characters navigate the ups and downs of their relationship as they try to find a way to connect with each other.

Aside from the touching story, you'll also fall in love with the beautiful location of Oahu, Hawaii, where the film is set. So if you're looking for a romantic comedy that will make you laugh and warm your heart, be sure to check out 50 First Dates.

Valentine’s Day (2010)

Valentine's Day is a 2010 American romantic comedy film directed by Garry Marshall. The film stars an ensemble cast including Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Patrick Dempsey, Eric Dane, Jamie Foxx, and Topher Grace.

The plot follows a group of young Los Angeles urbanites as they navigate the pressures and expectations that come with the holiday season. Breakups, make-ups, tears, joy, and everything in between are all here.

Valentine's Day was a box office success, grossing over $216 million worldwide. Critics were divided on the film, with some praising its light-hearted tone and charming cast, while others found it to be formulaic and unoriginal. Regardless of its mixed reception, the film is sure to be a hit with audiences looking for a romantic movie to watch with their own valentines.

Flipped (2010)

Do you remember your first crush? The butterflies in your stomach, the constant daydreaming, the way your heart skip a beat when they walked into the room? Flipped is a movie that captures all of those first love feels. Juli Baker (Madeline Carroll) has been in love with Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe) since the second grade, when he moved in next door.

Bryce, on the other hand, has never given Juli so much as a second glance. But as they enter seventh grade, things begin to change. Slowly but surely, Bryce starts to see Juli in a new light and begins to return her affections.

Flipped is the perfect movie for anyone who loves a good romantic comedy. It's sweet, funny, and will leave you feeling nostalgic for those wide-eyed days of young love. So cuddle up with your special someone this Valentine's Day and enjoy a trip down memory lane with Flipped.

La La Land (2016)

La La Land is a 2016 American musical romantic drama film directed by Damien Chazelle and written by Chazelle, Justin Hurwitz and Benj Pasek. The film stars Ryan Gosling as a jazz pianist and Emma Stone as an aspiring actress, who meet and fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. Jacob Benjamin "JB" Smoove as Keith, John Legend as Keith's friend, Rosemarie DeWitt as Mia's co-star and Finn Wittrock as an actor Mia meets.

First of all, the visuals are gorgeous. Every shot is like a beautiful painting coming to life. The colors are so vibrant that they almost jump off the screen. Secondly, the acting is superb. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have great chemistry together and their performances are both grounded and full of heart.

And finally, the music is just outstanding. Justin Hurwitz' score is gorgeous and inventive, and the songs are all catchy and will stay stuck in your head for days. La La Land is simply a joy to watch from beginning to end. It's a love letter to the city of Los Angeles, to the history of Hollywood musicals, and to the power of dreams.

Binge-watch this movie this year in the comfort of your own home

There's something special about cuddling up on the couch with your loved one and watching a good movie. This Valentine's Day, why not ditch the crowded theaters and expensive tickets, and binge-watch a movie at home instead?

You can make your own popcorn, grab your favorite drinks, and snuggle up together without having to worry about other people. Plus, you can pause the movie whenever you want!

Whether you're looking for a romantic comedy, a tearjerker, or an action-packed adventure, there's sure to be a movie that you'll both enjoy.

So curl up together this Valentine's Day and have a marathon watch party. It'll be one of the best ways to spend the day!

[nichehouse]

Digital Art Tools and Software for the Modern Picasso

Digital Art Tools and Software for the Modern Picasso

The best time to discover what you are passionate about was probably years ago, and the next best time is NOW, for we believe that part of luxury living is doing what you really love.

We are grateful that the world is slowly beating the pandemic, but let us admit, not everything that happened during the past two years were total bummers. From the lockdown that we've experienced inside a luxury home or not, a lot of us began unearthing our hidden passions, and there are those who started learning new skills such as cooking, baking, gardening, and also, getting our hands into digital art.

There are also those who got into the business of house and lot properties for sale, but that is not what we're talking about right now, because we are talking about digital art (digital art tools and digital art software to be exact).

