Archive: August 5, 2026

The Deconstructed Self: Natalie Christensen Explores the Psychology of Place

University of South Dakota Presents Solo Exhibition by Internationally Recognized Santa Fe Photographer Natalie Christensen

Aug 5 – VERMILLION, SOUTH DAKOTA and SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: The University Art Galleries at the University of South Dakota are pleased to present The Deconstructed Self: Photographic Works by Natalie Christensen on view October 7–30, 2026, in the John A. Day Gallery at the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts, University of South Dakota. An Opening Reception will be held Friday, October 9, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Previous (Traveling) Exhibition: Deconstructed Self, Installation View, Intersect Arts Center, St. Louis, Missouri, 2022

In The Deconstructed Self, internationally recognized photographer Natalie Christensen transforms the overlooked spaces of everyday life into quietly compelling meditations on perception, memory, and identity. Rather than documenting dramatic landscapes or decisive moments, Christensen photographs the peripheral spaces of the American Southwest—parking lots, adobe walls, sidewalks, swimming pools, and the shifting interplay of light and shadow—revealing them as places where ordinary experience becomes psychologically resonant. Rooted in what might best be described as a psychology of place, her photographs explore the ways our inner lives are shaped by the environments we inhabit, inviting viewers to discover profound meaning within the most familiar surroundings.

open to new ideas

According to Amy Fill, Director of the University Art Galleries, Christensen’s work shows “the unexpected convergence of photography and identity,” asking viewers “what it means to find yourself in the places you least expected to look.” These spaces reveal themselves as psychologically charged landscapes that quietly reflect the complexities of personal transformation.

sign and chair

Christensen’s photographs are deeply informed by her previous career as a psychotherapist, where exploring the hidden, the unconscious, and the unspoken formed the foundation of her professional life. After relocating from Kentucky to New Mexico in 2014, she found herself captivated not by the grandeur of the Southwestern landscape, but by its quieter, overlooked spaces. Rather than documenting place alone, Christensen asks viewers to participate in the act of seeing itself, encouraging them to project their own experiences, emotions, and memories onto seemingly ordinary scenes. In doing so, she transforms commonplace environments into visual metaphors that reveal the subtle relationship between landscape and the human psyche.

you can’t get there from here

As Christensen explains,

“As a psychotherapist, I learned the art of asking the question—in many ways these photographs are an extension of that work.”

Deconstructed Self has enjoyed a successful national tour, premiering at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center in Fort Worth, Texas, before traveling to Intersect Arts Center in St. Louis, Missouri; Sahara West Museum and Performing Arts Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; and most recently the Gannett Art Gallery at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York. Following its presentation at the University of South Dakota, The Deconstructed Self will travel to the Center for Contemporary Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a solo exhibition in the spring of 2028.

can’t escape my own escape

During the exhibition, Christensen will also present an artist talk and featured lecture as part of the South Dakota Art Education Association (SDAEA) and South Dakota College Art Association (SDCAA) Art Educators Conference, held October 8–10, 2026, at the University of South Dakota. The annual conference brings together K–12 art educators, university faculty, museum professionals, practicing artists, and students from throughout the region for lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and the exchange of innovative ideas in arts education.

The University Art Galleries at the University of South Dakota have established themselves as one of the region’s leading academic venues for contemporary art, presenting nationally and internationally recognized artists while serving as a vital cultural and educational resource for the university and the broader community. For students of art, design, psychology, education, and the humanities alike, the exhibition demonstrates the remarkable capacity of contemporary photography to foster critical thinking, close observation, and meaningful dialogue across disciplines. It is precisely the kind of exhibition that enriches both academic study and public conversation.

Natalie Christensen in her Santa Fe, New Mexico, studio – Photographer Credit: Christine Alexander

Natalie Christensen is an internationally recognized photographer whose work has been exhibited extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Her recent honors include the Great Meadows Foundation Grant (2025), the All About Photo Merit Award (2024), selection as a UAE Embassy Culture Tour Delegate, the commissioned cover photograph for the Santa Fe New Mexican special edition celebrating the opening of the Vladem Contemporary (2023), and selection for the New Mexico Purchase Initiative through New Mexico Arts / Department of Cultural Affairs (2023). Her work has received widespread critical acclaim in publications including The Guardian (London), Creative Boom, and The British Journal of Photography. She has also been featured in several distinguished publications, including Minimalism in Photography (teNeues, Düsseldorf, Germany), for which she was the cover and featured artist, and the monograph 007 – Natalie Christensen (Setanta Books, London). Her photographs are held in numerous public collections.

