Mitski’s Spellbinding Intensity

The New Yorker

by Sheldon Pearce, Marina Harss, K. Leander Williams, Jillian Steinhauer, Emily Nussbaum, Richard Brody, Taran Dugal, Molly Fischer

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mitski, the indie singer-songwriter, has captivated audiences for over a decade with her intense yet nuanced music, offering emotional catharsis through tracks like "Nobody" and her latest album *Nothing’s About to Happen to Me*. Known for blending genres from dream-pop to dance music, Mitski creates a unique sound that resonates deeply, tackling themes of love and loss while evoking hope. Her new album, set for release in February, promises to further showcase her artistic evolution, with live performances at The Shed following its launch. In the performing arts scene, Trisha Brown Dance Company revisits *Set and Reset*, a 1983 piece choreographed by Brown and accompanied by Laurie Anderson’s score. This performance honors Brown’s innovative approach to movement and her collaborations with iconic artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Merce Cunningham, reflecting the vibrant downtown New York scene of the 60s and 70s. Pianist Amy Williams pays tribute to minimalist composer Morton Feldman in his centenary year with a rendition of *Triadic Memories*. Drawing from personal connections to Feldman’s work through her father, Jan Williams, who worked closely with him, she brings to life Feldman’s signature long tones and silences, offering a profound exploration of his musical legacy. Artist Lotty Rosenfeld challenges public spaces through her provocative works, such as affixing strips of fabric on Santiago streets during Pinochet’s regime. Her art disrupts societal norms, whether through collaborative projects or experimental films. The exhibition *Lotty Rosenfeld: Disobedient Spaces* highlights her role in reclaiming public areas and using creativity to resist oppression. These cultural events collectively celebrate artistic innovation and resilience, offering insights into how art shapes identity, challenges power structures, and fosters emotional connections. For those interested in culture, they provide a rich tapestry of stories that highlight the transformative power of creativity across mediums.

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Originally published on The New Yorker on 2/20/2026