If you're definitely into art, here is a suggested read for you: https://www.brittany.com.ph/blogs/art-exhibits-2022/

If You're Only Catching Up to Digital Art, Here's a Little Review for You

Digital art can be defined as “contemporary art that uses mass-production methods via digital media.” This has expanded the definition of art, increasing its availability to the world via the internet, social media, motion pictures, and television.

As a genesis, the digital age began between 1950 and 1970 when artists began to use digital art techniques through television, personal computers and other mediums. You can view most of the earlier creations of digital artists through the animations or movies your parents and grandparents used to watch.

Digital art can be massed produced and consumed unlike the house and lot properties for sale at Brittany Corporation, but in the same way that we highlight functionality when it comes to luxury living, specifically Brittany living, we'll focus the discussion now on the best digital art tools that you can actually use.

The continuous developments in the digital age has brought us more than digital art, and you can read all about it here: https://www.brittany.com.ph/blogs/benefits-of-digital-transformation/

Let's Start With the Best Digital Art Tools

So, how can you start working on a digital painting especially if you are planning to create the best digital art, those as impeccable as a luxury home in a luxury real estate? Of course, you need to have the right tools for digital painting.

If you're thinking of the tablet right now and the digital pencil that now comes with it, yes you are right. For the digital artists, even for beginners, here are some of the tools for digital art which are usually used. We're taking one from Apple, Microsoft, and from Google.

The iPad Pro

The iPad today is now a professional and a very powerful drawing tablet used by digital artists. Apple may be considered the choice for those used to luxury living, but there are reasons why they remain topnotch like house and lot properties for sale at Brittany Corporation.

Paired with the Apple Pencil which can draw, shade and paint, this can unleash your creativity and help you create your next masterpiece.

If you're wondering what apps would be available for the iPad, the answer is all of them. It seems like it is compatible for all the major digital art software like Adobe and Procreate as well as smaller apps like ArtRage and Graphic.

The latest iPad Pro also features the M1 chip so it ensures that you can keep working on a digital art for hours and you can be sure that you will be the most productive because this tablet can surely keep up with you.

The Surface Pro 7 and 8?

If you want to go with Microsoft, the Surface Pro is the one for you. For digital artists who don't only want to have a drawing tablet but also needs a full operating system, specifically Windows in this case, the Surfer Pro has been one of the best tablets in the market.

If we are to summarize things and convince you to create with a Surfer Pro 8 and a Surfer pen too, it is because of the following: it has a gorgeous display with a full 3:2 ratio and 2,880 x 1,920p resolution, sitting somewhere between 4K and 1440p. It is also capable of hitting 103% of the sRGB spectrum, so you’re getting crisp, accurate colors across any creative applications.

As tested, you can use the tablet for more than a good 8 hours for digital painting, for drawing, other techniques you want to do.

While all the best digital art features may be on the Surfer Pro 8, of course, we kept the Surfer Pro 7 on the list because it has a good old USB port, and we believe that you can easily transfer files with it.

The Google Pixelbook

Again, for digital artists who also need to have a fully functioning computer, the Google Pixelbook is a great option too.

When it comes to digital art tools, we don't usually talk about Google. but the tech company has come up with a great drawing tablet which also allows you to do all the other tasks you need to perform. Of course, the Pen is there for you to draw, but it also has a seamless integration with the Google Assistant, so it is actually useful when it comes to looking for inspiration and saving it.

For example, if you're reading an article and something piqued your interest, you can circle it with Google Pixelbook Pen and the system will research on the web for you.

Rest assured, this is a great tool for digital artists that comes with an aesthetic design as well. It's like easily experiencing Brittany living in a luxury home. It is convenient.

You can go to clipstudio.net to discover more digital art tools.

Moving Onto Digital Art Software You Can Actually Use

You might have your drawing tablet and pen, but to draw and create with brushes and paint, you need digital art software. There are several famous digital art software already out in the market, and we're making a small list of why to need to get them. Yes, you can appreciate these digital art software like Brittany living in a luxury real estate, because like luxury real estate, there is so much beauty strategically designed in them.

