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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

All content by Kaleo Zhu
A still from an animated film depicting two characters sleeping under a kotatsu table. On top of the table are papers, rulers and half-eaten snacks.

Review: ‘Look Back’ finds art in adaptation

Outside of its beautifully moving story and technical prowess, the film seamlessly blends the characteristics of its original comic with the freedom of animation at neither’s expense.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer November 25, 2024

On the surface, a four-panel comic seems like it couldn’t be further apart from a feature-length film. After all, a comic’s limited space for a story and implied movements...

A purple sign with the phrase “MAKING HOME” and “SMITHSONIAN DESIGN TRIENNIAL, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 TO AUGUST 10, 2025,” on a black fence.

Review: ‘Making Home — Smithsonian Design Triennial’ vividly redefines the idea of home

Cooper Hewitt’s first collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is a multifaceted display of design.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer November 20, 2024

Beams of sunlight stream through the white-framed windows of an atrium, illuminating a garden outside while casting shadows across floral wallpaper — a seemingly idyllic...

10 songs for your cold-weather playlist

10 songs for your cold-weather playlist

It’s finally feeling like winter is near, and these songs will let you lean into your chilly-weather sensibilities.

Sure, it hit 80 degrees on Halloween. But as we creep into the second half of November, it’s hard to deny that students are breaking out their winter coats and bracing for colder...

A golden teapot pouring a clear liquid over a dish of orange soup.

Photo: New eats near NYU: Ishq puts a modern twist on Indian cuisine

Logan Holland, Deputy Sports Editor November 18, 2024

(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)

(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)

Photo: 5 identity-based bookstores to explore

Julia Kim, Contributing Writer November 18, 2024

(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)

An album cover of a gray man breathing fire with the words “bruce cockburn stealing fire” in a green font. An illustrated vinyl record is coming out of the album cover.

Review: Virtual Riot’s ‘Stealing Fire’ is a sometimes-chaotic, always-energetic standout for bass music

The German DJ’s sophomore album is a rip-roaring record bound to tear up the dance floor.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer November 1, 2024

If there’s one thing that DJ and producer Skrillex’s return last year showed, it’s that dubstep didn’t die. After the meteoric boom and subsequent bust of its raucous,...

A robot sits in a dimly-lit forest, holding a small bird while a fox sits on the robot’s leg.

Review: ‘The Wild Robot’ finds the beauty in nature

Visually dazzling and just as heartfelt, DreamWorks Animation's latest effort is nothing short of a triumph.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer October 16, 2024

Animation is in a precarious spot as of late. Films and other animated projects are facing cancellations, hostile working conditions and constant uncertainty surrounding outsourcing...

A monochromatic photograph depicting a group of German protesters.

Review: Bernd Sahling’s ‘It’ll Be OK’ exhibition portrays East Germany’s punk scene against the backdrop of its late-1980s political upheaval

The photo exhibition at the Deutsches Haus provides a look into the yearslong production of Sahling's film.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer October 10, 2024

Peering into the gate in front of the cobblestone of Washington Mews, NYU’s Language & Cultural Houses are a step back in time, promoting historical and artistic exchange...

Between buildings is a small park with a colorful sign in front of a path with the words “EMERSON COLLECTIVE PRESENTS CLIMATE SCIENCE FAIR WITH THE HIGH LINE.”

The Climate Science Fair returns to the High Line with climate action initiatives and activities aplenty

The three-day event presented a variety of organizations and their climate solutions as part of New York City’s annual Climate Week.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer September 26, 2024

Between Sept. 21 and 23, Emerson Collective hosted its second Climate Science Fair on the High Line. Meant to “immerse the public in climate innovations, exhibitions, and hands-on...

Pastries on display in a glass case with small signs that read “TIRAMISU CUP” and “NAPOLEON”.

Photo: The sweetest of San Gennaro

Mia Shou, Contributing Writer September 20, 2024

(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)

An illustration of a record cover with two men in black outfits and one is riding a horse. A record is coming out of the cover.

MGMT’s ‘Loss Of Life’ is a reflective and emotional sonic journey

Its first studio album in six years, MGMT’s “Loss Of Life” breaks free from its synth-pop past.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer March 6, 2024

If there’s one thing to be said about MGMT, it is that the band has come a long way sonically since its earlier hit songs, like “Kids” or “Electric Feel.” The band’s...

A purple wall, divided in the middle with a diagonal white line. On the left of the wall it says, “MANET,” and on the right it says, “DEGAS.” There is a gold-framed painting under each name. There is a person looking at the paintings.

Review: ‘Manet/Degas’ compares and contextualizes the painters’ journeys

The exhibition offers an expansive view of its two artists’ works, their tumultuous relationship and their mark on 19th-century art.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer December 14, 2023

There is no shortage of feuds between prominent figures of the art world — Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin or Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. A new exhibit at the Metropolitan...

A corner of a room with white walls. There are three black and white paintings on fabric hung up. On the floor are small volcanic rocks.

Review: ‘Muriel Hasbun: Tracing Terruño’ examines the fragility of memory and identity amid displacement

The photography exhibition is on view at the International Center of Photography until Jan. 8.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer December 5, 2023

In her multimedia installation "Muriel Hasbun: Tracing Terruño," or "Tracing Native Land," the titular artist muses on the ideas of displacement and movement. Housed at the International...

Two shirtless men, one in white shorts and the other in gray shorts, running on a track next to a green field.

Review: With ‘Census Designated,’ Jane Remover continues her stylistic evolution into shoegaze and grunge

Despite being a departure from her previous work, Remover’s sophomore album will impress longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer October 31, 2023

Jane Remover, formerly known as “dltzk,” has been arguably one of the most influential artists in SoundCloud’s still-burgeoning hyperpop and digicore scene since the late...