‘ART IS A FORM OF FREEDOM’

Georgia Museum of Art engages incarcerated women

Music

Springtime tunes

The Asymptomatics release two indie singles

The Asymptomatics, a local indie rock band, has been putting out music for their fans — referred to as “a-holes” – since 2022. On Feb. 28, the group added two singles to their discography. The first track, “Weeds,” begins with the subtle sounds of chirping birds and trickling water to set the natural, dreamy tone for the rest of the song.

It has a sweet, relaxed melody that pairs perfectly with the warming Athens weather. At one point, the song is interrupted for an almost ragtime-resembling piano solo, giving “Weeds” an easygoing vintage feel.

The second song of the release, “Revert Back To Nothing,” has a slightly harder edge. Like “Weeds,” this track flows along smoothly. However, it offers grittier and more powerful lyrics like “Motivation/in rotation/downward spiral/why so vile?”

Though the lyrics pack more punch than its preceding track, “Revert Back To Nothing” manages to balance them out with another lulling background melody.

Accompanying the two songs is eye-catching cover art with colorful psychedelic images. A great eye in a patterned sky watches over a band of cartoon frogs dancing around a mushroom hourglass — a symbol of the lighthearted and versatile sounds of The Asymptomatics’ latest project.

The two songs are easy to enjoy and complement each other effortlessly, equally calming as they are energizing. The only critique to be given to The Asymptomatics’ work is that there are only two singles. The releases accompany their 2022 EP “Modern Ooze” and other singles released last year.

— Elliot Yood

Experience it yourself: “Weeds” and “Revert Back to Nothing” are streaming on all platforms, available for downloading and listening.

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Taste Test

Dawg dough

Alumni Cookie Dough's controversial Bullard's Buckeye Crunch

A cookie dough named after Javon Bullard has a lot to live up to, but does Alumni

Cookie Dough’s newest flavor ‘Bullard’s Buckeye Crunch’ fall short?

Bullard is a defensive back for Georgia and was the defensive MVP of the Bulldogs’ wins over Ohio State in the Peach Bowl and TCU in the national championship.

Alumni has faced backlash from Ohio State fans for the flavor, but outside of the controversy, how does it taste?

This flavor is inspired by Bullard’s hit on Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. late in the third quarter of the Peach Bowl. A flag was initially thrown for targeting on the play, but after review the call was overturned. Harrison Jr. sustained a concussion on the play.

After a long day of classes I headed to Alumni Cookie Dough on North Thomas Street to try it. The flavor consisted of a brownie batter dough with buckeye pieces and Oreos.

Overall the cookie dough was sweet but not too overpowering. I wish there were more Oreo and buckeye pieces throughout the dough, but it isn’t too much of a con.

I really enjoyed the brownie flavor dough, it truly tasted like brownies and not like chocolate. I would definitely recommend this flavor if you are looking for a peanut butter chocolate fix.

— Kelly Gago

Experience it yourself: Bullard’s Buckeye Crunch will be available at the Athens location until April 15, the day of the annual G-Day game. Alumni Cookie Dough is located at 480 N. Thomas St in Athens, and is open 3-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3-10 p.m. on Thursdays and 1-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Visual Arts

Femininity in art

Student artist imbues womanhood in work

At first glance of University of Georgia student artist Catie Cook’s work, you may only see glitter, hair curlers and stilettos. But upon closer look, it is evident that Cook shows talent and versatility in bold statements of hyper-femininity.

Cook is a senior studio art major with an emphasis in drawing and painting. Her portfolio includes a wide range of art styles, from still lifes and human bodies to landscapes and collages. A common theme throughout her work is femininity.

Sometimes this is blatantly portrayed in paintings of girls dripping in diamonds, passionately kissing handsome men or women clothed in translucent, fuzzy slip dresses. Other times, Cook effortlessly communicates feelings of femininity in unexpected places, such as in natural landscape pieces that use soft tones and gentle lines, or in collections where she paints groups of animals like dogs and swans.

For an artist to so consistently imbue style and personality into her work regardless of the medium is nothing short of masterful. Cook’s art also proves that feminine does not always mean soft or gentle. Pieces like “The World’s Most Famous Doll Having The Time of Her Life” use pink and purple tones with shiny accents to depict a packaged Barbie Doll on a table strewn with objects like a satin high heel, a cake that reads “Fuck” and a pack of birth control pills.

This work represents her hyper-feminine focus and forces viewers to accept how unapologetically, spectacularly girly the piece is in an almost over-the-top way.

— Elliot Yood

Experience it yourself: Cook’s art can be seen online at catie-cook-art.square.site and on Instagram at @catie_cook_ art. Cook will also exhibit works at the Lamar Dodd School of Art’s Exit Show, Where The Sidewalk Ends, from April 7-14.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Location

Fun and games

Local board game café offers food and entertainment

The Rook & Pawn in downtown Athens has a cozy feel to it, inspired by board game cafés popular in Europe. It’s a great spot to hang out with a group of friends and pick from over 800 board and card games while enjoying food and drink.

The interior has a rustic and vintage aesthetic. Adding to the comfy vibe is a selection of comfort food, including a variety of sandwiches, sides and snacks. Coffee options range from espresso to unique mixes and roasts, along with soda, wine and beer.

The thing that sets this café apart from your average coffee shop is not the food — it’s the board games. For a $7 fee, customers can choose from a large bookshelf of games, from classics like Monopoly and Connect Four to more niche options like Lord of the Rings Trivia. The café’s long hours, open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends, mean you can challenge your friends to games late into the night.

The Rook & Pawn is also a place to relax and study. With large cushioned chairs, the space is a relaxing setting to unwind and study for your next midterm or final, or simply read your favorite book. The shop also hosts weekly events, including a trivia night every Thursday at 6 p.m. For an entertaining game night, a cozy spot on a rainy day or a bite to eat with friends, The Rook & Pawn is a unique local option with something for everyone.

— Gianna Uvari

Experience it yourself: The Rook & Pawn is open from 11a.m. - 11p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, located at 294 W Washington St. Suite 300.

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