Clip Studio Paint

Have you heard of this digital art software, Clip Studio Paint? Well, if you haven't, here's what you need to know about Clip Studio Paint. Creators say that this digital art software is created for digital artists who love to draw and paint.

It is said that the brushes and strokes feel more natural when compared with other graphic software. Clip Studio Paint is not only for making digital art on a drawing tablet, it is also a good digital art software that you can use on your smartphone.

Adobe Photoshop

If you have seen a digital art online that seems to be mocked up on a real photo, you can easily tell that it is done on Adobe Photoshop. This digital art software is known to enhance and alter photos, but more than that, this has allowed people to explore the possibilities of placing digital art on a realistic canvas.

This type of digital art is now widely used for sales and marketing, as ads turn from the boring and traditional, to the exciting and imaginative.

You can view some of the best digital masterpieces on Adobe's website.

Procreate

Procreate is a digital art software which claims to be a digital art studio you can bring anywhere. Not only best for drawing, Procreate also allows you to create your own brushes and sell it online. This digital art software also allows you to draw and paint in 3D. The best feature is that you can view a 3D digital art in over ten lighting environments. Plus, the augmented reality allows your clients to explore every angle of your digital art.

Corel Painter

Finally, we want you to get familiar with Corel Painter. Corel Painter claims that a digital artist can create next-level results with this trusted, professional digital art software. The brushes and the techniques available for digital art on this software is complex, meaning there are the usual paintbrush strokes, but there is also thick paint, particle brushes and even an airbrush tool. See the various digital painting techniques that can be executed through Corel Painter with this digital art below.

Now, if in case digital art is not right up in your alley and if you do not want to create digital art just yet, and you just want to shop for a good art piece, here's where you can find them: https://www.brittany.com.ph/blogs/where-you-can-purchase-unique-art-pieces-for-your-luxury-home/

However, whether you want to pursue becoming a digital artist, if you are not one yet, or you're simply on the lookout for the best digital art out there, don't forget that a great world of art enthusiasts are welcoming both the ones who create and the ones who appreciate.

[nichehouse]

What is Fine Art Architecture?

What is Fine Art Architecture?

If we are looking at the way this piece of land that depicts luxury living is elegantly designed and developed by Brittany Corporation based on Italian architecture, who's going to say that architecture is not art?

Architecture is One of the Most Popular Subjects in the Art World

Although architecture can easily show the beauty of the city landscapes, or communities such as those made by Brittany Corporation, architecture is not only able to tell a visual story, architecture is also able to tell the history of a certain place.

The connection between art and architecture is evident especially in the way that it sparks inspiration for artists. Not only does an artist get an idea of what to paint, there is also a sense of fulfillment in seeing something from someone's imagination come to life through the work of the architect. We can only imagine a beautifully drawn luxury condominium or luxury home coming to reality.

Defining Fine Art and Architecture

This is in contrast to the evident purpose of architecture. While architecture may be admired, architecture has function. Besides a visual installation, there is a practical use for a building.

In a building, people may reside, work in, and be entertained in. Buildings can be a luxury home or luxury condominium providing luxury living.

But, with art, it is solely there to be looked at.

Hence, architecture is not only functional, it is also, possibly, expressive. So the notion of architecture being an art can be seen through this.

Like for example, with the picture of luxury living in mind, Brittany Corporation has created Brittany homes which emulates just that.

Perhaps, additionally, the definition of architecture can be subjective to the view of the architect. There are at least as many definitions of architecture as there are architects or people who comment on the practice of it. While some embrace it as art, others defend architecture’s seminal social responsibility as its most definitive attribute. More importantly, architecture is accommodating and is open to possibilities.

So, Is Architecture Considered Art? Or the Other Way Around?

For the continuation of the discussion, fine art is also constantly being extended to embrace new activities arising because of either new technology, or artistic innovation. The same thing that was mentioned above about architecture.

So can you argue that architecture is a form art, and that some pieces of art can actually emulate the characteristics of architecture?

