May 01, 2019
Labour Day 2019
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Printable View
May 01, 2019
Labour Day 2019
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May 01, 2020
Labour Day 2020 [Multiple]
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Also known as May Day or International Workers’ Day, Labour Day is celebrated on May 1st in many countries around the world. Today’s Doodle celebrates the day by illustrating a handful of the many professions across the labor force.
Recognized around the world, Labour Day originated from the 19th-century labour movement. First declared a holiday by trade unions in 1889, Labour Day commemorates worker’s rights and their fight for weekends, better working conditions, and shorter working days.
Here’s to everyone contributing to the livelihoods of those around them each and every day.
Happy Labour Day!
Mar 31, 2015
126th Anniversary of the public opening of the Eiffel Tower
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On this day 126 years ago, construction of the Eiffel Tower came to an end–marking the arrival of one of the most famous and recognized landmarks on the planet. Guest doodler Floriane Marchix depicts this anniversary on our homepage today.
May 07, 2023
Johannes Brahms's 190th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle celebrates the 190th birthday of German composer and pianist Johannes Brahms who is widely considered one of his era’s most important artists.
Brahms was born on this day in 1833, in Hamburg, Germany. The son of a horn and double-bass player, Brahms began studying music with his father at seven years old. Just a few years later, Brahm composed his first piece. He spent his adolescence playing in dance halls and inns across Hamburg to help support his family financially.
In 1853, a mutual friend introduced Brahms to renowned composer Robert Schumann. He praised Brahms’ compositions in the periodical Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, and soon after a German music publishing house began to circulate his work. With his newfound recognition in the field, Brahms taught piano and became the conductor of a women’s choir in Hamburg in 1860.
Brahms then led the Singakademie, a choral society in Vienna. In his free time, he developed popular compositions like Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor and String Sextet in B-flat Major. His success earned him a conductor position at Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde [Society of Friends of Music]. He simultaneously directed the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for three seasons.
In 1868, Brahms debuted Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem] in Bremen. The composition became his most famous choral work, and many consider it one of the most significant music pieces of the 19th-century.
The Symphony No. 1 in C Minor was one of Brahms’ first orchestral compositions and received widespread praise. Brahms earned new fans around the world and continued to create more ambitious compositions, such as his famous Hungarian Dances [Danzas Húngaras], as he toured Switzerland, Hungary, and Poland. In 1875, he retired from his director position and focused on composing for the rest of his life.
Throughout his career, Brahms paid homage to traditionalist compositions with innovative techniques that evolved the Romantic moment. His work continues to influence modern-day musicians and composers.
Mar 02, 2023
Lola Cueto's 126th Birthday
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Today’s animated Doodle celebrates the 126th birthday of Mexican artist Lola Cueto. This tapestry designer, toy collector, engraver, teacher, and puppet master was born in Mexico City on this day in 1897 as María Dolores Velázquez Rivas.
Lola Cueto’s creativity was evident when she was very young. At age 12, she became one of the first women to enroll at the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes [National School of Fine Arts] at San Carlos Academy. Her art training continued after the Mexican Revolution at the Santa Anita Outdoor Painting School, where she was the only woman in her class.
Cueto broke into the male-dominated embroidery field by combining traditional designs from Indigenous culture with new technology in the form of embroidery machines. She moved to Paris in 1927 with her husband, an avant-garde sculptor, where the pair became involved in a community of artists. Cueto’s intricate tapestry work was displayed at their joint exhibitions, and she used the chain technique to depict French cathedrals in her embroidery.
She moved back to Mexico City with her husband and two daughters in 1932, where she mastered engraving, pioneered puppet theater, and began to teach art at Mexico City College. Cueto was one of the artists that founded the League of Revolutionary Writers and Artists [LEAR], a cohort of creatives against the censorship of art. Through this, she created the first glove puppet dolls in Mexico. Her interests spanned into theater as well, with Cueto founding three puppet theater companies called Rin Run, El Nahual, and El Colorín. She used her puppet shows to entertain and educate children in fun ways.
A variety of her work can be viewed and enjoyed today. The dozens of puppets she fashioned are at the National School of Fine Arts, while the Met Museum houses several of her etchings and tapestries. Some of her toy collection and paper cuttings are at the Cultural Center at Santa Domingo.
Happy birthday, Lola Cueto! Thank you for pushing the needle forward for female artists.
Jun 11, 2022
Francesca Sanna Sulis's 306th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle celebrates the 306th birthday of Donna Francesca Sanna Sulis. She was an Italian fashion designer who defied gender stereotypes in the 18th century by building a highly successful business. Known as the Mulberry Woman, she used mulberry silk to design exquisite dresses for notable women across Europe.
Sulis was born on this day in 1716 in southern Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Growing up on her family’s farms, she learned how to manage a business. At age 19, she married her husband and they moved to his family’s estate on a mulberry tree farm that cultivated silkworms. Pretty soon, Sulis was overseeing the entire silk production chain — from ensuring the worms had enough mulberry leaves to eat, to extracting silk threads from cocoons. As Sulis took over the business, she invested in modern looms and transformed the estate into an advanced silk manufacturing site.
Little did she know, her business would revolutionize the entire fashion industry. Before Sulis started designing dresses, society expected noble women to wear traditional gowns that were rigid and heavy. If women refused to wear such uncomfortable dresses, they risked being outcasts.
Refusing to let women suffer in painful dresses, Sulis challenged oppressive fashion trends by designing mulberry silk gowns that were both elegant and comfortable. Her designs became so popular that the princesses from the House of Savoy, Italy’s last royal family, and Catherine the Great became her customers.
When she wasn’t designing gowns for royalty, she dedicated her free time to empowering women in her community. She ran a vocational school that taught hundreds of women the lucrative arts of spinning, weaving, tailoring and even botany. Upon completing the courses, women received a free loom and financial independence. Today, you can find Sulis’s historic dresses on display at the Donna Francesca Sanna Sulis Museum in Muravera and at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, where there is a portrait of Catherine the Great donned in one of Sulis’s gowns.
Happy birthday, Donna Francesca Sanna Sulis!
May 04, 2021
Geta Brătescu’s 95th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Bucharest-based guest artist Irina Selaru, celebrates multidisciplinary Romanian artist Geta Brătescu on her 95th birthday. Credited as one of the first conceptual artists in Romania, Brătescu rose to international prominence with a series of exhibitions celebrating her prolific career in the 80s.
Georgeta Ann Comanescu was born on this day in 1926, north of the capital city of Bucharest in Ploiești, Romania. She worked as a children’s book illustrator in the 1950s, and later in the decade joined the Union of Fine Artists, a state organization through which she travelled the country to sketch Romanians in their everyday lives. A testament to her talent in design, in the early ‘60s she was named the artistic director of the prestigious literary magazine Secolul 20.
