Who is Santa Claus? In Italy "La Befana" is a good witch who dresses all in black. In the U.S. the Coca Cola Company invented the Santa in red and white robes. The Dutch "Sintirklass" arrives by boat on December 6th. In China, "Dun Che Lao Ren," or Christmas Old Man, brings gifts to children. In Germany the "Christkind" or Christ Child brings presents while families are in church. In Sweden Santa is a gnome called "Juletomten". In Switzerland the "Christkindl" brings the gifts. In England Father Christmas is a stern version of Santa Claus.
Empty Orchestra by Chien-Chi Chang
One night and one roll of film. Chien-Chi Chang's photographs of "a night in a karaoke bar" explore a different scene from that which we are used to in western-world karaoke establishments. He evocatively captures the other side of karaoke culture in which divorced or married Vietnamese women entertain Taiwanese men, portraying what some suggest is a new "concubine phenomenon" emerging from Karaoke culture in certain parts of Asia.
Dance Ex Machina (Apo Michanis Choros) by Nikos Economopoulos
This book, as its title suggests, is full of festivities and dance captured by photographer Nikos Economopoulos over two decades in several countries (Greece, Albania, Turkey, Romania, and Macedonia among them). He skillfully captures folk musicians, singers, Muslim minorities, and Romas in revelry.
This week, autumn officially comes to an end and winter begins with the solstice on the 22nd. Magnum brings you scenes of winter merrymaking and snowy serenity from around the world.
Quote of the Week
The photograph is completely abstracted from life, yet it looks like life. That is what has always excited me about photography.