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2017 in culture: The best, the worst, and the surprising

Jan Tomes
December 27, 2017

Auction records, blockbusters cinema, sexual scandals and terrorist attacks defined this year in culture. From #MeToo to the 'Last Jedi,' DW looks at the most important moments of 2017.

USA Protest #MeToo
Image: Reuters/L. Nicholson

No one can accuse 2017 of being an uneventful year. In the light of global political scandals and humanitarian crises with no end in sight, culture and arts often provided us with much-needed spiritual relief.

Read more: 'Welcome to Jerusalem' exhibition explores a divided Holy City

Extensive shows dedicated to old and contemporary masters such as British pop artist David Hockney, American fashion photographer Irving Penn or Italian sculptor and painter Michelangelo attracted millions, and auction houses around the world seem to have set new bidding records every month.

But 2017 is also the year when culture decided not to be reactionary anymore and instead help shape the world of tomorrow. Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey or Terry Richarson have inspired hundreds of artists to bring to light the dark side of the entertainment industry with their personal stories of sexual, physical and psychological abuse, which have had a significant impact on the western society.

Read more: Artists envision American myth and reality

Scroll through the gallery above to find out how the cultural scene and audiences reacted to terror attacks or the latest installment in the Star Wars saga.

Documentary: After the Escape - Finding Home in a Foreign Land

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