But it was in the studio that Brătescu created much of her best-known work across a variety of mediums, including drawing, photography, film, and collages of commonplace materials. She was known for tackling themes like the relationship between art and life with a characteristic dry humor, though she frequently resisted categorization of her work. In 1978, Brătescu opened up her space and process to the world in one of her most famous works, the meta black-and-white film, “Atelierul” [“The Studio”].
In 2017, at the twilight of her seven-decade-long career, Brătescu was given the honor to represent Romania at the prestigious Venice Biennale, and in the same year she was awarded the Ordinul Naţional “Steaua României” [National Order of the “Star of Romania”], the country’s highest civilian honor.
Here’s to an artist who refused to color within the lines–happy birthday, Geta Brătescu!
Apr 09, 2021
Amácio Mazzaropi's 109th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Brazilian guest artist Arthur Vergani, celebrates Brazilian actor, screenwriter, producer, and director Amácio Mazzaropi on his 109th birthday. Through his signature role as the beloved character “Jeca Tatu,” Mazzaropi used humor to address serious topics and became a fixture of Brazilian cinema.
Born on this day in São Paulo in 1912, Mazzaropi spent time as a child visiting his grandfather’s country home, which influenced the on-screen persona he later developed. As a teenager, the future icon of Brazilian comedy left home to work for Circo La Paz, a traveling circus. There he came up with the idea to perform as a hillbilly, embodied in Marazzaropi’s future performance as Monteiro Lobato’s character Jeca Tatu.
Mazzaropi produced content for radio and television for many years before appearing in his first film, “Sai da Frente” [“Get Out of the Way,” 1952]. With his film career off the ground, and after several other roles, Mazzaropi bought Fazenda Santa, a farm turned studio that also served as the location for many of his films. It was here that Mazzaropi opened his own production company in 1958. Mazzaropi wove social commentary into simple language and covered important subjects to great effect, which caused audiences to flock to his productions for over 20 years.
Interestingly, while Mazzaropi became one of Brazil’s most acclaimed comedic actors, he was also a major supplier of milk to Leites Paulista. Today, Fazenda Santa is Hotel Fazenda Mazzaropi, home to the Mazzaropi Museum, which has a collection of over 20,000 items.
Happy birthday, Amácio Mazzaropi!
8 October 2010
John Lennon's 70th Birthday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYHCeUfoAnw
[John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980]
There’s a lot that can be said about John Lennon, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Even more can be said about the individual experiences people have had growing up with his music. It seems like everyone has a Lennon story. The earliest memory I have of him is listening to his songs in the backseat of our old station wagon with my brothers, watching my mom and dad sing along on the cassette player. It’s a very simple memory, but rich with subtlety—the sunlight through the windshield, my mom’s smile—and so it’s stuck with me. And maybe that’s what John’s music is about. There’s an earnest simplicity to it, yet I’m sure any one of us, regardless of whether or not we were around during his time, could describe some way he has deeply enriched our lives.
Starting today and all day tomorrow, which would have been John’s 70th birthday, we're celebrating him with our first-ever animated video doodle. The old saying, ”A picture is worth a thousand words” still rings true, so I hope a moving picture will help me adequately—and simply—thank John for the memories.
posted by Mike Dutton
9 October 2011
Mihajlo Pupin's 153th Birthday
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Mihajlo Idvorski Pupin, also known as Michael Pupin, was a Serbian physicist, physical chemist and philanthropist based in the United States.
Pupin is best known for his numerous patents, including a means of greatly extending the range of long-distance telephone communication by placing loading coils [[of wire) at predetermined intervals along the transmitting wire [known as "pupinization"]. Pupin was a founding member of National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics [NACA] on 3 March 1915, which later became NASA, and he participated in the founding of American Mathematical Society and American Physical Society.
12 Oct 2018
Celebrating Roberto Clemente
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“I want to be remembered as a ballplayer who gave all he had to give.”
—Roberto Clemente
In the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month in the US, today’s Doodle by guest artist Roxie Vizcarra, commemorates the life and career of Roberto Clemente, Puerto Rican Hall of Fame baseball star, Latinx trailblazer, and passionate humanitarian.
Born the son of a sugar cane worker in Carolina, Puerto Rico on August 18, 1934, Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker grew up in Barrio San Antón. His athletic gifts were obvious from an early age, joining the Puerto Rican amateur league at age 16. His professional career began in 1952, when the then 18-year-old signed with the Santurce Cangrejeros [Crabbers], a winter league team in the LBBPR [Puerto Rico’s Baseball League].
Soon after graduating high school, Clemente signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers minor league affiliate in Montreal. His first at bat resulted in a game-winning home run on July 25, 1954. He made his major league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates the following season.
A testament to his unique athletic ability, the right fielder accumulated numerous accolades during his pro career including 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, 4 National League batting titles, 3,000 career hits, the 1966 National League MVP Award, 2 World Series rings, and the 1971 World Series MVP Award. In fact, it was on this day in 1971 that Clemente’s performance led the Pittsburgh Pirates to victory against the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the series, ultimately contributing to their Series title.
Aside from his talents on diamond, it was Clemente’s mission to help others that has solidified his legacy as one of the most humanitarian athletes to play the game. Whether it was delivering food and supplies to those in need, holding baseball clinics for kids, or making generous donations, he consistently sought to be an agent of positive impact and a role model for the youth of his community.
Unfortunately, it was during the pursuit of this mission that Clemente saw his final moments. When a massive earthquake struck Nicaragua on Dec 23, 1972, he decided to personally airlift relief supplies to the nation to ensure they reached those in need. The overloaded plane crashed shortly after takeoff and Clemente passed away at the age of 38.
A few months after his passing, on March 20, 1973, Clemente was inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame, becoming the first Latin American and Caribbean player to be so honored. Major League Baseball has honored his legacy since then by presenting the Roberto Clemente Award each year to an outstanding player who shows a strong commitment to community work.
Other posthumous awards Clemente has received include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Roberto Clemente Walker Congressional Gold Medal, and the Presidential Citizens Medal. Sixty years after Clemente’s pro debut, Puerto Rico’s professional baseball league was even renamed the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente—a testimony to the enduring impact he made on his community and beyond.
4 Nov 2020
Miliki's 91st birthday
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Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Spain-based guest artist Cinta Arribas, celebrates Spanish clown, actor, director, writer, singer, and composer Emilio Aragón Bermúdez, known fondly by his stage name Miliki. Among his many artistic accomplishments, Aragón starred in the Spanish children’s program “El Gran Circo de TVE” [“TVE’s Great Circus”] which is widely considered one of the most iconic shows in the history of Spanish television.
Emilio Alberto Aragón Bermúdez was born on this day in 1929 in the town of Carmona in southwestern Spain. The son of a clown and an equestrian acrobatics specialist, Aragón honed his talent for performance art as a child surrounded by entertainers. Determined to carry on the family tradition, Aragón launched his clowning career by the age of 11, performing with his brothers at venues like Madrid’s legendary Circo Price [Price Circus].
