Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Culture is the pulse of society, reflecting the trends, values, and aspirations of the people. It is also a source of inspiration, entertainment, and education for millions of fans around the world. In 2023, pop culture reached new heights of creativity and innovation, showcasing the talents and visions of artists, designers, filmmakers, writers, musicians, actors, and architects. In this article, we will review some of the highlights of pop culture in 2023, covering the fields of art, culture, dance, design, fashion, films and movies, literature, music, theatre, visual arts, and architecture.
Art
Art is the expression of human imagination and emotion, using various forms and media. In 2023, art was more diverse, inclusive, and accessible than ever, thanks to the efforts of artists, curators, and institutions. Some of the notable art events and exhibitions of 2023 were:
The Venice Biennale: The 59th edition of the world’s most prestigious art exhibition, titled “The Disquieted Muses”, featured works by 120 artists from 63 countries, exploring the themes of identity, history, and memory. The Biennale also celebrated its 125th anniversary, with a special exhibition of its archives and historical documents.
The Turner Prize: The UK’s most prestigious award for contemporary art, the Turner Prize, was awarded to Zanele Muholi, a South African photographer and activist, for their powerful portraits of black LGBTQ+ communities. Muholi became the first non-British artist to win the prize, which was open to international artists for the first time in its history.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi: The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the largest museum in the Arab world, opened its doors to the public in 2023, after a decade of construction and collaboration. The museum, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, displayed a collection of artworks and artefacts from various cultures and periods, highlighting the universal values of humanity.
Culture
Culture is the shared beliefs, customs, and practices of a group of people. In 2023, culture was more diverse, dynamic, and dialogic than ever, thanks to the efforts of cultural practitioners, activists, and communities. Some of the notable cultural events and initiatives of 2023 were:
The UNESCO World Heritage List: The UNESCO World Heritage List, which recognises the cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value, added 29 new sites in 2023, bringing the total number of sites to 1,121. Some of the new additions were: the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq, the megalithic temples of Malta, the rock art of the Chauvet Cave in France, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The International Year of Indigenous Languages: The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, to raise awareness and promote the protection and revitalisation of the languages of indigenous peoples. The year featured various events and activities, such as the launch of the Global Atlas of Indigenous Languages, the publication of the first-ever report on the state of indigenous languages, and the organisation of the World Conference on Indigenous Languages in Mexico City.
The Global Citizen Festival: The Global Citizen Festival, a music event that aims to end extreme poverty by 2030, celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, with a series of concerts across six continents, featuring some of the biggest names in music, such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Rihanna, and U2. The festival also mobilised millions of people to take action on issues such as education, health, climate, and gender equality, generating over $10 billion in commitments and pledges.
Dance
Dance is the movement of the body in rhythm and harmony, expressing ideas and emotions. In 2023, dance was more diverse, innovative, and collaborative than ever, thanks to the efforts of dancers, choreographers, and companies. Some of the notable dance events and performances of 2023 were:
The Royal Ballet: The Royal Ballet, one of the world’s leading ballet companies, celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2023, with a season of new and classic works, featuring some of the best dancers and choreographers in the world, such as Natalia Osipova, Carlos Acosta, Wayne McGregor, and Christopher Wheeldon. The season also included a gala performance at the Royal Opera House, attended by the Queen and other dignitaries.
The Breakin’ Convention: The Breakin’ Convention, the world’s biggest festival of hip hop dance theatre, marked its 20th anniversary in 2023, with a global tour of 20 cities, showcasing the best of the genre, from street dance to contemporary fusion. The festival also featured workshops, masterclasses, battles, and talks, involving some of the pioneers and legends of hip hop culture, such as Crazy Legs, Jonzi D, and Ken Swift.
The Dance for Parkinson’s: The Dance for Parkinson’s, a programme that offers dance classes for people with Parkinson’s disease, expanded its reach and impact in 2023, reaching over 300 locations in 25 countries, and serving over 20,000 participants. The programme, which is based on the research and practice of the Mark Morris Dance Group, aims to improve the quality of life, mobility, and well-being of people with Parkinson’s, through the joy and benefits of dance.
Design
Design is the process of creating and planning solutions for problems and needs, using various methods and tools. In 2023, design was more diverse, sustainable, and human-centred than ever, thanks to the efforts of designers, innovators, and organisations. Some of the notable design events and projects of 2023 were:
The London Design Festival: The London Design Festival, one of the world’s largest and most influential design events, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, with a programme of over 400 events, exhibitions, and installations, across the city. The festival also featured the London Design Biennale, the London Design Awards, and the London Design Medal, recognising the best of design in the UK and beyond.