University of South Dakota, Art Galleries

Exhibition Information

The Deconstructed Self: Photographic Works by Natalie Christensen October 7–30, 2026

Opening Reception Friday, October 9, 2026 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Artist Talk & SDAEA/SDCAA Art Educators Conference Presentation October 8–10, 2026

University of South Dakota John A. Day Gallery University Art Galleries Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts 414 E. Clark Street Vermillion, South Dakota 57069

Nimbus Realty Brings Mary Kom Back as Brand Ambassador

Noida, Aug 05: Nimbus Realty, one of the leading BSE & NSE listed developers based in Delhi NCR, has reappointed Olympic medallist and boxing legend Mary Kom as its Brand Ambassador, renewing a partnership that reflects the company’s brand philosophy of resilience, excellence and trust. The move comes as the real estate developer continues to strengthen its market presence and deepen consumer engagement across its residential and commercial portfolio.

The renewed association brings together two brands built on credibility and consistent performance. Mary Kom‘s journey, defined by perseverance and excellence at the highest level, aligns with Nimbus Realty‘s commitment to delivering quality developments and fostering long-term relationships with customers.

As one of India’s most celebrated athletes, Mary Kom has become a symbol of perseverance, courage and leadership, breaking barriers and redefining what women can achieve on the global stage. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a six-time World Champion and Olympic medallist reflects the values of determination, discipline and integrity that Nimbus Realty seeks to champion through its brand.

At a time when trust, purpose and credibility have become defining factors in consumer decision-making, Nimbus Realty believes this renewed partnership will further strengthen its national visibility while fostering a deeper emotional connection with customers and stakeholders. The association also celebrates women leaders who continue to inspire change through resilience, determination and excellence.

Commenting on the renewed partnership, Yamini Agarwal, Director, Nimbus Group, said, “Mary Kom is much more than a sporting icon. She is a symbol of resilience, integrity and the limitless potential of women to lead and inspire. At Nimbus Realty, we believe enduring success is built on trust, perseverance and the courage to challenge conventions. Her remarkable journey mirrors the values that define our organisation, making this partnership a natural extension of our brand philosophy. We are delighted to continue this association as we strengthen our presence across markets while celebrating excellence and the transformative power of women’s leadership.”

Expressing her thoughts on the renewed association, Mary Kom said, “I am delighted to continue my association with Nimbus Realty. Every achievement in my journey has been driven by discipline, resilience and an unwavering belief in pushing beyond limitations. I am proud to partner with a brand that shares these values and is committed to building trust through excellence. I hope our continued association inspires more women and young people to believe in themselves, embrace challenges with confidence and pursue their dreams with determination.”

The renewed partnership will be amplified through Nimbus Realty‘s integrated brand and marketing initiatives across multiple platforms, further reinforcing the company’s positioning as a trusted and progressive real estate developer. By bringing together one of India’s most respected sporting legends with a brand built on credibility and long-term value creation, Nimbus Realty continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while celebrating resilience, leadership and the pursuit of excellence.

Commune Circus Debuts at One8 Commune Aerocity with Star-Studded Attendance and a Modern Carnival Experience

New Delhi, Aug 05: True Palate Hospitality, a leading hospitality company behind acclaimed brands including One8 Commune, Neuma and Pincode, successfully hosted the debut edition of Commune Circus at One8 Commune, Aerocity. It brought together immersive performances, world-class music and an influential guest list for an unforgettable evening that set a new benchmark for nightlife in the capital.

Presented by Vartik Tihara, Co-founder, True Palate Hospitality, and curated by actor Karan Wahi, Commune Circus transformed the venue into a vibrant modern carnival. Designed as a contemporary take on nightlife, Commune Circus transformed the venue with modern carnival-inspired décor, dynamic visual production and interactive entertainment seamlessly woven into the evening. The experience was elevated by a high-voltage set from India’s leading electronic music duo, Progressive Brothers (Pro Bros).

