Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor
All content by Alexa Donovan
Books beyond Bobst: An activist’s self-help book, a new Percy Jackson novel and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Anjali Mehta, Aashna Miharia and Mariana Arboleda
• November 18, 2024
Staff Rants: Post-election feelings
WSN staff shares their feelings in light of the 2024 presidential election results.
Yezen Saadah, Alexa Donovan, Kiran Komanduri, Krish Dev, Naisha Roy, Noah Zaldivar, Dani Biondi, Sidney Snider, Anna Baird-Hassell, Dharma Niles and Leila Olukoga
• November 8, 2024
Staff Recs: Election season
We are all exhausted, but for the love of God, get out and vote tomorrow.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Dani Biondi, Eleanor Jacobs and Siobhán Minerva
• November 4, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: An artsy true crime book, a novel about a woman eating her lovers and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Siobhán Minerva, Annie Emans and Maya Santiago
• November 4, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: An art criticism compilation, a romance set in Communist Poland and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Alisia Houghtaling, Anna Baird-Hassell and Ella Sabrina Malabanan
• October 21, 2024
Review: ‘Nobody Wants This’ comedically represents the Jewish American experience
The Netflix series about a hot rabbi and his shiksa girlfriend is funny, lovely and full of Jewish mothers.
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor
• October 15, 2024
Opinion: Oklahoma’s abortion ban cannot be ignored at NYU Tulsa
NYU has conveniently left the state’s oppressive reproductive restrictions out of conversations about the study away site.
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor
• October 9, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: A play about an artist, a novel spanning 300 years and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Katherine Welander, Naisha Roy and Diana C. Sánchez González
• October 7, 2024
Staff Recs: Some scary stuff
Halloween haters and lovers alike are welcome here.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Dani Biondi, Eleanor Jacobs and Siobhán Minerva
• October 2, 2024
How the writers I love — both fictional and real — influence what I wear
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor
• September 30, 2024
Review: ‘Blue Sisters’ by Coco Mellors perfectly underscores the meaning of sisterhood
The novel, written by an NYU alum, exceeded expectations following the author's debut bestseller, "Cleopatra and Frankenstein."
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor
• September 24, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: A novel longlisted for the National Book Award, a book by a trailblazing activist and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Mehr Kotval, Hannah Marr and Tina Nejand
• September 23, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: An art history novel, an athletic autobiography and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Siobhán Minerva, Eleanor Jacobs and Ana Sofia Erath
• September 9, 2024
5 books that will help your transition from the beach to the classroom
On the off chance you have time to read a book for pleasure this semester, here are some suggestions to get you excited for the upcoming academic year.
Alexa Donovan, Siobhán Minerva and Eleanor Jacobs
• September 6, 2024
Staff Recs: Falling into autumn
The best media to cozy up to during the fall semester.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Dani Biondi, Siobhán Minerva and Eleanor Jacobs
• September 4, 2024
Navigating the NYC arts scene as an NYU student
New York City can be an overwhelming and expensive place to spend your weekends — here are some of the best places to go on a budget.
Alexa Donovan and Julia Diorio
• August 7, 2024
Staff Recs: HOT HOT HOT!
As the semester comes to a close, welcome in the warm weather with some of our summery staff favorites.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• May 3, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: A summertime romance novel, an analysis of the art world and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Ariana Wahab, Aarna Dixit and Ethan Beck
• April 29, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: A modern classic, a short story collection and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Emily Genova, Krish Dev, Ella Sabrina Malabanan and Alexa Donovan
• April 15, 2024
Start your spring right with these 4 books
It’s time to get excited about the weather warming up.
Marisa Sandoval and Alexa Donovan
• April 11, 2024
Staff Recs: HEAR ME OUT!
This is a judgment-free zone.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• April 2, 2024
Review: The 2024 Whitney Biennial poignantly portrays life in the modern world
“Even Better Than the Real Thing,” displays works from over 70 contemporary artists who explore ideas related to “the real.”
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor
• April 2, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: A science-fiction novel, a multifaceted memoir and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Katherine Welander, Ana-Sofia Erath and Tori Morales
• April 1, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: Heartbreaking tales of family, an untraditional romance and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Anna Baird-Hassell, Eleanor Jacobs and Elena Portnoy
• March 11, 2024
Staff Recs: Who runs the world?
Our favorite feminist media to carry you into this Women’s History Month cultured and empowered.
Clara Scholl, Stephanie Wong, Mick Gaw, Alexa Donovan and Julia Diorio
• March 8, 2024
The Grey Art Museum inaugural exhibition is a nod to a French-American artistic past
“Americans in Paris” is on view at NYU’s newly relocated and rebranded fine arts museum.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor
• March 4, 2024
Review: ‘Marta Minujín: Arte! Arte! Arte!’ explores the meaning of life through mattresses
The Argentine artist’s first U.S. survey exhibition at the Jewish Museum is now on view and it’s worth the trip uptown.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor
• March 1, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: 2 Japanese novels, a book of journal entries and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Marisa Sandoval, Juliana Guarracino and Maggie Turner
• February 26, 2024
Review: The Met’s ‘Women Dressing Women’ is a feminist approach to analyzing fashion history
The Costume Institute’s fall 2023 exhibition honors the legacy of women working in fashion from 1900 through today.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor
• February 22, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: A summer-set novel, an unconventional love story and more
Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Diana C. Sánchez González, Molly Koch and Josie Leach
• February 12, 2024
Cultural commentary meets couture at first day of Global Fashion Collective
A fusion of worldwide attire and casual streetwear reigns supreme at Global Fashion Collective’s NYFW shows.