The siblings moved to Cuba in the 1940s and achieved fame over the following decades as they showcased their endearing talents across the Americas. They found their way back to Spain in 1972 and the very next year, they took Spanish television by storm as the hosts of the children’s show which eventually became known as “El Gran Circo de TVE.”
After a hugely successful decade on air, Aragón moved beyond his identity as a clown and throughout the rest of his career explored new endeavors as a writer, TV presenter, filmmaker, and recording musician—a talent which earned him two Latin Grammy Awards.
¡Feliz cumpleaños, Miliki!
31 Oct 2020
Eloísa Angulo’s 101st Birthday
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Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Lima, Peru-based guest artist Lucía Coz, celebrates the 101st birthday of Peruvian Creole singer Eloísa Angulo, known by many as “Sovereign of the Creole Song.” A blend of Spanish, African, and native Andean influences, música criolla [Creole music] remains a vibrant symbol of the rich culture and heritage of coastal Peru, and Angulo is among the genre’s most treasured performers.
Eloísa Angulo was born on this day in 1919 in Peru’s capital city of Lima. From the time she was a child, she wanted to become a singer, and she was even known to run away from school to participate in contests held by Lima radio stations in order to make her dreams a reality.
In the early 1930s, Angulo burst onto the scene along with Margarita Cerdeña in the duo Las criollitas, which lasted some three decades. Dubbed “La criollita,” she became known for her beautiful and often humorous interpretations of songs like “Araña, ¿quién te arañó?” [“Spider, Who Scratched You?” 1972] and “El conejito” [“The Bunny,” 1972].
In addition to marking Angulo’s birthday, October 31 is observed in Peru as Día de la canción criolla [Day of the Creole Song], an annual celebration of the timeless and uniquely Peruvian art form to which Angulo dedicated her life.
Nov 21, 2023
Tomie Ohtake’s 110th Birthday
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This Doodle celebrates Brazilian Japanese artist Tomie Ohtake, who is most remembered for her elaborate abstract paintings using primary colors.
Ohtake was born on this day in 1913 in Kyoto, Japan. In 1936, she visited her brother in Brazil. After Japan became involved in global conflict, Ohtake wasn’t able to return home. So she settled down in Brazil with her family. Nearly 15 years later, she made a fateful visit to a Japanese artist’s studio, which inspired her to try her hand at painting.
In 1957, Ohtake held her first exhibition at the Salão Nacional de Arte Moderna. While many artists of the time took a rigid, precise approach, Ohtake did everything by hand. She cast an “imperfect geometry” onto the canvas. These vibrant undefined shapes were as beautiful as they were innovative — and soon, others took notice.
Over the next decade, Ohtake held many solo exhibitions, which earned multiple awards from Brazilian Art Salons. She turned her attention to public art where she created large-scale installations for cities like Guarulhos and Tokyo. In São Paulo, Ohtake made two iconic pieces: a series of mosaic murals that enrich the city’s metro Consolacao stop and a towering wave-shaped sculpture in honor of Japanese people immigrating to Brazil.
Ohtake’s career is splattered with artistic experimentation. She created awards for a Formula 1 race and a film festival, drew book illustrations, and even designed a film set. And she never stopped creating. At age 100, she painted nearly 30 new pieces.
Ohtake’s resume includes 120 solo exhibitions, 400 collective shows, and 28 awards. In 1988, Ohtake was awarded the Order of Rio Branco for her wave-shaped sculpture. She served as an informal ambassador of the arts in Brazil and still serves as an inspiration to painters and art lovers everywhere.
Happy Birthday, Tomie Ohtake!
Aug 09, 2022
Seiki Kuroda's 156th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle celebrates the life and 156th birthday of Seiki Kuroda, who was born on this day in 1866. Kuroda was an influential artist who’s known as the father of Western-style paintings in Japan. He was also a teacher and art administrator for the Tokyo Art School, as well as the founder of the White Horse Society.
He was born in Kagoshima, Japan where he was adopted by his uncle at birth and moved to his estate in Tokyo. At age 18, Kuroda traveled to Paris to study law but instead chose to pursue painting after two years. While in France, he spent a decade learning how to paint in the Western academic-style, honing his craft during a period of self-discovery.
In 1893, Kuroda returned to Japan and breathed fresh air into the Western-style art scene in many Japanese cities. He started a Western painting school called Tenshin Dojo and established pleinairism which is the practice of painting outdoors. In 1986, he founded the Habuka-kai—also known as the White Horse Society—a group of Japanese practitioners of yoga and painting. He was also invited to teach the Western Painting Department at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts.
In his waning years, Kuroda was chosen as a teishitsu gigei-in, or Imperial Household Artist, to create works for the Tokyo Imperial Palace. He also served as the President of the Imperial Art Academy and was titled a Viscount in 1917. Then, in 1920, Kuroda was elected to join Japan’s House of Peers, or Kizoku-in, the new aristocratic social class during the Meiji Era.
Kuroda made a lasting impression on the art world in Japan and beyond, inspiring the next generation of Western-style, Impressionist and Pleinairist artists to continue his legacy. His works can be found in countless museums and galleries such as the Artizon Museum in Tokyo and the Kuroda Memorial Hall within the Tokyo National Museum. Two of his works, Maiko [1893] and Lakeside [1897', have also been selected as commemorative postage stamps by the Japanese government.
Happy 156th birthday, Seiki Kuroda!
Jun 21, 2022
Celebrating Norval Morrisseau [Copper Thunderbird]
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Today’s Doodle—illustrated by Anishinaabe guest artists Blake Angeconeb and Danielle Morrison—celebrates Norval Morrisseau [Copper Thunderbird], an Indigenous Canadian artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. Morrisseau is widely considered the grandfather of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada, and his work paved the way for the emergence of Indigenous artwork in mainstream galleries. Today, on Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor Morrisseau and his paintings that beautifully captured the stories of Indigenous tradition.
Norval Morriseau—whose Ojibwa name was Copper Thunderbird—was born on the Sand Point Ojibwa reserve in Ontario, Canada, on March 14, 1932. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, who helped instill his pride for Anishinaabe culture and traditions. At the age of six, Morriseau was forced to leave his home and attend residential school—a place where traditional Native ceremonies were banned and speaking traditional languages was forbidden. Despite the trauma and hardships he experienced in his youth, Morrisseau was fueled by his desire to preserve his people’s traditions. His grandfather, a Shaman trained within the Midewiwin spiritual tradition, had introduced Morrisseau to shamanism and passed down the stories and legends of the Ojibwa people.
As Morrisseau entered adulthood, he began exploring ways to incorporate Anishinabek oral traditions and imagery through his artwork. In 1962, he hosted an exhibit at the Pollock Gallery in Toronto, marking his official debut to the art world and the first time an Indigenous artist was featured in a major contemporary art gallery in Canada. His art style became known as Woodland painting, combining rich colors, birch-bark scroll etchings and, oftentimes, skeletal animals and people. Morrisseau’s work represented a unique intersection between traditional Indigenous imagery and modern art styles. His path to success has not been simple - Morrisseau’s artwork has unfortunately been the subject of ongoing art fraud and plagiarism cases, as many sought to capitalize on the value earned through his unique style.
