Under the Stars of Egypt: A Queer Historical Fantasy Novella

Cypriot debut author George Nicolaou brings ancient Egypt to life in Under the Stars of Egypt, a queer historical fantasy novella filled with prophecy, forbidden love, and spiritual rebirth.

THE STORY

Born under an eclipse, Ammon was marked by fear.
Raised beneath a prophecy, Ra was bound to divine law.
When their destinies collide under the Egyptian moon, their forbidden love challenges the gods, the throne, and time itself.

Under the Stars of Egypt is a story of love reborn, legacy rewritten, and identity reclaimed. Inspired by ancient myths and modern truths.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

George Nicolaou is a Cypriot writer with a passion for historical fantasy, Mediterranean mythology, and stories that explore queer identity and emotional depth. His work is rooted in love that transcends time and place. Under the Stars of Egypt is his first published novella.

George notes “This book is for anyone who has ever felt like their love didn’t belong, and dared to love anyway. It’s about rewriting your own story when the stars try to write it for you.”

Format: Paperback & Kindle

The world of Ali Franco: Exclusive Interview and Presentation

Eastern European ( originally from Ukraine) but based in Portugal, Ali Franco is a unique artist and painter.

"Lover of the erotic themes of the homosexual world, he represents a combination of concepts and taboos and gives us glimpses of bourgeois porn in candy covers, where Harmony novel atmospheres act as a setting for disturbing sexual acts among wrestlers of ancient Greece."

-Tell us a bit more about you and your art.

I was born within an artistic family, my parents have art education and my father always worked in museums and theaters, decorating rooms and the stage.

I loved so much to be in a backstage room, to see the actors preparing for showsand the busy atmosphere. I loved costumes around me and the makeup smell, it was like magic in the air.

Something else that stayed in my mind as a strong memory is the Apollo mask on the wall of my room. I was drawing him very often. Years later I was in love with the movies of Fellini Satyricon and Casanova. I guess all of these things had influence on me.

But I thought there is something I can't find and I want to see it...

I was looking for that something in books, magazines, internet and finally decided to create something by myself: homoerotic illustrations with the atmosphere I love: theater, Greek, French, Italian culture.

-How did you decide to follow and develop that section of art?

My first work pieces were not openly homoerotic actually. But people said “they look like gays, why do you do it? The guys you paint, look too feminine, it's so weird.” I guess I confused people around with my works.

I heard from them “it might be better to do normal things, because nobody needs paintings like yours”.

And I made a big break with my own artworks. I closed up and I was working just for requests, painting mostly portraits, landscapes, book and game illustrations.

But I believe it was a good experience in my life, that gave me new skill level and requirements. As a final point now they love what I create.

-Describe your art in three words.

Three main words are always with me when I'm painting - Passion, Beauty, Love.

-Where do you find inspiration? Books or paintings? Do you organise a set with live models as well?

I can say I'm more illustrator than a painter. I create a composition in my head and later I look for models. Sometimes my friends help me with this, sometimes I use photos… everything can be good in this case.

-How is fashion related to your work?

Talking about fashion, it's funny - as a teenager I wanted to be a fashion designer, to create interesting clothes, but at the same time I always thought - “it will be something out of fashion because it's too weird or complicated.”

I hope in future to use more clothes and hairstyle ideas in my artworks, maybe even to create some alternative or even a surreal world.

I like what is going on with fashion today - looks like we are very close to freedom, people can be creative and feel free to express themselves.

I'm really glad about it!

-Where can someone find your art and actually buy his favourite painting?

Two years ago I started to post my works on Instagram and didn't expected for a lot of followers, if to be honest. So I really appreciate all people who like my works! And I'm glad that people buy my paintings or art prints.

At the moment I have Etsy page for this (https://www.etsy.com/shop/AFstore) and also you can find some of my works in Filippo Ioco Studio and Gallery in Barcelona (http://www.iocostudiogallery.com).

-What are your next plans? Are planning any exhibition soon ?

I have so many plans - first to continue create new illustrations sure.

I hope to publish few books with sketches and color illustrations. Also to take a part in art exhibitions and to make a solo exhibition in two years.

Follow Ali Franco on INSTAGRAM

Rankin x Sergei x Husky Loops - Tempo

Making a global splash in Hozier's music video for Take Me to Church, no one can forget how mesmerizing Sergei Polunin is in motion.

Lucky for us, the Ukrainian dancer has published a new video project earlier this summer and it has become one of our favourites here at REY.

Polunin linked up with photographer Rankin for a video. Shot for Hunger TV, the project takes the form of a music video. Polunin is captivating as he performs to Tempo by the alt-rock group Husky Loops.

One of the most inspirational video clips we've seen lately

and definitely the video of the day   - Enjoy!!

RICK OWENS exhibition at Triennale di Milano

We visited the Rick Owens exhibition in Milan and we loved every detail of it.

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The Triennale di Milano hosts an involving pathway through two decades of endless creativity: a selection of more than 100 garments, objects, accessories, furniture and runway videos will be displayed and connected through a spectacular site-specific installation created by the designer for the occasion. 

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“The clothes I make are my autobiography. They are the calm elegance I want to get to and the damage I’ve done on the way. They are an expression of tenderness and raging ego. They are an adolescent idealization and its inevitable defeat.”  Rick Owens

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The exhibition 'SUBHUMAN - INHUMAN - SUPERHUMAN' will be at the Triennale di Milano until the 25th of March.