The World Design Capital: The World Design Capital, a biennial designation that honours cities that use design as a tool for social, cultural, and economic development, was awarded to Lisbon, Portugal, in 2023. The city, which is known for its rich history, culture, and creativity, showcased its design achievements and aspirations, under the theme of “Design for All”.
The Design Museum: The Design Museum, the world’s leading museum of contemporary design, reopened its doors in 2023, after a major renovation and expansion, designed by British architect David Adjaye. The museum, which is located in Kensington, London, increased its exhibition space by 50%, and added new features, such as a learning centre, a library, and a rooftop garden. The museum also launched a new permanent exhibition, called “Designing the World”, which explores the impact and potential of design in shaping the future.
Fashion
Fashion is the style and expression of clothing, accessories, and beauty, influenced by culture and time. In 2023, fashion was more diverse, ethical, and innovative than ever, thanks to the efforts of fashion designers, brands, and activists. Some of the notable fashion events and trends of 2023 were:
The Met Gala: The Met Gala, the most glamorous and exclusive event in the fashion calendar, returned in 2023, after being cancelled in 2022, due to the pandemic. The theme of the gala, which coincided with the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute exhibition, was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”, celebrating the diversity and creativity of American fashion. The gala, which was co-chaired by Timothée Chalamet, Billie Eilish, Naomi Osaka, and Amanda Gorman, featured some of the most stunning and memorable outfits, worn by celebrities, such as Rihanna, Harry Styles, Zendaya, and Lil Nas X.
The Fashion Revolution: The Fashion Revolution, a global movement that campaigns for a more transparent, fair, and sustainable fashion industry, gained more momentum and support in 2023, with over 100 million people participating in its activities and actions, such as the Fashion Revolution Week, the Fashion Transparency Index, and the #WhoMadeMyClothes campaign. The movement also celebrated its 10th anniversary, with a special report and documentary, highlighting its achievements and challenges, and calling for more action and change.
The Fashion Innovation: The Fashion Innovation, a term that refers to the use of new technologies, materials, and methods, to create and improve fashion products and services, reached new levels of sophistication and impact in 2023, thanks to the efforts of fashion innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Some of the examples of fashion innovation in 2023 were: the use of artificial intelligence and augmented reality to personalise and enhance the shopping experience, the use of biodegradable and recycled fabrics to reduce the environmental footprint of fashion, and the use of 3D printing and digital fabrication to create customised and unique fashion items.
Films and Movies
Films and movies are the art and industry of producing and showing moving images, with or without sound, to tell stories and convey messages.
In 2023, films and movies were more diverse, innovative, and entertaining than ever, thanks to the efforts of filmmakers, actors, and studios. Some of the notable films and movies of 2023 were:
The Avatar 2: The Avatar 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2009 blockbuster Avatar, directed by James Cameron, finally hit the screens in 2023, after several delays and challenges. The film, which continued the story of the Na’vi, the indigenous people of the planet Pandora, and their conflict with the human invaders, featured stunning visuals, immersive 3D, and groundbreaking motion capture technology. The film, which starred Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet, broke several box office records, and received critical acclaim.
The Black Panther 2: The Black Panther 2, the sequel to the 2018 superhero film Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, was one of the most anticipated and celebrated films of 2023, honouring the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman, who played the title role in the first film. The film, which followed the new adventures of T’Challa, the king and protector of Wakanda, a fictional African nation, featured a stellar cast, including Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Daniel Kaluuya, and Michael B. Jordan. The film also introduced a new villain, Namor, the ruler of Atlantis, played by Keanu Reeves.
The Dune: The Dune, the adaptation of the 1965 science fiction novel by Frank Herbert, directed by Denis Villeneuve, was one of the most ambitious and epic films of 2023, spanning two parts and six hours of runtime. The film, which told the story of Paul Atreides, a young nobleman who becomes the leader of a desert planet and a messianic figure, featured a star-studded cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem. The film also boasted stunning cinematography, sound design, and special effects, earning rave reviews and awards.
Literature
Literature is the art and craft of writing and reading texts, with aesthetic and communicative purposes. In 2023, literature was more diverse, innovative, and engaging than ever, thanks to the efforts of writers, publishers, and readers. Some of the notable literature events and works of 2023 were:
The Nobel Prize in Literature: The Nobel Prize in Literature, the most prestigious and influential award for literary achievements, was awarded to Margaret Atwood, the Canadian author of novels, poems, essays, and dystopian fiction. Atwood, who is best known for her books The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments, and Oryx and Crake, was praised by the Nobel Committee for her “prophetic vision and poetic voice, which explore the complex relationships between humanity, nature, and technology”.
