Colombia's bullfighting custom under fire for animal abuse

13 Sept 09:52 Key points summarised by AI

Corralejas, a unique Colombian bullfighting tradition, involves spectators entering the ring with bulls and is distinct from Spanish bullfighting as animals are not killed, though it poses significant risks to human participants.
The custom faces intense scrutiny and calls for bans or stricter regulations from politicians and animal rights advocates, including Senator Andrea Padilla and President Gustavo Petro, who condemn it as "violent and cruel" due to perceived animal abuse and frequent human injuries.
Despite legislative efforts to curb the practice, local communities strongly defend Corralejas as an essential cultural tradition passed down through generations and a crucial economic driver, resisting attempts to ban their most anticipated annual event.
While a bill to ban cruel animal shows initially targeted Corralejas, its deep cultural roots led to a focus on tighter regulations regarding sharp objects, alcohol, and child access, navigating a complex legal and cultural landscape.

Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok

Today 15:13 Key points summarised by AI

"Bright at Midnight" marks the first institutional exhibition in Asia of Dutch conceptual artist Bas Jan Ader, showcasing his enigmatic work at Bangkok Kunsthalle until January 10, 2027.
The exhibition delves into Ader's legacy, exploring themes of vulnerability and the ephemeral, made more poignant by his 1975 disappearance at sea during an art project.
It encourages viewers to engage with art beyond its material form, featuring key pieces like "Thoughts unsaid, Then forgotten," "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks," and the haunting film "Launch of the Ocean Wave."
A highlight is the planned live transformation of "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks" in 2026, where ropes will be cut, creating a new layer of art from the destructive impact.
The exhibition challenges conventional art consumption, advocating for a deeper appreciation of conceptual and research-driven artistic practices over mere fascination with art as an asset class.