Over his multi-decade career, Morrisseau’s artwork was featured in exhibits across Canada, Europe and the world. Some of his notable paintings include Moose Dream Legend [1962], Conquest of the Thunderbird [1982], Androgyny [1983], and Observations of the Astral World [1994]. Morrisseau also leveraged his growing influence to advocate and support emerging First Nations artists, such as Daphne Odjig and Roy Thomas. He was an original member of the Indian Group of Seven—a group dedicated to uplifting the next generations of Indigenous artists. Morrisseau’s contributions led to his recognition as the grandfather of contemporary Indigenous art in North America.
Today, we can see Morrisseau’s legacy recognized on the global stage as a renowned artist, a revolutionary, and Indigenous icon. His ability to shatter societal, sexual, and commonly held stereotypes exemplifies the perseverance and power that countless Indigenous peoples experience. On National Indigenous Peoples Day, and everyday, we look to celebrate these achievements and recognize the contributions that Indigenous peoples have had and continue to have on Turtle Island.
Thank you, Morrisseau for sharing the stories of your Indigenous culture through art with the world!
Apr 23, 2022
Celebrating Naziha Salim
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Naziha Salim was a painter, professor and one of the most influential artists in Iraq’s contemporary art scene. Her work often depicts rural Iraqi women and peasant life through bold brush strokes and vivid colors. On this day in 2020, Naziha Salim was spotlighted by the Barjeel Art Foundation in their collection of female artists.
To paint the scene, Salim was born into a family of Iraqi artists in Turkey. Her father was a painter and her mother was a skilled embroidery artist. All three of her brothers worked in the arts, including Jawad, who’s widely considered one of Iraq’s most influential sculptors. From an early age she enjoyed making her own art.
Salim enrolled at the Baghdad Fine Arts Institute where she studied painting and graduated with distinction. Because of her hard work and passion for art she was one of the first women awarded a scholarship to continue her education in Paris at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. While in Paris, Salim specialized in fresco and mural painting. After graduation, she spent several more years abroad, immersing herself in art and culture.
Salim eventually returned to Baghdad to work at the Fine Arts Institute where she would teach until retirement. She was active in Iraq’s arts community and one of the founding members of Al-Ruwwad, a community of artists that study abroad and incorporate European art techniques into the Iraqi aesthetic. Later in her career, Salim authored Iraq: Contemporary Art, an important resource for the early development of Iraq’s modern art movement.
Naziha Salim’s artwork hangs at the Sharjah Art Museum and the Modern Art Iraqi Archive. There you can see the magic she created from dripping brushes and brimmed canvases. Today’s Doodle artwork is an ode to Salim's painting style and a celebration of her long standing contributions to the art world!
Naziha Salim was a painter, professor and one of the most influential artists in Iraq’s contemporary art scene. Her work often depicts rural Iraqi women and peasant life through bold brush strokes and vivid colors. On this day in 2020, Naziha Salim was spotlighted by the Barjeel Art Foundation in their collection of female artists.
To paint the scene, Salim was born into a family of Iraqi artists in Turkey. Her father was a painter and her mother was a skilled embroidery artist. All three of her brothers worked in the arts, including Jawad, who’s widely considered one of Iraq’s most influential sculptors. From an early age she enjoyed making her own art.
Salim enrolled at the Baghdad Fine Arts Institute where she studied painting and graduated with distinction. Because of her hard work and passion for art she was one of the first women awarded a scholarship to continue her education in Paris at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. While in Paris, Salim specialized in fresco and mural painting. After graduation, she spent several more years abroad, immersing herself in art and culture.
Salim eventually returned to Baghdad to work at the Fine Arts Institute where she would teach until retirement. She was active in Iraq’s arts community and one of the founding members of Al-Ruwwad, a community of artists that study abroad and incorporate European art techniques into the Iraqi aesthetic. Later in her career, Salim authored Iraq: Contemporary Art, an important resource for the early development of Iraq’s modern art movement.
Naziha Salim’s artwork hangs at the Sharjah Art Museum and the Modern Art Iraqi Archive. There you can see the magic she created from dripping brushes and brimmed canvases. Today’s Doodle artwork is an ode to Salim's painting style and a celebration of her long standing contributions to the art world!
May 13, 2021
Zofia Stryjeńska's 130th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Poland-based guest artist Dixie Leota, celebrates the 130th birthday of Polish painter, graphic designer, illustrator, and stage designer Zofia Stryjeńska, who is widely regarded as one of the most significant Polish art deco artists of the early 1900s. Across its countless mediums, Stryjeńska’s bold and adventurous work mirrors her personality as an uncompromising heroine of creativity and artistic expression.
Born Zofia Lubańska on this day in 1891 in Kraków, Poland, Zofia Stryjeńska began painting caricatures of her father’s customers in his glove shop, developing a talent that became her life’s passion. But gender barriers stood in the way of her artistic pursuits; barriers she was determined to break. As the Munich Academy of Fine Arts—her top choice of schools—was a traditionally all-male institution, Stryjeńska cut her hair and attended the university disguised as a man. But after a year in Munich, the pressure of keeping her identity hidden pushed her to return home to Kraków.
Inspired by the history of her national identity, Stryjeńska began her career at 21 with a series of paintings based on Polish folklore. This modern take on a traditional art form became her hallmark; a style that gained popularity as Poland had recently regained its independence in 1911 and its citizens cherished their historical iconography. Her 1917 series of surrealist lithographs entitled “Bożki Słowiańskie” [“Slavic Idols”] saw massive success and was printed on everything from postcards to chocolates.
An expert of folk costumes and Slavic mythology, Stryjeńska expressed the love of her heritage in work that ranged from wooden chess pieces to ballet costumes, like those designed for the 1930s Polish ballet “Harnasie.”
Happy birthday, Zofia Stryjeńska!
Jun 13, 2021
Aurélia de Souza's 155th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle celebrates the 155th birthday of Portuguese artist Aurélia de Souza, one of the few women whose work was exhibited in galleries alongside Portugal’s great 19th century painters. Infused with strokes of realist and impressionist influences, de Souza’s naturalist paintings served as windows into daily Portuguese life through landscapes of her journeys and her personal favorite genre: self- and family portraits.
On this day in 1866, Maria Aurélia de Souza was born to Portuguese immigrants in Valparaíso, Chile. Her family returned to their homeland after acquiring a farm along the Douro river near Porto, Portugal. It was on these idyllic banks that de Souza began to paint and draw at the age of 16. After only three years, she painted her first self-portrait—an art form that became her hallmark.
