stylized bison’s head

For Native Americans, the bison embodied much more than a mere source of sustenance; it represented the quintessence of strength and power. Rock paintings depicting bison were regularly employed in rituals aimed at invoking its energy and vigor.

Similarly, in the art of nomadic peoples of Central Asia, the bison was revered for its boldness and power. Its epic confrontations with predators such as wolves or tigers were seen as a metaphor for the struggle against malevolent forces.

In European art, the bison often appeared as a fierce and untamed creature. The bison paintings adorning the famous Lascaux Cave in France depict powerful and imposing animals that were also potentially dangerous.

Lastly, contemporary art has not escaped the symbolism of the bison, which is sometimes used as a symbol of wild nature and environmental preservation.

Mike Oldfield: ” Foreign Affair “

Born on May 15, 1953, in Reading, England, Mike Oldfield is a British musician and composer whose influence extends far beyond the realms of progressive music. Known for his innovative approach to composition and his multi-instrumental talent, Oldfield has made a lasting impact on the history of music with a body of work that defies convention, exploring complex and emotionally rich soundscapes.

At just 19 years old, Oldfield revolutionized the music world with his debut album, Tubular Bells (1973). This instrumental masterpiece, composed as a single musical piece divided into two parts, not only established Oldfield as a pioneer of progressive music but also showcased his genius for sonic experimentation. The use of Tubular Bells in the horror film The Exorcist propelled the album to the top of the charts, making it iconic and setting a new standard for avant-garde music.

Oldfield is an artist whose career has always been marked by innovation and a relentless pursuit of musical exploration. Capable of playing more than twenty different instruments, he often worked alone in the studio, creating compositions that blend rock, classical music, electronic, folk, and world music. This versatility is reflected in his subsequent albums, such as Hergest Ridge (1974), Ommadawn (1975), and Incantations (1978), each of which is an immersive sonic exploration.

His constant desire for experimentation led him to integrate new technologies into his music, notably with the album Crises (1983), which includes the hit single “Moonlight Shadow,” a song characterized by its catchy melody and impeccable production. In the 1990s, Oldfield continued to innovate with The Songs of Distant Earth (1994), a concept album inspired by Arthur C. Clarke’s science fiction novel, where he fused elements of electronic music with ambient textures, creating a work that is both introspective and expansive.

Throughout his career, Mike Oldfield has maintained a fierce artistic independence, breaking away from conventional musical formats to follow his own vision. His work is often introspective, exploring personal, spiritual, and universal themes, while remaining accessible through his keen sense of melody and composition.

Mike Oldfield is not just a musician but a sound architect, whose work continues to inspire generations of artists and listeners. He has left an indelible mark on modern music, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and creating works that are as much musical explorations as they are emotional journeys. His influence endures, making him one of the most respected and innovative figures in contemporary music.