See for example The Bean or the Cloud Gate from the city of Chicago. This piece of giant sculpture must have been designed and built with the processes of architecture. But when we researched if you can go inside it, the answer is no. The fact is that, as its name suggests, it is simply a gate, an entrance to the park under which the visitors can enter.

Least to say, this is a piece that could possibly describe what fine art architecture is—a tangible output, within which art and architecture is visualized.

Building Your Own Argument

So, to make your own argument if fine art architecture is a thing, consider these things:

There is a creative process in both art and architecture. Both involves drawing and artistic skills. Both can make you feel something, and are both open to possibilities, to changes and to expansions. Architecture can be inspiration for art, and in the same way art can inspire architecture, specifically when we see a building come to life from a drawing.

On the contrary, art is not confined by the rules and regulations, architecture is. Architecture tends to cater the needs of consumers, art does not. Architecture has a definitive purpose to fulfill, unlike art that is mainly intended to be appreciated by the people.

But no matter how you look at this, what's important is that we support our artists and our architects. When we find ourselves in awe of a building or an art piece, let us not forget to give a nod to architecture and art.

[nichehouse]

Iconic: The Most Iconic Fashion Films of All Time

Fashion trends have changed dramatically over the years. From a single cloth to the world of fashion industry. From the costume designer to the fashion photographer to the world of films.

Fashion films

Fashion film is a trend nowadays. It can influence your fashion by reintroducing looks and styles from the past.

There are many films on fashion, but only a few make an impression on you and become unforgettable. Perhaps you've seen some of them.

The List

Here is the list of the most Iconic Fashion films of all time and the films that every fashion lover must watch.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

The film Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of the most iconic fashion films that blew up the fashion industry. It simply introduced iconic fashion on screen.

Impact on popular culture

The film's impact on popular culture and celebrity- fashion designer relationships since its introduction in 1961 cannot be emphasized enough.

​The Looks

Audrey Hepburn became recognized as both a film and fashion icon. Up to this day, her fashion styles are still trendy in today's fashion industry. She's a style icon for the ages.

The Devil wears Prada

Just like Breakfast at Tiffany's, one of the fashion films that you could check is the Devil wears Prada.

It is an iconic fashion film based on the internationally best-selling novel which spent six months in the New York Times.

This is a film that is constantly quotable and hilariously entertaining in its depiction of the obsessive mindset of people in the fashion industry.

The Looks

Coco before Chanel

Coco's intelligence and unyielding spirit were her strength. The film's story is about suffering and agony at the beginning that only a few can overcome.

Looking for an iconic and luxurious place to stay?

You can not just watch but also live in an iconic and luxurious place. If you're looking for one, most beautiful houses in the Philippines were found in Tagaytay. To own a residential investment in the most beautiful houses in the Philippines is one of the most iconic things to do.

There are house and lot for sale and condominiums for sale in Tagaytay that everyone might consider.

Where to stay while watching an iconic fashion film

Having a luxury home is not only having the most beautiful houses in the Philippines but also having a good investment for your hard-earned money and giving you a relaxing ambiance while watching these iconic fashion films.

The Royal Tenenbaums

The film Royal Tenenbaums is one of the best films in the world of fashion that you could watch.

Is it all about fashion?

The story is not just all about fashion, it also explores the themes of regret, loss, and redemption, all in an irresistibly charming fashion.

Blow up

Blow up is considered as the ultimate fashion film by others. It portrays the flashy but empty life of a celebrity fashion photographer who views life through a lens.

You can just imagine that after 'Blow Up' became a hit the big screen in 1966, camera shops and retailers of white jeans had a field day.

Annie Hall

Annie Hall has been cited as a film that uses both therapy and analysis for comic effect.

Annie Hall's fashion style was very eclectic. It was way different from the fashion of the time and still admired today.

Annie Hall is the film for all those women who haven’t had a clue what to wear and have grabbed something from ‘his’ wardrobe and wore it better than him.

The Look of your luxurious home

Crosswinds Tagaytay is an iconic and luxurious place that offers the most beautiful houses in the Philippines. Everyone has a chance to experience luxury living with the luxury home they provide.

They offer house and lot for sale for those who wants a home in style.