In 1893, de Souza further refined her talent in the Portuguese tradition as a student of the Porto Academy of Fine Arts. De Souza moved to Paris in 1899, where she expanded her palette as an apprentice of several French masters. After one year in her new home, she captured herself dressed wearing a red-coat in the oil painting “Self-Portrait,” a work widely regarded as her most famous. She continued to draw influence from the international arts in the years that followed, traveling across Europe before returning to Portugal in 1902.
De Souza’s paintings were regularly featured at her alma mater, just one of the many prestigious Portuguese galleries that championed her work. In addition to her lifelong work as a painter, de Souza also illustrated for Portuguese magazines and the 1913 short story entitled “Perfis Suaves” [“Smooth Profiles”].
Happy birthday, Aurélia de Souza!
May 28, 2022
Chiquito de la Calzada's 90th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle by guest artist José Antonio Roda Martínez celebrates Chiquito de la Calzada, a Spanish singer, actor, and stand-up comedian who left a lasting cultural impact in Spain. Born as Gregorio Esteban Sánchez Fernández on this day in 1932, Chiquito’s brilliant comedic style has widely influenced Spanish comedians and entertainers to this day.
As children, Fernández and his two brothers grew up in poverty in post-Civil War Spain in La Calzada de la Trinidad. He began singing and dancing flamenco at eight years old to help feed his family. During this time he received his stage name, Chiquito de la Calzada.
Fernández spent most of his adult life performing flamenco throughout Spain and abroad. After spending 54 years in the flamenco industry, his life took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with a television producer named Tomás Summers at a restaurant.
After overhearing Fernández tell jokes at a nearby table, Summers offered him a part in an upcoming comedy show airing on Antena 3, a major Spanish television station. The new show was called Genio y figura, and the production team thought Summers was making a mistake by casting an unknown 62-year-old man. Summers took a chance on Fernández anyway and he was sure glad he did.
Soon after the show aired, Fernández transformed into an instant star. Spaniards from all walks of life found his comedic timing, clever puns, and exaggerated movements irresistibly funny. Over the next two decades, Fernández developed an original comedic style that continues to influence Spanish comedians and TV characters today.
In 2019, the Ministry of Culture of Spain recognized his cultural impact by awarding him a Medalla de Oro al mérito en las Bellas Artes [[Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts).
Happy birthday, Chiquito de la Calzada!
May 28, 2022
Chiquito de la Calzada's 90th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle by guest artist José Antonio Roda Martínez celebrates Chiquito de la Calzada, a Spanish singer, actor, and stand-up comedian who left a lasting cultural impact in Spain. Born as Gregorio Esteban Sánchez Fernández on this day in 1932, Chiquito’s brilliant comedic style has widely influenced Spanish comedians and entertainers to this day.
As children, Fernández and his two brothers grew up in poverty in post-Civil War Spain in La Calzada de la Trinidad. He began singing and dancing flamenco at eight years old to help feed his family. During this time he received his stage name, Chiquito de la Calzada.
Fernández spent most of his adult life performing flamenco throughout Spain and abroad. After spending 54 years in the flamenco industry, his life took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with a television producer named Tomás Summers at a restaurant.
After overhearing Fernández tell jokes at a nearby table, Summers offered him a part in an upcoming comedy show airing on Antena 3, a major Spanish television station. The new show was called Genio y figura, and the production team thought Summers was making a mistake by casting an unknown 62-year-old man. Summers took a chance on Fernández anyway and he was sure glad he did.
Soon after the show aired, Fernández transformed into an instant star. Spaniards from all walks of life found his comedic timing, clever puns, and exaggerated movements irresistibly funny. Over the next two decades, Fernández developed an original comedic style that continues to influence Spanish comedians and TV characters today.
In 2019, the Ministry of Culture of Spain recognized his cultural impact by awarding him a Medalla de Oro al mérito en las Bellas Artes [Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts].
Happy birthday, Chiquito de la Calzada!
Apr 27, 2024
South Africa Freedom Day 2024
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Today’s annual Doodle celebrates 30 years of Freedom in South Africa! On this day in 1994, South Africa held its first-ever democratic elections after years of racial segregation under apartheid.
Freedom Day reminds South Africans of the sacrifices made to achieve emancipation, and honors the individuals who championed freedom, human rights, and democracy. One such hero was Nelson Mandela, who became South Africa’s first Black president following the 1994 elections. More than 19 million South African citizens of all races casted their ballots over a four-day voting period, marking a new dawn in the country.
On Freedom Day, many people attend concerts, rallies, festivals, and more to celebrate. Some may choose to spend time with loved ones and gather for meals, while others visit historical sites such as Robben Island. All throughout the country, the multi-color national flag waves high in the sky — just like in today’s artwork.
Happy Freedom Day, South Africa!
Apr 27, 2024
King's Day 2024
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This King's Day 2024 Doodle features an open-air flea market!
This Doodle celebrates the most orange day of the year in the Netherlands — Koningsdag or King’s Day 2024! This public holiday acts as a nationwide birthday party for King Willem-Alexander, who became the first Dutch king in over a century in 2014. The observance date for King’s [or Queen’s] Day usually moves whenever a new ruler ascends to the throne.
On King’s Day, the king and his family visit a different region in the Netherlands each year, mingling with the locals and visiting attractions specific to the area. The Dutch people typically wear bright orange outfits that represent the national color, all while waving the red, white, and blue national flag — like the one in today’s artwork.
They attend grand parades, lively concerts, bustling street markets, and jubilant pubs to celebrate. Many traditional games like bite-the-cake and toilet bowl throwing are also available at funfairs around the country.
Happy King’s Day!
Apr 23, 2024
St. George's Day 2024
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This hand crafted St. George's Day Doodle features St. George with the legendary dragon and roses.
Legend has it that a greedy and vicious dragon ruined the city of Silene, Libya. Every day, the dragon demanded a sacrifice of two sheep from the townspeople to satisfy its endless hunger — and when there were no sheep to offer, a human was sent in their place. Eventually, the king’s daughter was chosen as tribute. When all looked grim, St. George came to the rescue and conquered the dragon with his lance. The king promised the hero treasures, but St. George refused them and instead donated the gold to the townsfolk.
To honour his bravery, the people in England annually celebrate St. George’s Day with feasts, parades, parties, concerts, and more. The symbol of St. George, a flag with a red cross against a white field, can be seen flying high throughout the streets. Around the world, many also exchange red roses and wear them on their lapels, which is another way to pay homage to the patron saint.
Happy St. George’s Day!
Apr 06, 2024
Francis García's 66th Birthday
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This Doodle celebrates the 66th birthday of MexicanartistandperformerFrancis García, who was one of the first trans entertainers to become a national public figure.
Francis’s mother and aunt, two of her biggest supporters, taught Francis how to sew when she was young. She pursued costume design and made clothes for carnivals and fairs, and started working at a dress store in Mexico City at only 17. She performed as a drag queen and danced in vedette shows at the Blanquita Theater, where she was discovered. National recognition came after she was cast in the famous Mexican movie, Bellas de Noche.