The debut edition welcomed an eclectic mix of actors, cricketers, creators, entrepreneurs and Delhi’s social elite, including Mouni Roy, Shikhar Dhawan, Ishant Sharma, Vikas Kohli, Elnaaz Norouzi, Yuvika Chaudhary, Prince Narula, Shefali Bagga, Abhishek Kapoor and Umesh Yadav, and many more.

Speaking on the successful debut, Vartik Tihara, Co-founder, True Palate Hospitality, said, “Commune Circus is a reflection of how nightlife is evolving, with guests looking for experiences that are interactive, immersive and memorable. From the performances to the music and overall atmosphere, it was rewarding to see the concept come to life exactly as we had envisioned. The overwhelming response to our first edition has been incredibly encouraging, and we’re excited to build on this momentum and take Commune Circus to even greater heights.”

Adding to this, Karan Wahi, curator of Commune Circus, said, “For me, curating Commune Circus was about bringing together artists, performers and music in a way that felt fresh and engaging. Every act and performance was carefully curated to create an engaging and memorable evening. Seeing guests embrace the concept and become part of the experience made the debut truly special.”

Premium partners Camikara, Indri and Cashmir complemented the evening with curated beverage experiences, perfectly pairing with the night’s performances and celebrations.

Following its successful Delhi debut, Commune Circus will travel across True Palate Hospitality’s portfolio of destinations, with upcoming editions scheduled at One8 Commune, Juhu (Mumbai) on 8 August, One8 Commune, Goa on 15 August, One8 Commune, Golf Course Road (Gurgaon) on 26 September, One8 Commune, Jaipur on 3 October One8 Commune, Hyderabad on 10 October, One8 Commune, Worli (Mumbai) on 30 October, before concluding the tour at Neuma, Mumbai on 14 November.

Aura Bling Jewels Redefines The Mangalsutra With The Saubhagya Collection With Nehha Pendse

Aug 05: Aura Bling Jewels has unveiled the Saubhagya Collection, a contemporary mangalsutra line launched alongside its new brand campaign, Rooted, Not Restricted’ , starring film and television actress Nehha Pendse. Crafted for the modern Indian woman, the collection brings together 25 lightweight designs, in an 18K gold-plated finish with anti-tarnish protection built to move as effortlessly as she does. Blending understated elegance with everyday versatility, each piece transitions seamlessly from workwear to festive wear to westernwear, while staying true to the mangalsutra’s timeless symbolism.

The Saubhagya Collection gives the mangalsutra a fresh, contemporary identity one that reflects how today’s women live, dress and express themselves. Featuring interchangeable pendants paired with sophisticated Italian-designed chains, the collection offers a rare mix of versatility, elegance and innovation in a single design. The launch marks another milestone in Aura Bling Jewels’ journey as a design-led jewellery brand built on everyday elegance, further strengthening its growing portfolio of thoughtfully crafted, contemporary pieces.

Powering it all is the digital-first campaign, ‘Rooted, Not Restricted’ , which captures the evolving aspirations of modern women who seek jewellery that effortlessly blends heritage with versatility. Through a series of striking campaign films and digital assets featuring Nehha Pendse, Aura Bling Jewels reimagines the mangalsutra as a contemporary symbol of tradition, thoughtfully designed to complement everyday wardrobes.

Commenting on the launch, Neha Kotawar, CEO & Co-Founder, and Anant Jadhav, CMO & Co-Founder, Aura Bling Jewels, said, “We’ve always believed elegance should be part of everyday life, not reserved for special occasions. The Saubhagya Collection reflects this philosophy by giving the mangalsutra a contemporary expression through lightweight craftsmanship, versatile design and everyday wearability. With ‘Rooted, Not Restricted, we hope to encourage women to embrace tradition in a way that feels authentic to their lifestyles.”

