BANKSY

 Banksy is the world's most iconic street artist. With his distinctive stenciled images, his often canny use of environmental elements and relentless social commentary on culture, society, politics, and the behavior of authority figures, he has remained relevant over a career spanning more than 20 years. His work aptly documents the zeitgeist of this era and part of his allure is caught up in the continued mystery surrounding his identity. This Facebook group shares not only the numerous works he created, but also explores Banksy-related events and news. There are discussions about the verification process and even here and there, works by related artists. It is a great space for discovering new Banksy works or revisiting old ones. 

Members: 1.7 million, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Political commentary

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Image credit: Wiki Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Banksy_-_Sweep_at_Hoxton.jpg)

The Wheel of Time

 The first Wheel of Time novel (The Eye of the World) by Robert Jordan was originally published in 1990 and the series ultimately expanded to 14 novels. The author died in 2007 and the last novels were completed by another author, Brandon Sanderson. Following the trope of a chosen one who must defeat a dark lord, the series sold over 90 million units and inspired a fantasy series that premiered on Amazon Prime in 2021. If you count yourself among its many fans, this Facebook group offers you plenty to sink your teeth into. Much of the discussion and analysis revolves around comparing the cinematic adaptation to the original source material. There are also examples of artwork and tattoos. Share the love and celebrate favorite moments come to life.

Members: 21.8k at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Spoilers

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A CELEBRATION OF FEMALE ARTISTS

 According to one of the founding members, this group was created to offer a platform to showcase rare and forgotten art by pioneering female creatives and the spectrum of styles and disciplines shown includes sculpture, ceramics, digital art, photography, textile art, and mixed media, as well as more traditional paintings. Featured artists include historic painters such as Artemisia Gentileschi, and well known names such as Dora Maas and Freda Kahlo. I particularly enjoyed the jaw-droppingly realistic portraits by contemporary British artist Isabelle Watling.

Members: 137.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: Nudes.

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Sounds and Shadows

Music is the thread that runs through so many social connections. It divides us into tribal identities and provides the soundtrack to our secret and deeply meaningful nightlife adventures. Whether it's Goth, shoegaze, hauntwave or whatever that provides the soundtrack to your soul, if a certain type of music makes your world go round,  check out Sounds and Shadows. What's great, is that this connects superfans with the musicians and DJs who create the experience. It also offers event promoters, venues, musicians and DJs the opportunity to network. Share your music, new videos, gigs and other upcoming events. Hit potential fans up with streaming links. Ask questions about music or gear. Discuss new releases with fellow fans. Network with interested parties.

Members: 6.2k, at the time of writing. 

Trigger Warnings: None

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Reliving Arabian Horse History

For many horse enthusiasts, Arabian horses are in a class of their own. They are highly prized for their incredible endurance and natural grace. Their breed characteristics have been passed on to many other horse breeds to whom they are related. All three foundation stallions of the thoroughbred -  Darley Arabian, Byerly Turk, and the Goldolphin Arabian - were Arabians. Other breeds with with Arab ancestry include the Trakehner, the Andalusian, the Lipizzaner, the Morgan horse and the Mustang. Additionally, the story of the Arabians themselves is steeped in legend. This Facebook group will be of particular interests to breeders, owners and other Arab horse enthusiasts interested in the history of Arab breeding in the west as it shares many historic photos of breed champions, interesting news clips and other media.

Members: 10k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Andrew Newell Wyeth

The Pennsylvania based American visual artist Andrew Newell Wyeth came from a family of talented artists. His father was the prolific artist and illustrator Newell Convers Wyeth and two of his sisters also painted. Andrew began to draw almost before he could write and saw his first one-man exhibition at the tender age of only 20. In a career that spanned many decades, his dedication to his craft won him much popular support, culminating in being awarded the National Medal of Arts by George W Bush in 2007. One painting, Day Dream, went on to sell for over $23 million at Christies. He died in 2009. This Facebook Group dedicated to the art of Andrew Newell Wyeth, showcases the honest simplicity and quiet charm of his work. 

Members 8.6k, at the time of writing. 

Trigger Warnings: None

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Weird, Strange and Interesting Things

After the initial wonder of re-connecting with friends and kin wore off, the enduring magic of Facebook became its ability to spit up random thoughts and facts that linger - too good not to share. And that's what makes this Facebook group - a gallery for exactly those kinds of treasures - so compelling. It curates an eclectic mix of life hacks  and reality checks; unusual architecture and jaw-dropping professions; unique communities and glitch in the matrix video clips; actor memes and hilarious animal videos; and fun facts of everything from Antarctica to bananas. Share or post your own additions. 

Members: 251.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.