The It-Factor of Your Groceries
By Wim Langedijk for HURS
The It-Factor of Your Groceries
HUR Reads is our definitive shortlist of the most prominent articles from around the web.
By HURS Team
1
“There Is Less Truth”: Inside Barbara Kruger’s Fiercely Political New Show
Barbara Kruger’s Another Day. Another Night exhibition at Guggenheim Bilbao is a searing, immersive take on power, politics, and propaganda. Now in her 80s, the iconic artist shows no signs of slowing down—her bold text works, flashing LED screens, and razor-sharp critiques feel more urgent than ever. From abortion rights to internet-fueled conspiracies, Kruger dissects the chaos of modern life with wit and fury. Local languages, new formats and fresh slogans add an edge to her timeless warnings. On view through September 11, 2025.
ANOTHER MAGAZINE
Despite recent gains in diversity, many major U.S. theatres are slipping back into old patterns, with upcoming seasons dominated by male playwrights—often excluding women entirely. A stark example is Playwrights Horizons’ 2025–26 lineup, featuring only one woman writer. Theatres like Roundabout, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Williamstown Festival show similar trends, sparking outcry and a packed town hall led by playwright Lisa Kron and the Lillys, a group championing women in theatre. Advocates say it’s a systemic failure, as women represent the majority of playwrights. Still, there's hope that public accountability can reverse the backslide.
THE NEW YORKER
Mavis Pusey, a groundbreaking Black abstract artist once at the heart of New York’s vibrant 1970s scene, quietly vanished into rural Virginia. Now, a decade of determined sleuthing has unearthed her bold, geometric works and hidden archives in Mobile Images, a haunting retrospective in Philadelphia. Her art, alive with urban energy and coded emotions, is finally stepping into the light. As curators and her family reclaim her legacy, Pusey’s story unfolds—inviting us to rediscover a visionary whose brilliance was long overlooked but never truly lost.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
A $2.99 Trader Joe’s tote recently drew massive lines, resale prices in the hundreds, and viral social media posts—proof that grocery stores are now cultural brands, not just places to buy food. In today’s fandom-driven world, consumers don’t just shop; they express identity, values, and belonging through the stores they love. From Wegmaniacs to H-E-B loyalists, grocery chains now function as lifestyle markers and tribal affiliations. As branding replaces religion, even the supermarket becomes a site of devotion.
THE ATLANTIC
Kelsey Eisen’s article explores the origins and criticisms of the popular concept of love languages. Introduced by Baptist minister Dr. Gary Chapman in 1992, the five love languages—words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch—were based on Chapman's counseling experience, not scientific research. Chapman, with a PhD in adult education rather than psychology, created the framework without formal therapeutic credentials. Critics highlight the lack of strong empirical support and caution that love languages may oversimplify relationships. Some studies have found little evidence that matching love languages improves relationship satisfaction. Despite its popularity, the article suggests love languages might not be as universally valid or scientifically grounded as commonly thought.