Not the first time

...for the case of George Floyd. There have been plenty of identically similar ones in the past. That of 22 year-old Oscar Grant has been turned into a biographical drama film in 2013. It was the feature directorial debut of Ryan Coogler and it won many awards – two of them in Sundance Film Festival (Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film) and one in Cannes (Best First Film). 

Art awakens, they say. It does, indeed – the film  got praises, opened up discussions and caused controversies about the limits of dramatisation and the accuracy of the real event, was among the top ten lists for the best films of that year. This is the furthest the awakening got.  It did not change any attitudes, regulations or laws, nor did it bring this tragic and painful history to a halt as not to repeat itself. 

Oh well? 

This needs to be the last one. 

Note: You can read about the case od Oscar Grant here. // The New York Times follows the case of George Floyd closely. The latest update says that the former Minneapolis police officer seen on video using his knee to pin down George Floyd has been taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder while the investigation of three other officers at the scene of the incident is ongoing. You can watch the Live Updates here. 

 Today 

...is one of those memo days. It was established in 1977 when the International Council of Museums (ICOM) designated the 18th May as the International Museum Day aimining thus to highlight the role of museums in modern society and encourage us to visit them more often.

"Museums are managers of consciousness. They give us an interpretation of history, of how to view the world and locate ourselves in it. They are, if you want to put it in positive terms, great educational institutions." says artist and art critic Hans Haacke. You can see it for yourself with a visit, although one is never enough, I assure you. Beware: from the 15th June onwards, though, when the last restrictive measures will be lifted, according to the schedule of the Greek Ministry of Culture, and following all the necessary requirements for personal hygiene and safety - do not let yourselves be carried away.

Notes: The cartoon is by the acclaimed French Jean-Jacques Sempé, the co-creator (along with René Goscinny) of  Le petit Nicolas (here is an extensive list of the book series in Greek). // Due to the special COVID-19 restrictions, many Greek museums have organised and are conducting several online activities you can participate. More information here.