Art
How Severance Manipulates Minds with Art
The Apple TV sci-fi thriller Severance captivated audiences around the world with a mind-bending concept: completely separating work and personal lives through the manipulation of memory. In this world, created by Dan Erickson, employees forget their home lives when they enter work, and vice versa.
Severance brings viewers in with a compelling storyline that is highlighted by the creative use of art and style. It begins with the use of Apple’s signature font during the title sequence, reminding viewers that tech giants have a strong influence on our lives and society.
But that’s only the beginning.
The opening scene itself looks almost like an oil painting. Helly, played by Britt Lower, is laying on a large table in a mid-century-style conference room, and she doesn’t remember who she is outside of work. Her entire organization, Lumon, opted for the procedure that divides their memory between their professional and personal lives.
The aerial view of a woman lying alone on a table at work explains why the staff chose this route: work is isolating and lonely.
Production designer Jeremy Hindle makes subtle references to historically influential art pieces throughout the show. The nods are easy to miss if you aren’t watching closely.
For example, Petey (Yul Vazquez), a former Lumon employee, scribbles a map with a face baring its teeth and wearing a crown. This is a reference to Basquiat, an artist from the 1980s who rebelled against the status quo. Petey fought against Lumon’s transition, just like Basquiat fought American society.
Petey drawing on this map expresses to viewers that parts of his personality seeped into his working life memory. Despite having his mind severed, Petey was rebelling through the use of art.
The Lumon offices feature original paintings inspired by real pieces from art history. The painting of a man on a cliff overlooking hills and lakes is a nod to Caspar David Friedrich’s “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” (1818). This piece is used to show that Lumon attempts to convince employees that they are at the helm of a great voyage.
In episode five, we see a painting of people devouring one another. The organization’s leaders perpetuate an idea that the two departments, MDR (Macro Data Refinement) and O&D (Optics and Design), should be kept separate. Otherwise, destruction will surely occur.
Francisco Goya’s “Saturn Devouring His Son” (1819–1823) inspired this gruesome image. Each department has its own version of the same painting to remind the staff that co-mingling will lead to carnage. Meanwhile, it makes viewers consider what human beings are truly capable of. Lumon knows that divided groups are more loyal to the powers that be, and cooperation could lead to an overthrow.
Although the world of Severance is filled with people who are watered-down versions of their true selves, the series uses art to make viewers consider the depth of our subconscious and the strength of our innate needs.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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