Category: Culture Tales
-
Europe Celebrates Its Languages. Shouldn’t India Too?
A week after speaking at Alliance Française Bangalore about the European Day of Languages, I find myself reflecting on my own journey with languages—from German conversations in my childhood home, to French at AF, to a career as a bridge between India and Europe. But the bigger question is: why…
-
The Overlooked Brushstrokes of Budapest
Visiting the Hungarian National Gallery, I discovered Szinyei and the so-called “Budapest Eye” painters—artists who paralleled French Impressionism without contact. Their brilliance made me question how Western cultural hegemony sidelines equally innovative voices, from Hungary to India, in shaping our idea of “world art.”
-
A Night at the Musée de La Poste: Nuit Blanche 2025
Nuit Blanche transforms Paris into an open-air art gallery. This year, Nuit Blanche led me to Musée de La Poste. From rare clocks to witty contemporary art, this museum reminded me why it’s also important to have spaces dedicated to ordinary but foundational aspects of everyday life.
-
A Glimpse Into 19th Century Elegance At Maison Caillebotte
Maison Caillebotte offers a glimpse into the refined world of a wealthy 19th-century bourgeois family. From its elegant interiors to the vast landscaped gardens that inspired the artist, the estate is a fascinating contrast to the bohemian lifestyles of Caillebotte’s Impressionist peers.
-
What If Colour Was the Only Story Art Needs?
Art is often analyzed through history, technique, and form—but what if color is its deepest language? During my visit to the Centre Pompidou, I realised that colour, more than subject or style, is what captivates me. It speaks to me in a way that goes beyond words, shaping my instinctive…
-
Once Upon a Time: Revisiting the World of Fairy Tales and Fables
A New Yorker article on the Grimms’ dark legacy sparked reflections on their role in shaping German identity, the shared motifs in global folklore, and my own long-lost dream of exploring fairy tales academically.
-
Did Caillebotte Pave the Way for Subverting the Male Gaze?
Caillebotte’s nuanced portrayals of men, focusing on intimacy and vulnerability, challenge traditional gender norms and offer a fresh perspective on masculinity, paving the way for a subversion of the male gaze.
-
Visiting Maison Victor Hugo in Paris
Visit Maison Victor Hugo if you have read Hugo’s work, or if are a lover of literature. But even if you don’t care about literature, go there for a unique (and free) glimpse into the life and creative mind of one of France’s greatest literary figures.
-
The Unexpected Allure of the Church Organ for a Skeptic
Though unsettled by traditional houses of worship, I seem to have developed a fascination for the towering church organ, its form and structure making me get over my discomfort at being inside a church.
-
Paul Poiret: The King of Modern Fashion & A Marketing Genius
Studying Paul Poiret, the King of Modern Fashion, and entrepreneur reveals a visionary who revolutionized fashion through innovative design, strategic branding, and masterful event marketing.
-
Unlocking Culture with Free Museum Sundays in France
Whether you’re a local looking to reacquaint yourself with the past or a tourist eager to soak in the artistry of France, the first Sunday of the month promises a cultural feast that’s both enriching and budget-friendly.
-
Inside Maison de Balzac in Paris
A testament to the enduring legacy of Honoré de Balzac and his profound impact on literature and culture, Maison de Balzac should feature on the bucket list of everyone interested in Literature.
PlainGeets 