Phoenix Staff Picks of 2024

Literature: Lidia Biggs Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi (1977) ★ Words can't even describe how phenomenal this is, just read it. Memphis Powers Annihilation by Jef VanderMeer (2014) ★ Biological horror and underground spires, this book is…

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Phoenix Staff Picks of 2023

LITERATURE Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (2021) People throw around the phrase "modern classic" without critically thinking about the message a piece of media carries and its longevity. When used in association with this book, no words could…

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Phoenix Staff Picks of 2022

LITERATURE On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (2019) Heartbreaking poetic prose that might just lead to daydreaming, creating, or even hope. - Diana If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson (1998) This YA novel had me crying in a coffee…

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McClung’s Repatriation Exhibit: A University’s Attempt to Give Back

Written by Abby-Noelle Potter Edited by Presley Cowan The societal push for justice in recent years has demanded that institutions be transparent in their negative involvement of marginalized peoples. The University of Tennessee's McClung Museum has recently opened the exhibition of…

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The Analog Sea and Intentional Curation

Written by Maxwell Frasher Edited by Presley Cowan In an era when increasing desire for convenience has made the audiobook and the e-book more practical than ever, it's easy to question whether the print book and the bookstore have any…

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The Museum of Infinite Outcomes

Words and Video by Diana Dalton Edited by Presley Cowan The Museum of Infinite Outcomes, an open-air museum in Knoxville's very own Parkridge neighborhood, is home to more than meets the eye. With meandering gardens, rotating exhibits and a free…

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Underwater Puppetry by Faith Belt

Ghost Lion: A spectral lion expresses his torment, grief, and aggression, haunting a strange, otherworldly savannah. Ghost Lion comes from a video series of early experiments, or "movements", with underwater puppetry. Water makes materials move with a new gravity and a slowness…

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Wake for Susan by Cormac McCarthy

Written by C.J. McCarthy Jr. Phoenix, Fall 1959 "Who makes the bridal bed, Birdie, say truly?"- "The grey headed Sexton That delves the grave duly." Sir Walter Scott IT WAS NINE O'CLOCK on a sparkling Saturday morning in October. The…

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Intersections of Protest, Art, and the University

Written by Diana Dalton Edited by Josh Strange Posters. Chants. Marches. T-shirts. Sit ins. Walk outs. Violence. Division. Throughout the history of the modern university, student protest has been a constant presence. In America, there lies a rich history of…

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The University’s Beauty: Intention Beyond Functionality 

Written by Abby-Noelle Potter Edited by Josh Strange The side door of Clement Hall flings open as I untangle my headphones and begin speed walking to class. As I head to my 10:00 am, I briefly look around. The identifiable…

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