Film noir countered the optimism of post-war Hollywood musicals and comedies by portraying seedy, two-bit criminals and seductive femmes fatale amid doom-laden urban landscapes, giving post-war audiences a peek into the alleys and backrooms of a world filled with greed and corruption. The genre became a perfect blend of form and content, where the desperation and hopelessness of the situation is reflected in a visual style which cloaks the world in shadows and rare bursts of sunlight. Occasionally acerbic, usually cynical, and often enthralling, films noir depicted characters vainly trying to elude a mysterious past that continues to haunt them. Though never a particularly popular genre at the box office, film noir’s influence proved to be profound and endures to the present day.
We're honored to join in the Black History Month celebration with this special archive of programming that highlights pivotal moments and notable figures in African American history. You'll also hear from contemporary change-makers, poets and writers on the black experience, business leaders, and more.
Join us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of "Lucy," one of the most iconic fossils in human history. This new CARTA series delves into the profound impact of Lucy's discovery on the science of human origins, featuring leading experts who explore the discovery's initial significance, its enduring influence, and the current advancements in this pivotal field. Reignite your curiosity about how we became human and why it matters for our global future.
“I want to begin with the bad news.” That’s how Jaime Pineda, professor emeritus of cognitive science at UC San Diego, opened his recent talk at the Geisel Library. “The bad news is that many surveys have been done asking people whether there is a mental crisis in the U.S. Specifically, they ask if people […]
What if art could shape the way we think about the future—our brains, our environment, and even artificial intelligence? In her latest exhibition Synaptic Sculpture at ICA, Pinar Yoldas,Ph.D., explores these questions through a stunning fusion of digital tools, biotechnology, and speculative design. From sculptures that mirror the brain’s evolving...