'Worn Out': Dutch museum finds unknown Van Gogh drawing of old man

14 Sept 13:58 Key points summarised by AI

A Dutch museum unveiled a previously unknown drawing by Vincent van Gogh, a study for his famous work "Worn Out," depicting an old man in despair.
This discovery is extremely rare for the famously troubled artist, with the drawing being privately owned and never before displayed or known to the public.
Authenticated by the Van Gogh Museum, the 50 x 30 cm work was created with Van Gogh's signature carpenter's pencil and distinctive style, closely resembling his more famous "Old Man" drawing but from a different perspective.
The piece reflects Van Gogh's recurring theme of sorrow and interest in ordinary people, a motif he revisited shortly before his own death.

The Buddha comes home

20 Oct 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is an annual three-day festival in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, where the Shan people celebrate the Buddha's mythical return from Tavatimsa heaven, marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
Families construct intricate "Chong Para" miniature palaces, decorated with colorful paper and ornaments, as an act of faith and a means of preserving traditional Shan craftsmanship across generations.
The festival transforms the quiet mountain town with vibrant folk music, traditional Shan bird dances, martial arts performances, and lively processions, immersing visitors in local culture.
It offers a unique glimpse into the living Shan traditions of Mae Hong Son, distinct from other northern Thai regions, fostering community bonds and cultural transmission.