The Century of Loneliness, and Other Reads This Week
By Wim Langedijk for HURS
The Century of Loneliness, and Other Reads This Week
HUR Reads is our definitive shortlist of the most prominent articles from around the web.
By HURS Team
1
The Anti-Social Century
This article by Derek Thompson, looks at the increasing trend of solitude in American society and its profound effects on individuals and the nation. Thompson highlights that Americans are spending more time alone than ever before, a shift that has increased since the pandemic. This rise in solitude has been linked to technology, such as smartphones and streaming services, which encourage solo screen-centered lifestyles. Thompson suggests that shifting these social habits and investing in spaces could help rebuild community connections and encourage a more cohesive society.
THE ATLANTIC
This profile explores Martha Stewart's rise as a lifestyle icon who redefined homemaking as a symbol of female empowerment. By combining domesticity with ambition, Stewart built a billion-dollar brand, challenging gender norms and provoking mixed reactions. Didion highlights Stewart's duality as both "Everywoman" and corporate leader, reflecting societal tensions about women's roles and power.
THE NEW YORKER
The Sashiko Gals, an Otsuchi-based collective formed after the 2011 tsunami, are revitalizing traditional Japanese sashiko stitching by applying it to modern sneakers. Their intricate, hand-embroidered designs transform ordinary footwear into unique art pieces, garnering international acclaim and selling out rapidly. Beyond sneakers, their work fosters community resilience and preserves cultural heritage.
SSENSE
Austrian gallerist Thaddaeus Ropac is set to open a new gallery in central Milan, marking his first Italian location and seventh worldwide. The gallery will occupy over 3,000 square feet on the first floor of the historic Palazzo Belgioioso, near the Duomo di Milano, with additional space for outdoor sculptures in the adjacent Piazza Belgioioso. Elena Bonanno di Linguaglossa, formerly of Lévy Gorvy Dayan, has been appointed as the executive director of this Milan outpost. Ropac views this expansion as a long-term investment and believes Milan's status as Italy's financial capital and a major centre for fashion and design makes it a strategic location for growth. He anticipates that 2025 could signal a resurgence in the art market, with Milan playing a pivotal role in this revival.
ARTNET
Annabelle Selldorf, a New York-based architect, is celebrated for her understated, functional designs that blend old and new. Founder of Selldorf Architects, her notable projects include The Frick Collection expansion and David Zwirner’s gallery. Known for subtle elegance and meticulous detail, her work enhances art and living spaces without overshadowing them.