Tag: Arts in the Time of Quarantine

Michel Houellebecq’s Islamophobia and chauvinism have made him a favorite intellectual of right extremists. So why does he appeal to so many on the left as well?

In films such as Contagion, virology is often confused with the invisible workings of capital.

When Celes Tisdale led poetry workshops at Attica State Prison, soon after the 1971 uprising, some of the prisoners were still recovering from gunshots. Their writings demonstrates the power of poetry to help oppressed people heal from trauma and organize their political thinking.

In a wrenching dialogue, a man searches for human connection, even as he recalls childhood abuse. Translated from the French by Amanda DeMarco. Short Story

“Pinch off fist-sized balls and roll these into flat circles. Circles you turned in the morning of the coup.” Short Story

“'I felt no hunger but the habit of food struck me intensely. My nightgown was grubby and torn. My limbs were scraped, spotted with yellow bruises, but I felt no pain.” Short Story

An aging Nigerian bus park preacher dreams of her own church, or even just a shiny megaphone, when she finds herself cut off from her congregation. Short Story

On being awestruck by literature, and the necessary pleasures of intimacy—near and remote—during quarantine.

Two orphans, who believe they are too old to ever be adopted, get a surprise chance. Translated from the Hebrew by Yaron Regev. Short Story

A man seeks intimacy during a time of crisis. Short Story