Speaking about her association with Aura Bling Jewels, actress Nehha Pendse said, “The mangalsutra has always represented love and commitment, but I believe it can also reflect confidence and individuality. What I love about Aura Bling’s collection is that it allows women to celebrate tradition while expressing their own personal style. That’s exactly what ‘Rooted, Not Restricted’ stands for, and I’m delighted to be associated with this campaign. “

Designed and crafted in Nashik, the Saubhagya Collection reflects Aura Bling Jewels’ deep-rooted commitment to Indian craftsmanship, reimagined for contemporary lifestyles. Guided by its philosophy of ‘Elegance for Everyday’ , the brand continues to push the boundaries of modern jewellery blending premium craftsmanship, thoughtful design and everyday wearability into every piece.

Collection Highlights:

• Officially titled the Saubhagya Collection, 25 designs launching now, with 10 more to follow
• Designed for everyday wear with lightweight construction, 18K gold plating, anti-tarnish protection and hypoallergenic materials.
• Interchangeable pendants paired with Italian design chains, a first-of-itskind offering in the category
• Currently available on AuraBlingJewels.com, and at the Aura Bling Jewels’ showroom in Nashik, Maharashtra.

The Cathay Group announces its 2026 Interim Results

The Cathay Group, including airlines, subsidiaries and associates, reported an attributable profit of HK$6.2 billion in the first half of 2026, which compares with HK$3.7 billion in the first half of 2025.  

The attributable profit for the first half of 2026 included non-recurring gains of HK$1 billion, mainly from the non-cash deemed partial disposal gain of approximately HK$1.4 billion arising from the dilution of the Group’s equity interest in Air China Limited.

The Group’s first-half result has allowed it to announce a first interim dividend to ordinary shareholders of HK26 cents per share, totalling HK$1.6 billion. This represents a 30% increase per ordinary share when compared with the first interim dividend of 2025.

Cathay Group Chair Guy Bradley said: “The Cathay Group achieved a strong financial performance in the first half of 2026. Our result was positively impacted by ongoing underlying demand for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo, improved performance from HK Express, and stronger contributions from associates. As a Group, we carried more passengers and cargo, and operated more flights compared with the first half of 2025.

 “Having got off to a strong start in the first quarter, we faced a more challenging second quarter due to the situation in the Middle East and the resulting significant increase in jet fuel prices. This resulted in our jet fuel costs almost doubling from the first quarter to the second quarter. That we were able to achieve our first-half performance despite these circumstances is testament to the resilience we have built into our business in recent years.”

The Group’s airlines and subsidiaries reported an attributable profit of HK$4.9 billion for the first half of 2026, versus a profit of HK$3.8 billion in the first half of 2025. The net results from associates, the majority of which are recognised three months in arrears, reflected an attributable profit of HK$410 million, compared with a loss of HK$181 million in the first half of 2025. 

Investing for long-term growth and raising the bar for customers 

Cathay continues to make important investments to drive its long-term growth, elevate the experience for customers and enhance connectivity at its home hub, Hong Kong.

Bradley said: “We have already committed around HK$150 billion in investments into our fleet, cabin and lounge products, and digital innovation.  This investment reflects our commitment to growing our business for the long term, contributing to the development of the Hong Kong international aviation hub and thereby leading to even greater opportunities for Cathay and Hong Kong as a whole. 

“Looking ahead in the next 10 years, we target to have 150 new aircraft join our fleet, and a network serving 150 destinations, if the market conditions are favourable. These aircraft would provide more capacity to support our growth plans and help build connectivity at our home hub.” 

Cathay continues to elevate the customer experience both in the air and on the ground. In addition to retrofitting more of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with its award-winning Aria Suite, new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy cabins, Cathay Pacific will introduce its all-new Aria Studio Business class and a new Economy cabin onboard its regional Airbus A330 aircraft by the end of this year. 

The airline is also enhancing its existing cabin products, including giving customers more legroom in the Economy cabins on its Airbus A321neo aircraft by removing some of the seats.  

On the ground, having reopened its flagship Hong Kong lounge The Wing, First earlier this year, Cathay Pacific will open its first ever lounge in New York when it moves into the newly redeveloped Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is currently scheduled to open later this year. Customers can also look forward to a redesigned lounge experience at The Wing, Business in Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Tokyo Narita in 2027. 

Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo continues to strengthen its freighter fleet to support its growth plans. This has included increasing its Airbus A350F freighter order to eight aircraft, and signing a lease agreement for an A330P2F converted freighter for Air Hong Kong that will primarily operate freighter services for Cathay Cargo.