From the theatre mask and masquerade to the masked criminal and the rise of facial recognition software, masks have long performed as an instrument for the protection and concealment of identity.
Even as they conceal and protect, masks – as faces – are an extension of the self. At the same time, they are a part of material culture: what are masks made of? Wh ... Show More
Today
A.J.A. Woods, "The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy: Why the Right Blames the Frankfurt School for the Decline of the West" (Verso, 2026)
The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy: Why the Right Blames the Frankfurt School for the Decline of the West (Verso Books, 2026) is the definitive history of a dangerous right-wing conspiracy theory. “Cultural Marxism” is one of the far right’s favorite buzzwords. But despite its curr ... Show More
53m 40s
Today
Lucy Jeffery, "Replaying Communism: Trauma and Nostalgia in European Cultural Production" (Central European UP, 2025)
Repercussions of communism are still felt throughout Central and Eastern Europe. In fact, specters of communism remain vivid enough to inspire a wide range of contemporary cultural production, from video games to museum exhibits. This volume demonstrates how the region remains in ... Show More
1h 11m
Yesterday
Ryan Engley, "Seriality: Media and the Psychic Form of Everyday Life" (Bloomsbury, 2026)
This material and theoretical history of seriality shows it to be the dominant form of culture since its inception within 19th-century print culture, as both a media structure and a psychic one. The serial is everywhere. Commonly identified by the segmented release structure of a ... Show More
1h 23m
Dec 2020
Masking For A Friend: The Science of How Wearing A Mask Helps Us And Our Neighbors
It's 2020's hottest fashion statement! But it's not just a great looking addition to your face, it's also a vitally important tool for keeping you and your loved ones safe during this weird and wacky time. Join Guy and Mindy as they explore the who, what, where, why, how and wow ... Show More
30m 49s
Nov 2024
Vivian Asimos, "Cosplay and the Dressing of Identity" (Reaktion, 2024)
Cosplay, born from the fusion of ‘costume’ and ‘play’, transcends mere dress-up by transforming enthusiasts of TV shows, movies, books or video games into living embodiments of their cherished characters. Cosplay and the Dressing of Identity (Reaktion, 2024) by Dr. Vivian Asimos ... Show More
49m 14s
Nov 2024
Vivian Asimos, "Cosplay and the Dressing of Identity" (Reaktion, 2024)
Cosplay, born from the fusion of ‘costume’ and ‘play’, transcends mere dress-up by transforming enthusiasts of TV shows, movies, books or video games into living embodiments of their cherished characters. Cosplay and the Dressing of Identity (Reaktion, 2024) by Dr. Vivian Asimos ... Show More
49m 14s