Ownership Battles Over Banksy’s Street Art

Imagine waking up to an original Banksy masterpiece adorning your wall! For Dennis Stichcombe of Bristol, this became a reality in 2014 when the elusive street artist, Banksy, transformed an old boarded gateway into his iconic piece, Mobile Lovers. But when art appears on public property, ownership becomes a tangled web. The city claimed...

Which Word Is Correct, Math or Maths?

The perplexing divergence between “math” and “maths” usage remains a linguistic puzzle, reflecting the intricate differences in American and British English. Beyond spelling preferences, this debate unravels the underlying complexity of language evolution and cultural adaptation, prompting an exploration of its historical roots and contemporary implications. No Clear Winner Contrary to popular belief, the...

Why Some Paintings Watch You Closely

Have you ever noticed how certain paintings seem to have an uncanny ability to track your every move in a room? It’s almost as if the eyes in the portrait are silently watching your every step, following you wherever you go. But what’s the secret behind this eerie phenomenon, and how do artists use...

Knighthood’s Deep-Rooted History & Rituals

The British Monarchy, with its deep-rooted traditions, holds numerous powers and peculiarities. Among these is the iconic act of knighthood, where the Queen bestows a title upon a deserving individual. But what do modern knights and dames truly gain from this honor? Joining the Exclusive Club of British Knighthood Every individual granted the prestigious...

When Art Galleries Must Deal With Art Breakages

Museums are a testament to the marvels of human creativity, showcasing history, art, and culture. But imagine grazing against a priceless artifact or taking a stumble that damages a renowned artwork? The Africa Nova team dives into the rare, yet real scenarios of such museum accidents. Surprisingly, damaging museum art, whether intentional or not,...

How Embroidery is Empowering Women to Share Their Untold Stories

South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa called men’s violence against women a “second pandemic” in June 2020, three months after the country entered the first of a series of severe lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID. More than 120,000 victims of gender-based violence (GBV) were reported to the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre in the...

Blessing Ngobeni is SA’s Art Visionary

Blessing Ngobeni’s Ascendance Born amidst tumultuous circumstances, Blessing Ngobeni’s early life hinted at potential despair. However, the universe had other plans. His first steps into the world of art merely gave him comfort, showing how powerfully he could speak. He became a voice for many people’s struggles. Art, for Ngobeni, emerged as both a sanctuary...

The Cultural Significance Of January 1 as New Year’s Day

The practice of beginning the new year on January 1 has a rich historical background, deeply rooted in the evolution of ancient calendars and the political and religious dynamics of different eras. The Early Roman Calendar: Origins of Intercalary Months The ancient Roman calendar, preceding the Julian calendar, consisted of a 355-day cycle with...