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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

Siobhán Minerva

Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor

Siobhán Minerva is a freshman studying journalism and art history at the College of Arts & Science. She hopes to one day own a cat and live in a rent-controlled apartment. You can find her working through her endless to-be-read list or browsing flea markets for old postcards and cameras. Find her on instagram @siobhan.minerva and on Goodreads @SiobhánMinerva.

All content by Siobhán Minerva
An illustration of a light blue retro television, with colorful statics and “Staff Recs Nostalgia Edition” written in the middle.

Staff Recs: Childhood holiday nostalgia

The holidays never fail to make us miss our own childhood whimsy.

As the snow falls — but certainly does not stick — and holiday decor pops up along the streets of New York City, our lives feel a little bit more magical. As we all get older,...

An illustration of a hand holding a nutcracker on a blue background scattered with snowflakes.

Let out of the doll box: My retirement from ‘The Nutcracker’

After 10 years of shows, this is my first year not performing, and I have countless memories and emotions to reflect on.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor December 9, 2024

I found myself in the dark enclosure of a life-sized present box. The light bulb inside had gone out. Wheeled onstage, the party-scene music entered my ears. Tapping my toes in...

A collage of four illustrations of book covers.

4 books about food and family to dive into over Thanksgiving break

These books will remind you of the complexities of familial relationships and leave you feeling grateful for the people in your life and the meals you share together.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor November 22, 2024

For some people, family is a source of joy, support and comfort. For others, it’s more complicated. Food, especially during the holidays, has the potential to bring families...

An illustration of Donald Trump, depicted in red, and Kamala Harris, depicted in blue, side-by-side.

Staff Recs: Election season

We are all exhausted, but for the love of God, get out and vote tomorrow.

Nov. 5 is Election Day in the United States, and we at the Arts Desk implore you to vote. Politics and art have always been intrinsically intertwined and oftentimes ignite each...

An illustration of four book covers. “The Art Thief,” “A Certain Hunger,” “Knife,” and “The Nightingale” are depicted.

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.

“Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder” by Salman Rushdie “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder” is a short memoir recounting the immediate aftermath...

People look at artwork in a gallery. One wall contains a biography of the exhibiting artist titled “Make Way For Berthe Weill” and “Art Dealer Of The Parisian Avant-Garde.”

Review: NYU’s Grey Art Museum unearths a vital female art dealer

“Make Way for Berthe Weill” underscores Weill’s success in overcoming challenges as the first woman modern art dealer.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor October 30, 2024

Entering the Grey Art Museum, English and French chatter bounces off the walls as gallery-goers lust over harmonious impressionist paintings, absurd cubist pieces and striking...

An illustration of a book cover with a woman in a yellow jacket holding swans in a bag. The title, “Scaffolding,” is in the middle in white and the author, “LAUREN ELKIN,” is in blue in the lower right corner.

Review: ‘Scaffolding’ tears down endless emotional barriers

The novel, written by Lauren Elkin, indulges each character's deepest desires even in the face of infidelity.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor October 21, 2024

Walking down any New York City street, you’ll inevitably see scaffolding, no matter the time or place. Paris — the city of love and backdrop for Lauren Elkin’s “Scaffolding”...

A large skull with orange vines wrapped around it. There are orange and purple pumpkins, and "STAFF RECS" is written above the skull on the dark blue background.

Staff Recs: Some scary stuff

Halloween haters and lovers alike are welcome here.

BOO! It’s the Arts Desk. We’re back with some particularly spooky recommendations as October kicks off. Whether you’re an avid hater of the holiday and will spend the entirety...

A canvas with a scene of people in an outdoor market wearing popular 19th century dress

Review: ‘Mexican Prints at the Vanguard’ highlights Mexico’s colorful and complicated history

The exhibition presents over 130 artworks and is currently on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor September 25, 2024

Ascending the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a vibrant banner adorns its exterior and advertises its newest exhibition, “Mexican Prints at the Vanguard.” The entrance...

A woman stands playing a keyboard in a long white dress with a band playing guitars and drums on risers behind her.

Review: Clairo’s ‘Charm Tour’ is sure to cast a spell on everyone who attends

The artist created a playful and intimate atmosphere at her Webster Hall show, inviting listeners to sway along to her music.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor September 18, 2024

Clairo sauntered onstage carrying a tray with a bottle of red wine and five glasses. She poured wine for herself and her bandmates, wearing a goddess-like white silk...

A window pane with signage for an art exhibit reads "Where Do We Go From Here? The Four Freedoms Photographs."

Review: ‘Where Do We Go From Here? The Four Freedoms Photographs’ fosters creative discourse around American imagery

The 16-piece photography exhibition is currently on display at NYU’s Center for Black Visual Culture.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor September 11, 2024

Inside 20 Cooper Square, there are 16 photos displaying a medley of lively faces and scenes as part of the exhibition, “Where Do We Go From Here? The Four Freedoms Photographs.”...

A collage of four illustrated book covers on solid-colored backgrounds.

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.

“Peggy” by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamison Before reading "Peggy," I imagined the glamorous art collector Peggy Guggenheim in a luxurious caftan, sitting at her waterfront...

An aisle of bookshelves filled with multicolored books.

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

With rested minds and lingering tan lines, the summer ends and the school year begins once again. New classes mean new professors, a new workload and new expectations. If you get...

On a dark purple background, hand-drawn white letters spell “BACK TO SCHOOL STAFF RECS” with a C.D. and musical notes, an open book, and a black film clapperboard surrounding them.

Staff Recs: Falling into autumn

The best media to cozy up to during the fall semester.

The endless summer is coming to an end, and with autumn comes our favorite fall media. Maybe you are a sweater weather enthusiast restarting “Gilmore Girls” for the 10th time,...