The Booker Prize: The Booker Prize, the leading literary award for fiction in English, was awarded to Colson Whitehead, the American author of historical and speculative fiction. Whitehead, who is the first author to win the Booker Prize twice, after his previous win in 2017 for The Underground Railroad, won the prize for his novel Harlem Shuffle, a crime thriller set in 1960s New York, which explores the themes of race, class, and family.
The Harry Potter 25th Anniversary: The Harry Potter 25th Anniversary, the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling, was one of the biggest and most exciting events for fans of the wizarding world. The anniversary featured various events and activities, such as the release of a new illustrated edition of the book, the launch of a new Harry Potter video game, the opening of a new Harry Potter theme park in Japan, and the announcement of a new Harry Potter TV series.
Music
Music is the art and science of producing and arranging sounds, with melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre, to create expressions and emotions. In 2023, music was more diverse, innovative, and entertaining than ever, thanks to the efforts of musicians, composers, and producers. Some of the notable music events and works of 2023 were:
The Grammy Awards: The Grammy Awards, the most prestigious and influential awards for music, celebrated its 65th edition in 2023, with a ceremony that featured some of the best performances and moments in music history. The awards, which were hosted by Alicia Keys, recognised the achievements and excellence of artists, such as Adele, Taylor Swift, BTS, Billie Eilish, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar. The highlight of the night was the tribute to the late Prince, who passed away in 2016, by a group of his friends and collaborators, such as Sheila E, The Revolution, and Lenny Kravitz.
The Eurovision Song Contest: The Eurovision Song Contest, the annual international song competition, held its 68th edition in 2023, in Rome, Italy, after the victory of Italy in 2022, with the song “Zitti e buoni” by Måneskin. The contest, which featured 42 participating countries, was won by Sweden, with the song “Dancing in the Dark” by Molly Sandén, a pop ballad that impressed the jury and the public. The contest also featured some memorable performances, such as the rap duo from Cyprus, the rock band from Finland, and the drag queen from Israel.
The Spotify Wrapped: The Spotify Wrapped, the annual personalised summary of the listening habits and preferences of Spotify users, revealed some interesting and surprising facts and trends about music in 2023. The most streamed artist of the year was Ed Sheeran, who released his fifth studio album, “=” (Equals), in October, and broke several streaming records, with over 10 billion streams. The most streamed song of the year was “Bad Habits” by Ed Sheeran, which topped the charts in over 30 countries, and became the song of the summer. The most streamed genre of the year was pop, followed by hip hop, rock, and R&B. The most streamed podcast of the year was “The Joe Rogan Experience”, which featured some of the most controversial and influential guests, such as Elon Musk, Kanye West, and Bernie Sanders.
Theatre
Theatre is the art and practice of performing and staging plays, dramas, and other forms of live entertainment, for an audience. In 2023, theatre was more diverse, innovative, and engaging than ever, thanks to the efforts of playwrights, actors, and directors. Some of the notable theatre events and works of 2023 were:
The Tony Awards: The Tony Awards, the most prestigious and influential awards for theatre, celebrated its 77th edition in 2023, with a ceremony that featured some of the best performances and moments in theatre history. The awards, which were hosted by Lin-Manuel Miranda, recognised the achievements and excellence of artists, such as Audra McDonald, Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, and Hugh Jackman. The highlight of the night was the tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim, who passed away in 2021, by a group of his friends and collaborators, such as Meryl Streep, Bernadette Peters, and Neil Patrick Harris.
The Hamilton 10th Anniversary: The Hamilton 10th Anniversary, the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the opening of the musical Hamilton, by Lin-Manuel Miranda, was one of the biggest and most exciting events for fans of the show. The anniversary featured various events and activities, such as the release of a new documentary, the launch of a new app, the opening of a new exhibition, and the organisation of a global sing-along. The anniversary also featured a special performance of the original cast, including Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, and Daveed Diggs, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York.
The Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: The Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the two-part play based on the story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, was one of the most successful and acclaimed plays of 2023, breaking records and winning awards. The play, which followed the adventures of Harry Potter’s son, Albus, and his friend, Scorpius, as they travel back in time and alter the course of history, featured a cast of talented actors, such as Jamie Parker, Noma Dumezweni, Anthony Boyle, and Sam Clemmett. The play also boasted stunning stagecraft, magic, and special effects, creating a immersive and thrilling experience for the audience.
