19.11.2021 19:30 Date: November 20, 2021 Location: Tags: , , , , , ,
18.11.2021 07:46 Date: November 18, 2021 Instantly recognizable by the views of its earthen Moroccan architecture, the tastes of its vibrant ras el hanout spices, or the sounds of poetic malhun music, Morocco lies at the tip of the African continent as a cosmopolitan melting pot. Today’s Doodle celebrates Morocco’s Independence Day, which commemorates the end of French colonial rule on this day in 1955. From the ancient city of Marrakesh to the unofficial cultural capital of Fez in the northeast, street vendors draw inspiration from Berber, Arab, and European influences to celebrate Independence Day with the preparation of local delicacies such as bessara and battered spicy sardines. Traditionally, celebrations are carried out across multiple days as Morocco’s main thoroughfare brightens with the colors of the national flag, depicted in today’s Doodle artwork. Many television networks broadcast documentary programming that commemorates the nation’s struggle to overcome colonial powers, giving a chance for Moroccans to reflect on the independence movement that restored a heritage stretching back thousands of years. Happy Independence Day, Morocco! Location: Tags: , , , ,
18.11.2021 07:46 Date: November 18, 2021 On this day in 1918, Latvia’s declaration of independence happened inside Riga’s National Theatre. Today’s Doodle honors Latvia’s Independence Day on the anniversary of this historic moment with a depiction of the nation’s red-and-white flag. Typically, state officials mark the occasion by a solemn laying of flowers in front of the Freedom Monument in Riga, a 141-foot high monument topped with a copper representation of Latvian liberty holding three golden stars. Below, 56 sculptures surround the grand statue, with each symbolizing a piece of Latvian history and culture. A parade traditionally follows, and as day turns to evening, federal representatives return to the Freedom Monument to address the nation and remind citizens of its resiliency while looking forward to achievements yet to come. Happy Independence Day, Latvia! Location: Tags: , , , ,
17.11.2021 23:00 Date: November 18, 2021 On the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, citizens and residents across Oman come together each November 18 to celebrate its National Day over a two-day period. On this day in 1650, foreign powers were driven from the shores of Oman’s trading ports, which were being exploited to support merchant routes to India. As the oldest independent Arab nation, Oman takes pride in its National Day celebrations with many traditional Gulf Region customs. Typically, camel racers gather from across the country to compete in the annual National Day race, an essential element of Omani heritage that traces back centuries. Both private residences and public buildings are adorned with the national colors of green, white, and red, which are featured prominently on the Oman flag in today’s Doodle artwork. To celebrate, musicians and dancers in cities across Oman put on folkloric performances, symbolizing the nation's past. Historically played after long voyages or extended conflicts, several genres of Omani music draw inspiration from maritime history, alluding to the anniversary of liberation in the nation’s 17th century ports. Happy National Day, Oman! Location: Tags: , , , ,
17.11.2021 04:45 Date: November 17, 2021 Each year on November 17, Slovakians around the world observe their annual Freedom and Democracy Day. Today’s Doodle celebrates this nationwide holiday and honors the milestone events that resulted in Slovakia becoming a nation governed by its people. On November 15, 1939, a group of Czechoslovakian students catalyzed a series of occupation protests. This show of national resilience reached a fever pitch on November 17 as thousands demanded freedom from the oppression of foreign powers. Fifty years later, peaceful protests inspired by these events began on November 16 in Prague and Bratislava, the modern capital of Slovakia. Led primarily by students and artists, the demonstrations sparked what is now known in Slovakia as the “Gentle Revolution.” On this day in 1989, one day after a peaceful protest in Bratislava had come to an end, the government announced the transition of power. This historic announcement was followed by thousands jingling their keys, a symbolic act that represents the unlocking of a democratic government and continues to be used in public demonstrations today. Happy Freedom and Democracy Day, Slovakia! Location: Tags: , , , ,
17.11.2021 04:45 Date: November 17, 2021 Today’s Doodle honors the Freedom and Democracy Day of the Czech Republic, a time reserved to reflect on the past struggles of the nation’s independence while honoring the freedom achieved by these efforts. This nationwide holiday commemorates two historic student-led demonstrations. The first demonstration began on November 15, 1939 and gained momentum until November 17 as thousands of protesters spilled into the streets to rebel against occupying forces. Fifty years later, the second was inspired by the first uprising and grew to be one of the most significant events in modern Czech history. What began as a peaceful protest by a collective of Czech students on this day in 1989 swelled to include over half a million people in three days. Known as the start of the “Velvet Revolution,” this demonstration succeeded in fulfilling the demands for a democratic government and led to the establishment of the Czech Republic in 1993. Traditionally, the capital of Prague hosts candlelit memorials on National Avenue as citizens wear the national colors of red, blue, and white to commemorate the past. Happy Freedom and Democracy Day, Czech Republic! Location: Tags: , , , ,
