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Atif Aslam's recent UK concert generated controversy after organizers reportedly reneged on promises of VIP treatment and backstage access for influencers who promoted the event. Despite the successful turnout, content creators expressed anger over being used for marketing without receiving the agreed-upon incentives.

Atif Aslam's London Concert Controversy

UK-based content creators say they were used as free marketing tools for the sold-out O2 Arena show, then left with nothing in return

Zoya Mahroosh ZulfiqarJUN 15, 2026
Jean-Denis (2025) is an award-winning oil-on-linen portrait by American painter Marc Dalessio, which won the prestigious £35,000 First Prize at the National Portrait Gallery's 2026 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award.The BackstoryThe painting depicts Dalessio’s neighbor, Jean-Denis, in southwest France. After focusing exclusively on plein-air landscape painting for over a decade, Dalessio recently returned to portraiture. While testing the lighting in his newly renovated studio, his neighbor unexpectedly arrived on his doorstep and requested a portrait. The final piece was completed over six sittings. Because Jean-Denis found posing boring, Dalessio had to play podcasts to keep his subject entertained and awake.Technical ExecutionDimensions: 650mm x 500mm.Method: Dalessio utilized the academic sight-size method, standing at a distance to observe the canvas and the sitter side-by-side to guarantee perfect spatial proportions.Color Palette: In line with traditional atelier training, the painting relies on a limited historic four-color palette consisting of white, ochre, red, and black oils.Composition: Jean-Denis is captured unsmiling against a warm, mustard-yellow background. He wears an elegant black coat and scarf, with a tiny, intentional sliver of his white shirt showing underneath.Critical AcclaimThe judging panel at the National Portrait Gallery highly praised the work's economical and restrained use of paint, stating that the minimalist execution provides an immense emotional immediacy. The judges specifically highlighted the small peak of the white shirt, noting that it perfectly balances and activates the entire composition, giving the subject a regal yet understated presence.

Marc Dalessio Wins the Kramer Portrait Award 2026 at London's National Portrait Gallery

A classically trained American landscape painter now based in southwest France takes home the £35,000 first prize for an intimate oil-on-linen portrait of his neighbor, completed in just six sittings

Kamil DadJUN 25, 2026

Latest in London

RunwayJUL 22, 2026

UAL Graduation Goes Viral as Students Turn the Stage Into a Runway

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
A three-panel composite photograph showcasing three University of the Arts London (UAL) graduates strutting down a bright red carpet inside a graduation hall in bold, high-fashion outfits paired with traditional academic attire. Left Panel: A graduate with short brown hair and a wide smile poses dynamically on the red carpet while holding open the sides of their draped black graduation gown. Underneath, they wear an intricate bright red ensemble featuring a sleeveless translucent top paired with a heavily structured corset waistpiece adorned with raised crimson swirling patterns and sparkling beadwork, alongside flowing, wide-leg red trousers. Their black mortarboard cap is customized with hanging red fringe and tassels along its edges. Center Panel: A graduate with long black hair walks confidently along the carpet looking off into the distance. She wears a dark, romantic goth-inspired outfit featuring a sheer black lace bustier top detailed with delicate silver chains draped across her sternum, paired with a fitted black miniskirt and knee-high lace-up black gladiator sandals. Her black graduation robe hangs loosely off her shoulders, featuring maroon trimming around the cowl collar, and a black mortarboard cap rests atop her head. Right Panel: A graduate strikes a runway pose, looking slightly to the right with a bold expression. Their black graduation gown is modified with exaggerated, broad rectangular shoulder pads. Beneath the open gown, they wear an ornate, metallic silver and gold chest piece resembling an organic carved corset or thorax with leaf-like cutouts, matched with metallic silver arm guards and dark tailored trousers. They wear a dark mortarboard cap angled atop short styled hair.
PaintingJUN 25, 2026

Marc Dalessio Wins the Kramer Portrait Award 2026 at London's National Portrait Gallery

Kamil Dad
Jean-Denis (2025) is an award-winning oil-on-linen portrait by American painter Marc Dalessio, which won the prestigious £35,000 First Prize at the National Portrait Gallery's 2026 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award.The BackstoryThe painting depicts Dalessio’s neighbor, Jean-Denis, in southwest France. After focusing exclusively on plein-air landscape painting for over a decade, Dalessio recently returned to portraiture. While testing the lighting in his newly renovated studio, his neighbor unexpectedly arrived on his doorstep and requested a portrait. The final piece was completed over six sittings. Because Jean-Denis found posing boring, Dalessio had to play podcasts to keep his subject entertained and awake.Technical ExecutionDimensions: 650mm x 500mm.Method: Dalessio utilized the academic sight-size method, standing at a distance to observe the canvas and the sitter side-by-side to guarantee perfect spatial proportions.Color Palette: In line with traditional atelier training, the painting relies on a limited historic four-color palette consisting of white, ochre, red, and black oils.Composition: Jean-Denis is captured unsmiling against a warm, mustard-yellow background. He wears an elegant black coat and scarf, with a tiny, intentional sliver of his white shirt showing underneath.Critical AcclaimThe judging panel at the National Portrait Gallery highly praised the work's economical and restrained use of paint, stating that the minimalist execution provides an immense emotional immediacy. The judges specifically highlighted the small peak of the white shirt, noting that it perfectly balances and activates the entire composition, giving the subject a regal yet understated presence.
MusicJUN 15, 2026

Atif Aslam's London Concert Controversy

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
Atif Aslam's recent UK concert generated controversy after organizers reportedly reneged on promises of VIP treatment and backstage access for influencers who promoted the event. Despite the successful turnout, content creators expressed anger over being used for marketing without receiving the agreed-upon incentives.

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