Following the success of her first movie, Francis landed her own show, El Show de Francis, which became popular across Mexico and the United States. Loving every moment in the spotlight, her performances included ballads in beautiful self-designed gowns, dazzling Vegas showgirl-style dance numbers, and hilarious celebrity impersonations. The show ran from 1980-1998 and was one of the most popular shows run by a trans person.
Francis appeared in several films and shows throughout her career and was best known for her roles in Los Relajadores [The Relaxed Ones], De Super Macho a Super Hembra [From Super Male to Super Female], and Desde Gayola [From Gayola]. The Campeche Carnival in her hometown named Francis their “Queen of Queens” in 2005, and her mother maintained a museum that honored her and displayed her elaborate costumes for years. She was one of the first openly LGBTQ+ celebrities in the country and advocated for equal rights throughout her entire life.
Happy birthday Francis! Thank you for all the love, entertainment, and joy you brought to the stage and screen!
Apr 29, 2024
Celebrating Tari Rangkuk Alu
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This animated Doodle celebrates Tari Rangkuk Alu, a dancestyle that originates from the traditional Rangkuk Alu game in Manggarai, Indonesia, which involves maneuvering through a moving bamboo grid.
People of all ages participate in Tari Rangkuk Alu, which originates from the traditional game known as Rankuk Alu, Ranku Alu, or Rangkuk pestle game. Bamboo sticks are arranged in a grid on the ground, and while some players move the sticks to a continuous beat, others step in an intricate pattern avoiding the bamboo. The game evolved into a dance as people saw similarities between the cadenced jumping and dancing. Beginners move in simple patterns while skilled dancers navigate more bamboos moving in multiple directions, maneuvering around the edges and through the middle.
Instruments like drums and xylophones sometimes complement the rhythmic beating of the bamboo sticks. Dancers may wear long skirts, a headdress, or wave the ends of a scarf as they navigate the bamboo.
It requires focus to avoid hitting the bamboo, and players will use the game to train for agility, balance, and coordination. Those in the Manggarai tribe also find spiritual and philosophical value in the dance. People who jump in contribute to preserving the cultural treasure of Tari Rangkuk Alu.
Mar 07, 2024
Lola Beltrán's 92nd Birthday
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This animated Doodle celebrates Mexican actress and singerLola Beltrán, who helped popularize Ranchera and Huapango music.
Beltrán grew up in a working class family in El Rosario, Sinaloa. Her church choir inspired her love of singing and she became obsessed with ballads. In 1953, Beltrán and her mother moved to Mexico City to pursue her career as a singer.
After getting a job as a popular radio station’s secretary, Beltrán earned the chance to participate in an on-air singing contest. She didn’t just win — the producers were so impressed that they helped her secure a recording contract. Beltrán started to cover popular songs on air and even earned her own radio show, but she had bigger dreams.
Working with songwriters, Beltrán crafted stories of underdog characters seeking and earning redemption. Her melancholic voice and sensibilities resonated with people across Mexico, and songs like “Cucurrucucu Paloma" and “Cielito Lindo” made her an in-demand talent. Although she sang about the country’s working-class people, she managed to engross audiences from all walks of life.
Beltrán became the first Ranchera singer to perform at the prestigious El Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. She also sang for presidents and leaders around the world. Over the course of her career, Beltrán made 100 albums and starred in 50 films. She inspired generations of Mexican singers to embrace folk music and sing about their authentic experiences.
Happy Birthday, Lola Beltrán!
Jan 10, 2024
Louis Joseph César Ducornet's 218th Birthday
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This Doodle celebrates French artist Louis Joseph César Ducornet, a renowned painter in the 1800s who paintedsolely with his foot due to limb differences from birth.
Ducornet was born with a phocomelia, which causes malformations in one’s arms and legs. Ducornet didn’t have arms or a left leg but had four toes on his right foot. Ducornet’s father carried him around throughout his childhood since he couldn’t walk. After picking up a piece of charcoal with his toes, Ducornet began experimenting with sketches. This started a lifelong passion for painting.
After becoming a proficient illustrator, Ducornet attracted the attention of local schools and artists. He received training and the government provided him with a pension so he was able to study under renowned painters in Paris. Early in his career, he focused on biblically-inspired pieces such as Repentance [1828] and St. Louis administering Justice. The Lille Museum features both paintings to this day.
Ducornet’s disability prevented him from earning awards through the Prix de Rome, a French scholarship foundation. However, he did earn several awards from the prestigious Salon d’Art. In 1840, he painted Mary Magdalene, which the French government purchased. He followed up with one of his most famous works — a self-portrait of him painting with his foot. His historical scenes and portraits continue to grace some of the most storied art museums.
Happy birthday, Louis Joseph César Ducornet!
Dec 20, 2023
Sedad Hakkı Eldem's 115th Birthday
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This Doodle celebrates Turkish architect Sedad Hakki Eldem, who is widely remembered for modernizing architecture in Türkiye.
Eldem’s passion for art, design, and architecture developed from an early age. He attended the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts and graduated in 1928 before traveling to Europe on a state scholarship. In 1931, he designed the Turkish Pavilion for the Budapest International Fair as an example of modern Turkish architecture, which was greatly appreciated by those who visited the exhibition.
Over the course of the next few decades, Eldem became a prominent member of the architectural community. He led more than 20 significant building projects and published architectural researches including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Topkapi Palace. His distinct style, which blended both modern and traditional characteristics, earned him widespread acclaim. His keen eye and expertise of Ottoman designs gave his modern constructions an authentic, historical twist.
He was also a revered educator and writer who greatly influenced Turkey’s national style through both architectural progress and preservation.
Happy birthday, Sedad Hakki Eldem!
Visit the Google Arts & Culture collection for more information about Sedad Hakki Eldem life and works.
Dec 16, 2023
Celebrating Arthur Beetson
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This Doodle celebrates Indigenous Australian rugby league captain and coach Arthur Beetson, who is widely considered one of the greatest players in rugby history.
Beetson was born in Roma, Queensland in 1945 which is traditionally known as Gubbi Gubbi Country. His mother, a survivor of the Stolen Generation, was taken from her parents at 11 years old and forced to work as a domestic servant. Fearing that her children would suffer the same fate, she often hid Beetson and his siblings whenever a stranger’s car came close to their home.
Beetson fell in love with football as a child, and at 19, he was recruited to play for the Redcliffe Dolphins. Soon after, Redcliffe won the Brisbane premiership and Beetson was named club player of the year in 1965.
In 1973, when Beetson was appointed captain of the Kangaroos, the Australia National Rugby League team, it was a watershed moment for Indigenous representation: The government had only begun to recognize Indigenous people as Australian citizens six years earlier. Up until then, Indigenous communities were largely excluded from Australian society.
Beetson captained the Kangaroos to victory at the 1975 World Series, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players and leaders in Australian rugby league history. He continued to break new grounds throughout his four-decade career by playing in 14 test matches, four victorious World Club campaigns, 20 interstate matches, and 222 New South Wales Rugby League first-grade games. He also went on to coach for the Eastern Suburbs, Australia, Queensland, the Redcliffe Dolphins, and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. In 2003, Beetson was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame and added to the list of Immortals.
