Heritage Landscapes vol.48

At the beginning of his career, animation historian and archivist Tommy José Stathes earned himself legendary nicknames such as “Cartoon Cryptozoologist” and “King of Silent Animation.” But beyond the titles, what makes his work unique is a clear and authentic choice: to save what was in danger of disappearing forever.

His passion began in the 1990s, when he stumbled upon videotapes and cartoons from the early decades of the 20th century, often containing rare silent films. It was then that he realized that much of the origins of animation was no longer accessible or visible.
Building an archive then became an act of cultural responsibility: today, The Early Animation Archive has thousands of films, recovered and shared to restore continuity to a fragmented history.

An archive that is not just a memory: it is a living device that allows the characters, techniques, and ideas of the past to have new life in the present, preserving the past and thus ensuring a future for the legacy of animation.

820 issues published in 74 years, totaling over 70,000 pages: this is the scope of the Cahiers du cinéma archive, digitized by Google Arts & Culture in Munich to make one of the most influential film magazines in history accessible worldwide. Founded in 1951, Cahiers du cinéma has played a central role in the history of cinema and the French New Wave.
Gemini artificial intelligence was used to generate a summary for each edition, making the collection accessible online through a virtual exhibition that allows visitors to explore historical covers, accompanied by audio guides and content summaries.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the birth of the extraordinary fashion designer Gianni Versace, the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria is hosting the exhibition Gianni Versace. Terra Mater. Magna Graecia Roots Tribute, curated by Sabina Albano and Fabrizio Sudano, until April 19, 2026. The exhibition, a tribute to the man who transformed the culture of his native Calabria and Magna Graecia into a universally recognizable language, features over 400 pieces, including clothing, accessories, and archival materials, in dialogue with some of the museum's precious masterpieces. It is a combination of ancient and contemporary elements that celebrates authentic fashion rooted in history.

Credits: Tommy José, Google Arts & Culture, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria.