Monthly Muse

Monthly Muse

Each month I feature a female artist whose work, ideas, or story deserves attention. Some are well known, others are overlooked, but all of them have shaped the art world in their own way.

March 2026

MaƂgorzata Mirga-Tas

A Polish-Romani textile artist known for vibrant patchwork works that celebrate Romani history and everyday life.

Read the article →

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Hyderabad Chronicles: A Family Reunion, A Heatwave, and the Rise of the Eyeliner Empire

 After two weeks in Hyderabad, I have survived a heatwave, witnessed the majestic gathering of 100 blood-related beings, and accidentally joined the cult of eyeliner enthusiasts (courtesy of my very persuasive aunts). If my return ticket had been delayed by even a day, I suspect they might have upgraded me to a full smoky-eye and a secret membership card. Let’s start with the sheer grandeur of the Brahmopadeshas. Two in one trip—because clearly, my family believes in doubling down on wisdom and sacred threads. With the entire clan assembled, it was a surreal experience: cousins I'd never met, great-uncles with opinions on everything, and an impressive aunt network that could organize an impromptu fashion show within five minutes. And organize they did. My Desi outfits were no longer just outfits—they became statement pieces, meticulously styled with the help of these seasoned experts, who mastered the art of draping, accessorizing, and making sure every jhumka was positioned at jus...
Read more

The Chaos and Charm of a 100-Person Family: Why Large Gatherings Are Unmatched in Entertainment

There’s something about a giant family reunion that can’t quite be replicated anywhere else. The sheer volume of personalities, the conflicting opinions swirling in the air like an unscripted debate show, and the undeniable sense of belonging—it's all part of the grand spectacle of having a big family. Now, let’s talk about the conversations. The debates. The passionate insistence that *this* particular homemade mango pickle is the best in existence (a claim challenged immediately by at least three relatives). The generational divide, where elders drop nuggets of traditional wisdom and younger family members counter with digital-age logic. The beauty of a massive family is that no topic is off-limits, yet no conclusion is ever final. Someone will always have a counterpoint, and someone else will inevitably have *a story* from 1973 to back it up.   And the outfits? Absolute *red carpet* level preparation. If you show up to a family gathering looking less than stellar, you will ...
Read more

The Stains We Choose to See

 In a classroom—a supposed sanctuary of learning and growth—I witnessed something that felt like a punch to the gut. A boy stood there, his shirt marked with white splotches, and instead of being met with indifference or kindness, he became the target of ridicule. "Poor," they called him. "Laborer." "Painter." Words flung like stones, each one carrying the weight of judgment and cruelty. What struck me wasn’t just the laughter or the taunts—it was the ease with which they came. The boys didn’t pause to wonder about the story behind those stains. Was it paint from helping a family member? Was it a sign of hard work, of someone who contributes more than they take? Or was it simply an accident, a moment of carelessness that shouldn’t define a person? None of that mattered to them. They saw the stains and decided they were enough to strip someone of dignity. But here’s the thing: those boys weren’t mocking the stains. They were mocking what they thought the st...
Read more