Thank you, Arthur Beetson, for helping level the playing field for Indigenous representation and being a sporting icon for all Australians.
Mar 29, 2023
Lasminingrat's 169th Birthday
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Today’s handsewn Doodle celebrates the 169th birthday of Sundanese author and scholar Lasminingrat who paved the way for future generations of Indonesian women.
Raden Ayu Lasminingrat was born on this day in 1854 in Garut, Indonesia to Raden Ayu Ria and Raden Haji Muhamad Musa, a pioneer of Sundanese printed literature and scholar. In order to pursue her education in Sumedang, she had to be separated from her family and was left under the care of her father’s friend Levyson Norman. He helped to teach her Dutch and contributed to Lasminingrat becoming the first Indonesian woman to be fluent in writing and reading Dutch during her time. After becoming proficient in writing and speaking Dutch, Lasminigrat dreamed of advancing equality for all Indonesian women.
Lasminingrat used her literacy skills to adapt European fairy tales into Sundanese. Under her father’s guidance she started to educate Indonesian children in 1879. She read adapted books aloud, and taught basic moral education and psychology. Her work provided schooling to native Indonesian children and exposed them to international cultures. She continued to translate books into Sundanese, including Warnasari volumes 1 and 2, which were widely celebrated throughout Indonesia.
In 1907, Lasminingrat founded the Sekolaha Keutamaan Istri. The open environment and learning area promoted women’s empowerment, reading, and writing. The school grew to 200 students and 5 classes, and was recognized by the Dutch East Indies government in 1911. With time, the school continued to grow and by 1934 expanded to other cities such as Wetan Garut, Cikajang, and Bayongbong.
Thank you, Lasminingrat for dedicating your life to empowering Indonesian women and being a pioneer in women's education.
Mar 22, 2023
Julieta Lanteri's 150th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle celebrates the 150th birthday of Julieta Lanteri, an Italian Argentine doctor and the first woman to vote in Argentina and South America. She was a staunch advocate for women’s rights and worked tirelessly to improve healthcare.
Lanteri was born on this day in Italy in 1873. Her family emigrated to Argentina when she was six years old. She became the first woman to attend the National School of La Plata, then studied pharmacology at the University of Buenos Aires. She earned her medical degree in 1907 — she was one of the first five woman to do so in Argentina! For the next 13 years, Lanteri regularly traveled to Europe to work in hospitals and learn about healthcare for women and children.
Beyond her skills as a physician, Lanteri was also a suffragette. In 1910, she helped organize the first International Women’s Congress. The following year, she gained Argentine citizenship and became the first woman to vote in South America when she casted a ballot for the Deliberative Council elections. After this monumental achievement, the Electoral Law was changed to require military service — only men were allowed to enlist.
Despite the constant obstacles she faced, Lanteri did not back down. She created her own political party, the National Feminist Union, and ran for the position of National Deputy from 1919 to 1932. The party’s platform stood for universal suffrage, gender equality, fair working conditions, childcare support, maternity benefits, and more.
Argentine women were finally granted the official right to vote in 1947. Although she couldn’t witness it with her own eyes, Lanteri’s contributions undoubtedly helped make this dream a reality. Her fierce determination is remembered far and wide throughout South America.
Happy birthday, Julieta Lanteri!
Mar 01, 2023
Celebrating Mickey Chen
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Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Taiwan-based guest artist Dyin Li, celebrates Taiwanese filmmaker and activist Mickey Chen, who focused on telling stories from people that belonged to disenfranchised communities. On this day in 1999, his film Boys for Beauty became the first LGBTQ-themed documentary to be screened at a movie theater in Taiwan.
Chen, fascinated by cameras from a young age, started creating movies in college. At 30, he made his directorial debut with Not Simply a Wedding Banquet [1997], a documentary about the first gay couple to have a public wedding in Taipei. It explored the struggles that members of the LGBTQ+ community faced in Taiwan.
In 1999, Chen released Boys for Beauty, an eye-opening exposé that followed the lives of three gay teenagers from Taipei. The film took a bold stance against gender norms and showcased the societal pressures each subjects’ relatives endured. It was a box office success and a pivotal achievement for Taiwanese cinema.
Boys for Beauty won countless awards and film festival placements, most notably the Audience Award at the 2000 Taiwan International Documentary Festival. Chen gave an inspiring acceptance speech that praised the LGBTQ+ movement and invited several directors to join his on stage in an act of solidarity.
Chen wrote and directed many more documentaries such as Memorandum on Happiness [2003], Scars on Memory [2005], and Fragile in Love [2007]. He also published Taipei Father, New York Mother in 2011, a book about family tragedies that occurred during his youth. Throughout his career, Chen documented significant moments of LGBTQ+ history in Taiwan and opened the eyes of the public to them and Taiwan’s progressive LGBTQ+ societal views are a result of trailblazers like him.
Sep 14, 2022
Rasuna Said's 112th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle celebrates the 112th birthday of Rasuna Said, remembered as the Lioness of the Indonesian Independence Movement. She was an influential voice on social issues, especially women’s rights, a teacher and a journalist. She was recognized as an Indonesian national hero, the ninth woman to receive the honor.
Rasuna was born near Lake Maninjau in West Sumatra on this day in 1910. From an early age, she was outspoken about the issues of the day. Her tenacity and intelligence as a student quickly paved her way to become an assistant teacher, who motivated young girls to dream big.
In 1926, Rasuna was invited to join the Sarikat Rakyat, or People’s Movement followed by Islamic Movement in 1930 which led her to organize the Persatuan Muslim Indonesia [PERMI] which was critical of Dutch colonialism and its unfair treatment of women.
In 1931, Rasuna moved to Padang to launch a women’s division in PERMI. It focused on opening literary schools for girls all throughout West Sumatra. In 1932, Rasuna was arrested for speaking out against Dutch rule. Thousands attended her trial in Payakumbuh in 1932. Her defense speech was inspiring and given without hesitation.
At 24, after her release from prison in 1934, Rasuna began her journalistic career and wrote for a college journal called Raya. Over the next few years, she opened up more schools for girls and spoke on behalf of countless Muslim women’s groups.
In 1945, after working tirelessly to instill nationalism and anti-colonialism through her writing, Indonesia gained its independence. In 1974, Rasuna was declared a National Hero of Indonesia for her services.
Happy birthday, Rasuna Said!
Sep 07, 2022
Louise "Miss Lou" Bennett-Coverley's 103rd Birthday
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Today's Doodle, illustrated by Jamaican guest artist Robyn Smith, celebrates Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley’s 103rd birthday. The Jamaican poet, folklorist, activist and entertainer empowered the country to take pride in its language and culture. Known by many Jamaicans as “Miss Lou,” Bennett's social commentary and sense of humor made her a popular personality in the country.
