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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Arts

Poet Brenda Shaughnessy read to students at Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House on Sept. 13. (via Copper Canyon Press)

Former Guggenheim Fellow Reads at Creative Writers House

As part of the Creative Writing program’s “New Salon” series, which features writers in conversation, Brenda Shaughnessy read and discussed poems from her new book.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer September 18, 2019

“I’m a firm believer in embarrassing oneself,'' award-winning poet Brenda Shaughnessy said during an event at the Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House last week. The author...

The Goldfinch, starring Ansel Elgort, was released in theaters September 13. (via Warner Bros)

‘The Goldfinch’ Paints an Incomplete Picture

The movie adaptation of Donna Tartt’s iconic novel is beautiful yet shallow.
Izzy Salas, Staff Writer September 18, 2019

Donna Tartt’s epic novel “The Goldfinch” was adapted into a movie starring Ansel Elgort and directed by John Crowley, which premiered Sept. 13. The movie tells the story...

Tyler the Creator released his new album, Igor, on May 17th, and will be on tour from August 30th to October 26th. (via Wikimedia)

Tyler, the Creator Stuns Fans at Madison Square Garden

The eclectic musician delivered yet another bizarre, hilarious and heartfelt performance.
Madeline Lyskawa, Staff Writer September 17, 2019

Wearing a pink suit with one red sleeve and one red pant leg, a pair of white sunglasses and an iconic blonde wig, Tyler, the Creator took the stage at a sold-out Madison Square...

Senku is the main character of Dr. Stone, a dystopian anime exploring the capabilities of civilization. (Staff illustration by Marva Shi)

‘Dr. Stone’ Meditates on Civilization Itself

The much-promoted fall season anime balances microcosmic world-building with a battle for progress.
Nicholas Weid, Contributing Writer September 16, 2019

3,689 years and 159 days after the entire world’s population was mysteriously turned into stone, Senku Ishigami awakens — and he’s been counting. Luckily for the world, Senku...

Since the start of her career in 2007, Nicki Minaj has garnered millions of fans, producing hit albums throughout the years (via Flickr).

Nicki Minaj Retires From Music (Probably)

Is the "Queen of Rap" stepping off her throne for good?
Destine Manson, Staff Writer September 16, 2019

“My career has been a pinkprint, when I retire, tell them think pink.” Onika Maraj, better known as Nicki Minaj, reminded fans of these lyrics from her 2012 album, “Pink...

NYU’s creative writing house. (Staff Photo by Julie Goldberg)

Creative Writing Community Persists Despite Lack of Major

Students on the English major’s creative writing track point out the program’s strengths and offer suggestions on how it could up its game.
Julie Goldberg, Books & Theater Editor September 16, 2019

The home page of NYU’s Creative Writing Program is impressive at first glance. Prominently featuring a photo of a contemplative Zadie Smith and, just below it, an interior shot...

Hustlers, starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, is an empowering film that broke traditional barriers in Hollywood. (via Facebook)

‘Hustlers’ Is the Female-Driven Crime Drama Everyone Has Been Waiting For

“Hustlers,” featuring Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez, tells the unbelievable true story of a group of strippers-turned-criminal-masterminds who take on Wall Street. Originally featured in New York Magazine, their story has now hit the big screen in a film full of female empowerment.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Deputy Arts Editor September 16, 2019

Drugging Wall Street men with a mix of MDMA and ketamine and making them max out their credit cards on booze in strip clubs? It may sound crazy — it sure sounded that way to...

"Sisters & Daughters." (Courtesy the Artist and Blain|Southern.
Photo by Adam Reich.)

Entrancing, Enchanting and Immersive: Rachel Howard Solo Exhibition Opens in Chelsea

Rachel Howard is a tour de force, as evidenced by her new exhibition at Blain|Southern New York.
Neil Dittrich, Contributing Writer September 13, 2019

British artist Rachel Howard recently launched her solo exhibition, open from Sept. 6-Oct. 26 at Blain|Southern New York, a prominent international gallery on West 25th Street....

(via YouTube)

Staff Recs: Pretentious Films to Impress Your Fake Friends

Need to sound like you know about movies? Here are a few of our go-tos.

Your friends told you to watch it. It was on your Amazon recommended list. And now the Arts Desk of WSN, a group of complete strangers, is going to reinforce everything that they’ve...

'IT Chapter Two' Supplies More Laughs Than Screams

‘IT Chapter Two’ Supplies More Laughs Than Screams

In the sequel to the highest-grossing horror film of all time, jokes and feel-good moments soften any real feelings of horror.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer September 11, 2019

It’s 27 years after the events of “It,” and most of our protagonists — the loveable Losers’ Club — have left Derry and forgotten all about Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård)....

Larry David at a film festival in 2009. (Via Wikimedia)

Unpopular Opinions: Unconventionally Hot Girl Summer

The Arts Desk weighs in on some underrated hotties in the entertainment industry.

Hot Girl Summer is ending and with so many unconventionally attractive additions to the Hot Girl Summer canon (Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Beto O’Rourke), we at the Arts Desk thought...

(Staff Illustration by Marva Shi)

‘Fire Emblem: Three Houses’ Is a Perfect Blend of Strategic Action and Blissful School Life

The latest entry in Nintendo’s near 30-year-old fantasy role-playing game series may be the strongest yet.
Nakul Handa, Staff Writer September 10, 2019

Hype has been brewing for “Fire Emblem: Three Houses,” ever since the E3 2019 trailer that showcased a time skip in which the characters we once saw as plucky students turn...