Showing 86 articles
Precision Engineering in Predynastic Egypt
Author: Florimond KrinsFebruary 28, 2026
Ancient Egypt remains a place of wonder and mystery, from the beautiful temple complexes to the impressive pyramids that have survived the test of time. One could spend years studying the great pyramids of the Giza plateau and observe the amazing achievements of the ancient Egyptians. But in this article, I want to focus on [...]
Beethoven and The Sublime
Author: Julian ScottFebruary 28, 2026
Reading about the life of Beethoven reminded me of what was said of the Sumerian hero Gilgamesh, that he was two-thirds divine and one-third human, and that his human part made him a very difficult character to live with. If you listen to Beethoven’s music – the ‘Eroica’ (3rd) Symphony, the ‘Emperor’ (5th) Piano Concerto, [...]
Graffiti – A not so Modern Form of Self-Expression
Author: Istvan OrbanJanuary 15, 2026
Today, graffiti is an integral part of life in big cities. It is regarded as vandalism by some, while others think of it as a form of street art, a visual expression. Famous graffiti such as the works of Banksy that go viral quickly and can attract many viewers and visitors, often have deeper meanings, [...]
Rediscovering the Hieratic Dimension in Art
Author: Siobhan FarrarJanuary 15, 2026
Both the National Gallery in London and the Louvre in Paris have shown major exhibitions this year on 13th century art with its sense of the hieratic or ‘sacred’ dimension in art. With two major European institutions choosing this focus, what might it have to say about our current times and aspirations? 13th century Europe [...]
Making Music from the Heart: In Conversation with Fali Pavri
Author: Manjula Nanavati (compiled by)October 1, 2024
Born in Mumbai, trained in Moscow and London, Fali Pavri is the Associate Head of Keyboard and the Professor of Piano at the Royal Conservatoire, of Scotland. He joined a New Acropolis Culture Circle audience in Mumbai through a video conference call, from Glasgow, where he both spoke and played for us, passionately, from his [...]
Many Traditions, One Essence: Seeking Beauty through a Diversity of Expressions (Celebrating Arts Day 2024)
Author: Manjula Nanavati (compiled by)July 8, 2024
New Acropolis, a school of practical philosophy present in over 50 countries, celebrated Arts Day 2024, in recognition of the value of art and culture in all their myriad expressions, to individuals and to societies. India North, comprising the main centre Mumbai and the Pune branch, hosted an event at each location on June 9th, [...]
Unity Through Diversity: The Universal Language of Rhythm
Author: Manjula NanavatiMay 5, 2024
Unity of all mankind may seem at first a lofty and utopian concept, but the actualization of this intention is perhaps the realization of one principle: recognition and respect for the diversity of the human race. We must understand each other, honour each other’s cultural identity, and value each other’s way of life. To attempt [...]
Harmony in the Orchestra of Life!
Author: Gauri DhawanMay 1, 2024
Harmonia, in Greek Mythology, is the goddess of Harmony and Concord. She is the daughter of Ares, the God of War; and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. At first glance, this could seem strange: a force of war, and a force of love coming together to create harmony. But, let’s take a deeper look at [...]
Celebrating Dhrupad – In concert with Pelva Naik
Author: Nupur SampatJanuary 22, 2024
Pelva Naik has been trained in the Dhrupad style of vocal music under the Dagar School of Indian Classical Music. She is a disciple of legendary Dhrupad maestro Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar and is a teacher of Art, Music and Humanities. She has performed in festivals and concerts in India and abroad. New Acropolis Culture Circle hosted a musical evening with [...]
Life as a Work of Art
Author: Kanika MehraJanuary 22, 2024
As far back as I can remember, Art has always been the first language that I could understand and express myself most naturally through. At an early age I was lucky to be exposed to the world of classical art and artists by my grandfather. Every summer vacation when I would arrive at my ancestral [...]
Life Lessons from Cyanotypes
Author: Janki MehtaNovember 1, 2023
The cyanotype process is a fascinating analogue photographic printing process that produces distinctive blue hued prints. It was one of the earliest non-silver processes used for creating photographs, and its invention marked a significant development in the history of photography. The cyanotype technology was invented by Sir John Herschel (1792-1871) – a remarkable British polymath, [...]
SACRED GEOMETRY: In conversation with Adam Williamson
Author: Manjula NanavatiJanuary 10, 2023
Adam Williamson is an award-winning calligrapher and sculptor whose permanent public works can be viewed around the U.K. He is drawn to particular shapes and patterns that embody universal principles found in nature, made visible through the hands of craftsmen. Adam has been commissioned by many prestigious clients including Oxford University, Shakespeare’s Globe London, Westminster [...]