Bennett was born on September 7, 1919 in Kingston, Jamaica. She developed a passion for literature and Jamaican folklore in school and began writing poetry. Fascinated by her native language, Bennett wrote in the local dialect. Her first public appearance was her recital of a poem in Jamaican patois at a concert.
Soon, Bennett was given a weekly column in The Gleaner, the island’s newspaper at the time, though they originally rejected Bennett’s poems. The majority of Jamaicans speak patois, but critics denounced it as an inferior and improper language. Her column, which captured the experiences of Jamaicans in their own language, gained support across the country.
In 1942, Bennett published her first book of poetry, Dialect Verses. It earned her a British Council scholarship to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. As the school's first Black student, Bennett worked for the British Broadcasting Commission [BBC] where she hosted the radio program Caribbean Carnival. After completing her degree, she hosted other programs like West Indian Guest Night and acted in theater companies.
Returning to Jamaica in 1956, Bennett worked as a Drama Officer and later Director of the Jamaica Social Welfare Commission. On behalf of the commission, she moved around the country to train village instructors and regional officers with workshops like playmaking, improvisation and mime. She gave lectures on Jamaican folklore in the United States and England. Bennett also hosted radio programs like Laugh with Louise and Miss Lou's Views, and Ring Ding, a beloved Saturday morning children’s TV show airing on Jamaica Broadcasting Commission [JBC].
In 1998, the Jamaican government appointed Bennett as the country’s Cultural Ambassador at Large. She was also inducted into the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II. Bennett was a champion of her country’s language and culture, inspiring Jamaicans to take pride in both.
Happy Birthday, Miss Lou!
16 Sept 2017
Emilia Pardo Bazán’s 166th Birthday
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A 19th-century novelist, professor, and women’s rights activist, Emilia Pardo Bazán was a trailblazer in more ways than one. Born in A Coruña, Spain to a family who believed in the power of education, she took an early interest in literature – and her academic pursuits didn’t stop there. Despite women being forbidden to study science and philosophy, Pardo Bazán became well versed in both by seeking out information on her own.
She went on to write a number of novels, short stories, and essays, winning her first literary prize in 1876. Her affinity for science also came through in her writing, where her reality-driven descriptions introduced the naturalist movement to Spain. Her signature style was on full display in her two most famous novels, Los pazos de Ulloa [1886] and La madre naturaleza [1887]. In her published works and beyond, Pardo Bazán endlessly championed women’s rights. She also taught at the University of Madrid, where she became the first woman to occupy a chair of literature.
Inspired by the statue of Pardo Bazán that stands in her hometown, today’s Doodle pays tribute to the prolific author on what would’ve been her 166th birthday.
May 23, 2021
Celebrating the Obelisk of Buenos Aires
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The Obelisk of Buenos Aires towers over Argentina as a symbol of national pride. Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Buenos Aires-based guest artists Carolina Silvero and Juan Elizalde of Estudio Guardabosques, celebrates this historic monument, which was inaugurated on this day in 1936 in honor of four centuries since Buenos Aires’ foundation.
Built in just 31 days from blocks of white Córdoba stone, the monument juts into the skyline where the Argentinian flag was first hoisted above Buenos Aires in 1536. Designed by illustrious Argentine architect Alberto Prebisch, each of the four shafts of the Obelisk signifies critical moments of Buenos Aires history: the city’s foundation in 1536 and again in 1580, the first celebration of the Argentinian flag in 1812, and the induction of Buenos Aires as the nation’s capital in 1880.
But the strategic location of the monument carries much more than just historical significance. The Obelisk also stands at the intersection of two of the capital’s iconic streets: Avenida Corrientes and Avenida 9 de Julio. Underneath the landmark, three of the city’s underground metro lines converge, making it a magnetic meet-up spot for the sprawling Argentine megalopolis.
While today’s Doodle artwork scales down the monument, you can enjoy a view of the over 200-foot tall Obelisk from many parts of the Argentine capital.
May 01, 2024
Celebrating Meena Alexander
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This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Doodle celebrates Indian American poet and scholar Meena Alexander, who was known for her work exploring migration and identity.
Alexander was born in 1951 in Allahabad, India. Her family home was in Kerala, but she spent most of her childhood in Sudan where her father was stationed as a visiting meteorologist. She excelled in school and began writing poems in both English and French.
At only 13, Alexander enrolled at the University of Khartoum. Although she couldn’t read Arabic, a local newspaper translated and published some of her poems. Alexander graduated with a degree in English and French and then pursued a PhD in England. She returned to India with a doctorate in British Romantic literature. While writing poetry, Alexander held faculty positions in Delhi and Hyderabad.
In 1979, Alexander moved to New York to work as an assistant professor at Fordham University. She went on to become Distinguished Professor of English at Hunter College and the Graduate Center at the City University of New York.
Among her early books, the novel Nampally Road [1991] explored Alexander’s experiences and feelings in modern India. She published many well-received poetry collections, including Illiterate Heart [2002] and Raw Silk [2004]. With her signature cross-cultural perspective, Alexander dissected trauma and migration.
Alexander’s poetry and books have been translated into Malayalam, as well as Hindi, Urdu, German, Swedish, Arabic and Spanish. Illiterate Heart won the PEN Open Book Award in 2022. Her contributions to American literature earned her the Distinguished Achievement Award from the South Asian Literary Association. Her artful command of language continues to inspire poets to this day.
Apr 15, 2012
Wilhelm Busch's 180th Birthday
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Heinrich Christian Wilhelm Busch was a German humorist, poet, illustrator, and painter. He published wildly innovative illustrated tales that remain influential to this day.
Mar 20, 2021
David Warren's 96th Birthday
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Today’s Doodle honors Australian research scientist Dr. David Warren, the inventor of the flight data and voice recording technology commonly known as “the black box”: a virtually indestructible device that has helped save the lives of countless travelers around the globe.
Born on this day on remote Groote Eylandt off the northern coast of Australia, David Warren went on to receive his doctorate in fuels and energy research from London’s Imperial College. After returning to Australia, he embarked on a 31-year career with the Commonwealth’s Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Melbourne.
In 1953, the ARL was tasked with investigating a mysterious crash of the world’s first jet-powered commercial aircraft. Confronted with the difficult task of reconstructing what went wrong, Dr. Warren had an ingenious idea. He envisioned a voice recording device that could capture cockpit conversations in real-time, providing critical insight into what happened before a crash to help prevent the same problems in the future. Facing initial skepticism, Dr. Warren developed an experimental prototype on his own, creating the world’s first “black box” [though his model was actually painted red]. The rudimentary device became the first with the capability to store audio in combination with flight instrument data, a monumental breakthrough in aviation technology.
Today, a modern equivalent of Dr. Warren’s invention is mandatory in cockpits worldwide, playing an integral role in the constant improvement of aviation safety standards.
Thank you, Dr. David Warren, for your selfless dedication to making air travel safer for people everywhere!