Eman Ali: Succession
PhotomonitorBook review
Photomonitor
Book review
2020
The Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said ruled Oman from June 1970 having ousted his father, Said bin Taimur. His father was a figure whose rule had kept what was then Muscat and Oman as an isolated and distinctly un-modernised fiefdom that saw high illiteracy rates and endemic malnutrition. It was a state divided by sectarian, linguistic and cultural differences. (...)
David Blandy: How to Fly / How to Live
thisistomorrowExhibition review
thisistomorrow
Exhibition review
2020
The current Covid-19 pandemic has thrown the art world into a fight for relevancy that, as galleries and museums have had to close their doors, reveals the limits of their techie expertise. Many face new challenges, but the technophilic, literate, and adept are of course out there. David Blandy is one such case, and two new video works by Blandy, commissioned by John Hansard Gallery, reflect on the current crisis. (...)
Elvia Wilk: Oval
C MagazineBook review
C Magazine
Book review
2020
Anja and her two friends Dam and Laura look out over Berlin from the top of the Berg, an artificial mountain and eco-community built on what was once Tempelhof Airport. Beneath them, they can see how Berlin has turned into one endless, debauch party, induced by the drug Oval, developed by Anja’s boy- friend, Louis, to induce generosity in anyone who takes it. For Anja, Laura and Dam, this moment provides the answer to a question that has been lingering on their minds: is Berlin over? (...)