Facebook for Culture

In search of new media, people follow blogs, watch TV, listen to radio, read books, and follow Twitters. But one form of social media that often seems neglected to me is Facebook. I don't mean that in the form of socializing. Facebook is the king of social networking. I mean in using Facebook as a tool to share art.

Though most people use facebook to post witty retorts and shameless selfies, Facebook can actually be a great tool for learning about cool facts and art world happenings.

I want to share a few of my favorite Facebook pages.

Art and Architecture

Art & Architecture is a behemoth of a Facebook page. In fact, to say "page" in the singular form would be false. Though Art & Architecture is a general page, there are a multitude of regional varieties, featuring countries such as Spain, Ukraine, Canada, and Libya, just to name a few. In addition, there are a number of "Art &" pages, such as Art & Fashion, Art & Literature, Art & Freedom, and Art & Landscape Design, just to name a few.

The main A&A page features spectacular buildings, beautiful city scenes, inspirational artistic quotes, and clever urban design.

Don't forget your Salvador Latté

Biologia-Vida

Biologia-Vida is a page that features images of exotic plants and creatures. I'm guessing it's Brazilian because it's written in Portuguese but I don't know for sure. Thankfully, all descriptions are also translated into English, although with some of these images, descriptions aren't even necessary to describe the awe.

Who knew bats could dance?

Cultura Inquieta

Cultura Inquieta is a culture blog, as could be assumed by the name. Generally, it is a collection of interesting pictures, sculptures, and paintings. Some images are modern while others are throwbacks. Some feature active artists both in the visual and performing realm.

Humans of New York (HONY)

I'm sure all of you know about HONY, but if you don't, you HAVE to follow this facebook page IMMEDIATELY. What makes HONY such an amazing photo blog is the way that exceptional pictures are cleverly paired with small anecdotes. Somehow, Brandon Stanson knows exactly what questions to ask in order to get to the core of a person's being. When you look at these pictures, you become engulfed in these people's lives. It's incredible.

9GAG

I admit, 9GAG is more often stupid entertainment than it is art. Still, it's a great page for memes, humor, fun facts, and the occasional spout of political brilliance.

George Takei

Alright, I know this one sounds silly. In all seriousness though, George Takei has an excellent facebook page, especially for those interested in gay rights and nerd culture. This page gives me the occasional laugh.

If anyone else knows of any interesting facebook pages, share them here!