14.11.2021 05:45 Date: November 14, 2021 Location: Tags: , , , ,
13.11.2021 12:30 Date: November 14, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 216th birthday of virtuosic German pianist and composer Fanny Hensel, who is widely considered one of the most important woman composers of the 19th century. Fanny Hensel was born Fanny Zippora Mendelssohn on this day in 1805 in Hamburg, Germany into an upper-class family. Her mother, herself taught by a student of Johann Sebastian Bach, first taught her piano. At 13, Hensel astonished a private audience in Berlin with a memorized performance of 24 preludes from Bach’s masterpiece “The Well-Tempered Clavier” . Despite her prodigious talent, her ability to foster a musical career was hindered by restrictive societal conventions. Hensel remained musically engaged, and around 1820, she began working as an integral part of Mendelssohn family Sunday Concerts, a semi-public exhibition where she shined for decades as a hostess, organizer, conductor, and pianist free to explore the depths of her creativity. Although her public image was overshadowed by her brother Felix’s career, she devoted herself to developing the Mendelssohnian style in over 450 compositions, which reflected her veneration of Bach and Beethoven and an innovative musical approach. At age 41, she published Opus 1, the first original work published in her name and among the first published compositions by a woman, paving the way for women to pursue a classical tradition historically dominated by men. In 2010, musicologists uncovered the Easter Sonata, a masterful, solo piano piece written by Hensel when she was 22 years old that had been mistakenly attributed to her brother. The piece was performed under her name for the first time in 2017, nearly 190 years after its composition. Happy birthday, Fanny Hensel! Early drafts of the Doodle: Location: , , , , , , , , , , , Tags: , , , ,
12.11.2021 18:30 Date: November 13, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates Fairy bread, a nostalgic childhood treat popular in Australia and New Zealand, on the birthday of Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, whom linguistic scholars believe first coined the term in his 1885 poem “Fairy Bread” in “A Child’s Garden of Verses.” Traditional Fairy bread unifies three simple ingredients—triangularly sliced white bread slathered in butter and topped with rainbow sprinkles . But its origin story isn’t as simple as its recipe. Although some believe the tasty treat might have been inspired by hagelslag—Dutch toast covered in chocolate sprinkles—both Australia and New Zealand claim to have originally invented Fairy bread all on their own. New Zealanders have brightened confections with rainbow sprinkles for over a century, but a 1929 article published in a Tasmanian newspaper claims to be the first to reference Fairy bread with the ingredients it's known for today. While the country of origin remains a friendly point of contention between the neighboring nations, Aussies and Kiwis alike can agree that this treat is a staple of children’s birthday celebrations that satisfies not just the sweet tooth but also the mature nostalgic palate. If you decide to whip up some Fairy bread of your own, keep in mind that to many, removing the crust means you’ve removed the dish's authenticity. Here’s to Fairy bread—a tasty treat that’s as easy as one, two, three! Early drafts of the Doodle: Homemade Fairy bread: Location: , Tags: , , , , , , ,
12.11.2021 00:45 Date: November 12, 2021 Today’s Doodle, illustrated by guest artist , celebrates the 86th birthday of multi-hyphenate Russian entertainer Lyudmila Gurchenko. From playing piano in vaudeville numbers to pulling heartstrings in war dramas, Gurchenko captivated millions as a versatile pop music sensation whose extensive acting career is widely considered among the greatest in 20th-century Russia. Lyudmila Markovna Gurchenko was born in Kharkov, Ukraine, USSR on this day in 1935 to musician parents who fostered her talent from a young age. With a button accordion and dreams of acting in film, Gurchenko moved to Moscow to study at the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography. Her meteoric rise to fame came not even one year after graduation, with her debut in the Russian flim musical “Carnival Night” in 1956. In the wake of the movie’s success, Gurchenko began performing popular numbers from the film on a national tour. However, her career was stunted for over a decade by detractors in the government who criticized her for accepting compensation above state wages. Yet Russian filmmakers couldn’t ignore her prodigious talent. In 1973, she returned to the big screen with a leading role in the Soviet drama “Old Walls.” She rode the momentum of her comeback as a star of Soviet entertainment into her 70s, appearing in over 130 acting roles and recording over 10 albums. To this day, it is tradition for many Russian television networks to ring in the New Year with an airing of “Carnival Night.” Happy birthday, Lyudmila Gurchenko! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags:
