During the 1930s and 1940s, the Nazis banned and burned many books they considered ‘subversive.’ Namely, books written by authors of Jewish descent and books that represented ideologies opposed to Nazism were banned. Now, some eight decades later, these censored books are honored with a monument.
In 2017, the Argentinian artist Marta Minujin installed the Parthenon of Books in Kassel, Germany. The art piece was part of the Documenta 14 art festival. It is an architectural replica of the Parthenon in Athens covered entirely by censored books. Working with students from Kassel University, the artist identified 170 books from around the world that were banned in some countries but continued to circulate freely in others. The public was asked to bring their own volumes of these texts, which were then wrapped in protective plastic and hung from the structure.
The symbolism is striking, as "the original Parthenon stands for the ideals of the world’s first democracy," the artist said in a statement. The location is significant too. The Parthenon of Books stands where 2,000 books were burned during a Nazi-led campaign. By presenting censored literature in this way, Minujin made a statement on the power of the written word and the importance of freedom of thought.
When the exhibition ran its course in September 2017, all the donated books were returned to their donors around the world. Take a look at Minujin's evocative and impressive work.
A Moving Performance: Violinist Hilary Hahn Playing Bach
Hahn is considered one of the finest solo violinists of her generation, and her rendition of Bach's proves her tremendous talent.
These Funny Comics Will Add Fun to a Dreary Workday
No matter what job or at what age, anyone who has ever worked in an office environment will find these comics painfully relatable and funny
12 Inspirational Quotes From the World’s Great Artists
Everyone needs some inspiration sometimes. And who understands this more than the world's biggest artists?
This Version of Hallelujah is So Serene and Special
Violin prodigy Karolina Protsenko and the talented saxophonist Daniele Vitale joined forces, in this incredible duet of Leonard Cohen’s classic ‘Hallelujah'
7 Famous Songs and Their Lesser Known Backstories
The 7 timeless hits in this article have such surprising and memorable backstories we just had to share them with you.
If You Love Classical Music, You MUST Hear This Pianist
When it comes to musical talent, it doesn't get better than Yuja Wang. Enjoy this lovely performance by the famed classical pianist.
This Paper Art is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen Before
See the impressive paper art by Haruki Nakurama.
Is This What Falling in Love Sounds Like on Piano?
When celebrated young pianist Jarrod Radnich performed this majestic piece at such a glorious castle I could not help but be swept away.
The Bold and Powerful Paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe
Georgia O’Keeffe was a talented American painter well-remembered for her bold and vivid works of flowers and desert landscapes.
These Miniature Animal Sculptures Are Just Too Cute!
Katie Doka quit her job as a High School teacher and started making miniature animal statues. Here's some of her fantastic work!
WATCH: Bocelli Stuns Audience With An Amazing Surprise
Legendary tenor, Andrea Bocelli, does a wonderful job accompanying the lost voice of Edith Piaf in a glorious and totally unique performance.
These Dancers & Acrobats Put On an Incredible Show
These two dancers slash acrobats are beyond amazing...
These Surreal Paintings Will Bring You To Another World
Vladimir Kush's mind-bending, yet incredibly beautiful paintings, will leave you completely astounded. Take a look at them in this post.
In Under 2 Minutes, This Artist Will Blow You Away!
This amazing painter is going to astound you, just give him 90 seconds...
If You Like Illusions - Prepare to Be Amazed!
Amazing Dutch illusionist Hans Klok will perform 10 illusions in 5 minutes!
This Performer is Going to Take You on a Magical Adventure
A magical act that quickly made its way to my favorites' list.
This Greek Ballet will Have You Dancing & Shouting 'Opa!'
Zorba the Greek is one of my favorite tunes, it really gets me in the dancing mood the way it builds up that riveting Greek tempo. And what ballet it inspires!
Amazing Performance: The Levitating Woman!
Stevie Pink amazes the crowd of reality show 'Britain's Got Talent' as his assistant simply.. floats, without any indication that she is being held up by anything! An amazing sight to see, and beautifully performed!
Classical Music: Enjoy 50 of the Greatest Masterpieces!
This video collected together 50 of the most famous and beautiful classical music pieces in the world.