Juliana Guarracino and Alexa Donovan
• February 12, 2024
Staff Recs: Mwah!
WSN’s Arts Desk spotlight their favorite swoon-worthy books, tunes and films to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• February 1, 2024
5 NYC movies to get you excited about being back on campus
The best movies for living your main-character life.
Julia Diorio, Mick Gaw and Alexa Donovan
• January 31, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: A story about a father and daughter, a book narrated by an obsessive wife, and more
Books beyond Bobst is a monthly book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Julia Diorio, Emily Genova and Alisha Goel
• January 29, 2024
Books beyond Bobst: A vampire novel, a literary-themed rom-com and more
Books beyond Bobst is a monthly book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Joe Paladino, Maisie McDermid and Ariana Wahab
• December 11, 2023
Staff Recs: la fin.
Join WSN’s Arts Desk in celebrating some of this year’s artistic triumphs.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• December 4, 2023
Staff Rants: Holiday Overload
It's the end of the term, which means it's the holiday season! WSN staff shares their thoughts about it — the good and the bad, but mostly the bad.
Krish Dev, Alisha Goel, Alexa Donovan, Molly Koch, Qianshan Weng, Sabrina Lee, Bruna Horvath, Natalie Thomas, Katherine Welander and Naisha Roy
• December 1, 2023
Books beyond Bobst: A fictionalized memoir, a true crime-inspired novel and more
Books beyond Bobst is a monthly book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Emily Genova, Alexa Donovan, Lulu Chatterjee and Ariana Wahab
• November 20, 2023
Review: New House of Chloé exhibition guides us through groundbreaking fashion eras
"Mood of the moment: Gaby Aghion and the house of Chloé," currently on display at The Jewish Museum, chronicles the iconic brand’s different eras, from its 1952 creation to the present day.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor
• November 13, 2023
Staff Recs: Caw-caw!
WSN’s Arts Desk shares their fowl-themed favorites.
Julia Diorio, Mick Gaw, Stephanie Wong, Alexa Donovan and Clara Scholl
• November 2, 2023
Books beyond Bobst: A novel in verse, a Pulitzer-winning memoir and more
Books beyond Bobst is a monthly book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Krish Dev, Ariana Wahab, Ana-Sofia Erath and Alexa Donovan
• October 30, 2023
Staff Recs: BOO!
With the Halloween season officially starting, WSN’s Arts Desk highlights books, songs and more to get you in the holiday spirit.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• October 2, 2023
Painter and sculptor Joe Fig on the importance of seeing
The artist’s exhibition, "Contemplating Compositions," is open until October 21 at the Cristin Tierney Gallery on the Bowery.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor
• September 18, 2023
Staff Recs: How to romanticize the start of a new term
WSN’s arts editors spotlight a range of media to help you fight those back to school blues and start your semester right.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• September 5, 2023
What I learned during my first year at NYU
While I haven’t mastered everything during my first nine months at university, these nine tips will help any incoming student ease their first few semesters.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• April 28, 2023
Review: ‘Death and the Maid’ breathes color into mundane inevitabilities
Cecily Brown’s solo exhibition can be viewed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art until Dec. 3.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• April 26, 2023
FIT’s new exhibit explores the intersection of fashion and interior design
Showcasing designer's work alongside their living spaces, ‘Designing Women: Fashion Creators and their Interiors’ is on view until May 14.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• April 13, 2023
‘Mostly New’ brings the best of NYU’s art collection into the spotlight
The latest exhibition at NYU’s Grey Art Gallery, which will run through May 20, shows a new breadth of work in the university’s collection.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• April 11, 2023
Review: Annie Ernaux’s ‘Happening’ illustrates the necessity of reproductive care
The winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature retells her personal difficulties accessing healthcare in 1960s France.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• March 29, 2023
Celebrate women’s history year-round at these local spots
Women's History Month is coming to a close, but you can commemorate feminism all year at these city spots.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• March 29, 2023
How channeling my inner ‘Sex and the City’ changed my life
When I found myself with three single best friends at NYU, I turned to one of my favorite shows for inspiration.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• February 24, 2023
Review: ‘Alex Katz: Gathering’ balances natural and urban New York City
The downtown New York artist’s solo exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum is on display until Feb. 20.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• February 16, 2023
The ultimate gift guide for the NYU student in your life
If you’re wondering what your Violet wants for the holidays, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• November 23, 2022
Review: Edward Hopper’s art showcases his hatred for NYU
“Edward Hopper's New York,” a love letter to New York City, is on view at The Whitney until March 5, 2023.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer
• November 22, 2022
How moving to New York helped me rethink my relationship with anxiety
I had expected my anxiety to get worse after moving to Manhattan. Instead, my relationship with it got exponentially better.
Alexa Donovan, Contributing Writer
• October 28, 2022
Christina Forrer’s exhibition nourishes your inner child
Los Angeles-based artist Christina Forrer’s weavings and drawings, on view at Luhring Augustine through Oct. 29, express relatable anxieties and fears through a childlike lens of the world.
Alexa Donovan, Contributing Writer
• October 24, 2022
Born To Be at NYU
As this NYU student returned back to her family’s first stomping grounds, she finds her true self.
Alexa Donovan, Contributing Writer
• October 20, 2022
Kaitlyn Sze Tu, Contributing Writer • November 21, 2024
Logan Holland, Deputy Sports Editor • November 21, 2024
Ethan Li, Contributing Writer • November 21, 2024
Gabriel Murray, Contributing Writer • November 21, 2024