12.11.2021 00:45 Date: November 12, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, a seminal Baroque artist who is widely regarded among the greatest Dutch painters of all time. On this day in 1995, an eponymous exhibition opened at Washington D.C.’s National Gallery of Art, featuring 21 of his 35 existing works. Johannes Vermeer was born in Delft, the Netherlands, at the height of the Dutch Golden Age in 1632. Although little is known about Vermeer’s early life, historians estimate from his early mythological paintings that he first aspired to be a historical painter. By the 1650s, Vermeer began to paint subtly lit interiors with intricate symbology—a style distinguished by traditional Dutch motifs that became his hallmark. He captured the commonplace in radiant and exquisite detail, creating masterworks including “The Girl with the Pearl Earring '' which is currently on display at the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, the Netherlands. The artistic techniques Vermeer employed are still up for debate. Some art historians suggest he traced images projected from a camera obscura , but with no physical evidence to back up such claims, some Vermeer specialists remain unconvinced. On the left, the Doodle artwork references “The Allegory of Painting” and in the middle, “Woman Writing a Letter, with her Maid” . In 1979, an X-ray revealed a hidden Cupid in Vermeer’s “Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window” , referenced on the right of the Doodle. Researchers continued to analyze the canvas in 2017, determining that the Cupid was covered by another painter. In 2021, a German initiative completely restored the painting. These efforts are just a few of the many attempts to demystify Vermeer and some of the world’s most treasured pieces of fine art he left behind. Here’s to a true artistic luminary—Johannes Vermeer! to explore the timeless works and legacy of Johannes Vermeer. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , ,
11.11.2021 07:00 Date: November 11, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates pioneering Colombian artist Débora Arango. Her self-described expressionist paintings blended a personal figurative style with techniques borrowed from early 20th-century Mexican muralism to challenge social injustice. Although it first met great controversy, Arango’s work revolutionized the perception of Colombian women’s roles in society and represents a key milestone in the nation’s art history. Débora Arango was born on this day in 1904 in Medellín, Colombia. Arango was encouraged by her mother to become a painter. She first exhibited her work at a 1939 competition for professional artists in Medellín—the first-ever selection by a woman to include nude paintings. Her work was awarded first place, sparking widespread outrage due to her exhibition’s scandalous nature that rebelled against the status quo. The broad, defined brushstrokes Arango employed in her paintings were as bold as her subject matter. Her work presented an unfiltered depiction of Medellín from the 1940s to the 1960s, illustrating an era rife with political turmoil, gender discrimination, and social injustice. Overcoming decades of censorship both at home and abroad, Arango was finally able to exhibit 100 paintings in Medellín in 1975. Arango’s boundary-breaking career was recognized with several distinguished awards later in her life, including the Order of Bocaya—Colombia’s highest civilian honor. Today, Colombians exchange 2,000 peso bills emblazoned with her portrait, and the Medellín Museum of Modern Art displays a permanent collection of Arango’s paintings, which serve as a potent time capsule of Colombian history. Happy birthday, Débora Arango! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , ,
11.11.2021 07:00 Date: November 11, 2021 Today’s Doodle, created by Phenix City, AL-based Army veteran and guest artist , celebrates Veterans Day in honor of the efforts and sacrifices made by members of the U.S. armed forces. The occasion first celebrated the end of the first World War, which concluded with a peace treaty that took effect at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The first “Armistice Day” was observed one year later before being declared an official federal holiday in 1938 and renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Veterans Day is an expression of gratitude to those who have served in the military, whether the Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Army, or Space Force—each represented by veterans of their respective branch who have also transitioned to civilian life to serve the nation in other ways in today’s Doodle artwork. Many public buildings fly the American flag at half-mast, and some communities observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. in remembrance of the moment when the Armistice first took effect in 1918. Happy Veterans Day, and thank you for your service! If you or someone you know is a veteran in crisis, please reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line or call 1-800-273-8255 & press 1. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. The caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping veterans of all ages and circumstances. Guest Artist Q&A with Steven Tette Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Phenix City, AL-based guest artist Steven Tette. Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. What was your creative process for this Doodle artwork? A. Most of my research for this painting was on the dress codes of the different branches of the military. As an U.S. Army veteran, I am very familiar with Army dress codes. But, I had to spend many hours learning the uniforms of the five other services; Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and Space Force. "Getting it right" is very important to me. I am an American realist painter, and I typically paint in oils. Although this was meant to be an acrylic painting, the perfectionist in me demanded that I do it in oil. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? Are there specific elements of the artwork that have symbolic meaning? A. Patriotism comes in many forms. I was inspired by the veterans all around me. I come from a place where there's a strong veteran presence. So, I wanted to display the diversity of the American veteran, and how our lives as civilians are just as diverse. However, I primarily wanted to show the unity of the figures—I want them to be seen as one. Go behind the scenes of today’s Doodle painted by Steven Tette Artist’s son Steven Tette Jr., and Steven alongside his final Doodle artwork Photograph courtesy of Tracy Rogers, Owner of Mastercraft Workshop LLC Location: , Tags: , , ,
11.11.2021 07:00 Date: November 11, 2021 Whether within the country’s borders or living abroad, the Polish community joins in solidarity each November 11 to celebrate its National Independence Day. Today’s Doodle honors this solemn holiday in commemoration of the 103rd anniversary of Poland regaining its sovereignty after over a century of partition. Today’s commemorative atmosphere encourages citizens to reflect on the nation’s struggle to regain independence in 1918 and maintain sovereignty throughout the 20th century. Happy Independence Day, Poland! Location: Tags: , , ,
09.11.2021 19:46 Date: November 10, 2021 Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Indonesia-based guest artist , celebrates Indonesian composer Ismail Marzuki, whose patriotic songs established him as a national hero during the nation’s independence movement. On this day in 1968, the Indonesian government honored his legacy with the inauguration of what is now the Jakarta Art Center - Taman Ismail Marzuki , which serves as a hub for the preservation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and creative innovation in fine arts, music, theatre, dance, and film. Ismail Marzuki was born in Kwitang, Central Jakarta, Indonesia on May 11, 1914, when the region was under Dutch colonial rule. Although musical professions were uncommon in this community, Marzuki grew up practicing up to five hours a day to master eight instruments: harmonica, mandolin, guitar, ukulele, violin, accordion, saxophone, and piano. At 17, he composed the first of the over hundreds of songs he would produce throughout his career. Marzuki’s songs captured the Indonesian struggle for independence with melancholic overtones while representing the nation’s resilience through soaring melodies. He filled Indonesian hearts with pride for years by broadcasting his songs on public radio. In 1955, Marzuki took over as the leader of the prestigious Jakarta Studio Orchestra and composed the General Election song, the musical theme of Indonesia’s first independent elections. To honor his cultural contributions, the Indonesian government named Marzuki a National Hero in 2004. Today, visitors can learn more about Marzuki at TIM, which exhibits his personal collection including handwritten songs and a few of his many instruments. Here’s to you Ismail Marzuki—thank you for writing the soundtrack for Indonesian independence! Guest Artist Q&A with Ykha Amelz Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Indonesia-based guest artist Ykha Amelz. Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A. Because music holds a big part in my life and my work, plus also when I was a teenager I used to go to Ismail Marzuki Park near my house to go check out its old book store, catch a movie, see the planetarium, etc. The place holds many memories. Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A. I was excited that it is about one of my favorite heroes and it's connected to music, which plays a huge part in my life. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A. I drew it while imagining his love of music. The spark he felt when he experienced a new instrument. I emphasized his romantic character by choosing the violin as his instrument for this Doodle. Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A. Hopefully, when people see it, it will automatically replay one of Ismail Marzuki's songs in their head and be reminded of the fighting spirit that Ismazil Marzuki's had for local music and freedom of expression. Early drafts of the Doodle: Location: Tags: , , , , , ,