Front Pictures' VR Performance Will Make Your Jaw Drop
Front Pictures is an act like no other. The duo appeared on America's Got Talent with a virtual reality performance unlike anything else. Take a look.
This Dance Group Tells an Emotional Story Through Shadows
Watch this shadow dance group put on an emotional performance.
These Aren't Just Kids, They Are Incredible Dancers
These two kids are too young to be this good, aren't they??
This Emotional Duet Gave Me Goosebumps of Pleasure
These two world-famous artists are amazingly talented singing alone, let alone when they join to give an emotional duet like this.
These Vintage Bird Illustrations are Charming & Beautiful
Here is a look at 20 gorgeous paintings by the celebrated nature artist John James Audubon’s seminal book 'Birds of America'
André Rieu In Another Beautiful Operatic Sensation!
In this video, we are treated to an incredible rendition of Caro Nome by an incredibly skilled operatic singer.
This Guitarist Plays Some Great Songs From 1680 to 2017
This video will take you through the evolution of music, featuring songs from 1680 to 2017.
String Pulling Art - the Newest Art Technique Out There
Fluid string-pulling art is a fairly new and intriguing art technique that uses chains, strings, and colorful paints to create amazing bouquets of flowers
André Rieu Lets An Incredible Singer Amaze Us All..
When she sings, magic is returned to the world...
Indian Dance Crew Sets America's Got Talent Alight
Looks at the mind-boggling dance performance of a young Indian dance group. They wowed the audience and the judges alike with their act.
This Artist Turned Her Unique Paper Art Into a Living
Portuguese artist Sena Runa's beautiful paper quilling art has resulted in her amassing a staggering 100,000 followers. Take a look at her unique work here.
Learn About the Final Artworks of 8 Legendary Artists
Discover the final works of 8 prominent artists, and learn about the curious story behind each of them.
This Unique Art Works Mimic Life in a Beautiful Way
These insects may look real, but they are made entirely out of bamboo.
Mind Blown! This Man is a Modern Day Master Craftsman
This man many literally be the world’s last living blacksmith, and creates weaponry wonders from normal stainless steel bolts.
These Cakes are So Gorgeous and Creative...
We've seen amazing food art before, but these really take the cake...
Check Out These Surreal Artists and Their Amazing Artworks
In this post we have brought you a collection of 8 surreal artists, each with their own artistic style and unique imagination
This Human Tower Is An Incredible Acrobatic Performance
An astounding acrobatic performance I can't stop watching.
This Classic Dance Takes an Unforeseen Turn...
Watch and gasp as these two amazing dancers jump, fly and float like two feathers in the wind. Outstanding.
I Was Blown Away by the Detail in these Spectacular Art Works
Calvin Nicholls' technique seems to be a cross between drawing and sculpture. He uses fine lines of an intricate sketch, yet captures three-dimensionality of a statue. This is a collection of his incredible work.
André Rieu Plays Rigoletto, Delivers Us to Musical Heaven
André Rieu once again gives classic songs the true honor and beauty they deserve.
You Just Don't See This Kind of Act Anymore... Bravo!
This fantastic mime act uses an unorthodox second head to lure you into an amusing performance!
Even With a Cello, These Guys Are Absolute Stars
If you only associate the cello with one type of music, you are underestimating this instrument's versatility!
This Musical Duet Will Bring Tears to Your Eyes...
This amazing violin and piano cover of Hallelujah is one of the most beautiful things you will ever hear.
The Most Gorgeous Painting of Our Beautiful World...
Richard MacNeil is an artist that captures the beauty of life in his oil paintings.
40 Works of Street Art That Will Make You Stop And Think
Many beautiful works of art have been found in the most unique places. These artists make the streets their canvas and pour their hearts out to the world.
This Creative Shadow Dance Will Take Your Breath Away!
Witness the incredible shadow dance group, El Gamma Penumbra, perform their interpretation of the Danish heartthrob Christopher's 'Heartbeat'.
Magnificent Metal Sculptures of Animals Made From Cutlery
Matt Wilson is an artist from South Carolina. His art is created from knives, forks or cuillères, in which he bends the metal to his will, bringing various types of animals to life.
Music Box: 20 Beautiful Covers of Beloved Rock Ballads
Presenting a collection of the best ballads, reimagined as unique piano covers that add a new level of emotion and originality.