Rachel Segal Hamilton – The Cultural Exposé

Something you should see… George Condo: Mental States

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:03:32 +0000

George Condo excels at doing the one thing that your art teacher always warned you not to: he paints from his imagination. And it’s the grotesquely comic, brightly coloured portraits for which he is best known which cover much of the wall space at this major retrospective of the American artist’s work, which opened in October.

Whoever is being depicted, the same gurning face stares out at you, covered in oddly shaped swellings, with big flappy ears and teeth where they shouldn’t be. The woman in pearls in Alone and Together (2000) has it, as does the man who seems to be growing out of her head, the Screaming Priest (2004) and the trouserless Stockbroker (2002). Even Jesus (2002) has it. Like Picasso before him, Condo is less interested in his subjects’ differing outer appearance than their shared inner turmoil.

Get up close and you’ll see that, for all its cartoonish quality, this is the work of a masterful painter, easily as skilled as the canonical artists whose work is alluded to in Homeless Harlequins (2004), Seated Nude (2005) and others. If Mental States is anything to go by, it’s clear that Condo’s imagination is a strange and wonderful place to be. Go see for yourself. (Words: Rachel Segal Hamilton)

George Condo: Mental States runs until 8 January 2012 at the Hayward Gallery.

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Somewhere you should go… onedotzero_adventures in motion festival 2011

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:50:24 +0000

With a programme that includes everything from ‘web-based storytelling’ to ‘projection mapping in the fourth dimension’, onedotzero_adventures in motion sounds like a festival from the future. But you may be surprised to learn that this annual showcase of cutting edge moving image and digital culture from across the globe is celebrating its 15th birthday.

As in years past, the emphasis at onedotzero is firmly on creativity and innovation. There’ll be an exciting and eclectic mix of interactive film screenings, experimental installations, live audio visual performance, talks and workshops, plus a symposium presented by graduates of Cascade, onedotzero’s multi-disciplinary education platform. Early career efforts by some of the freshest filmmakers around today – such as Where the Wild Things Are director Spike Jonze and groundbreaking video artist Chris Cunningham – have previously featured in the festival so keep your eyes peeled for new talent!

The best work at onedotzero succeeds in blurring the boundaries between art and design, gaming and entertainment. We can’t wait to check out Plasticity, a giant artificial human brain and ‘participatory sonic experience’, created from a vast web of LED lights, speakers and microphones, distributed around the entrance to the BFI’s atrium. Younger visitors will have a blast designing their own MouthOff™ app cartoons at the Sprites Family Workshop. And don’t miss Future Cities, a selection of short live action and animation films depicting beautiful, strange and sometimes scary visions of the fate which could befall our hyper urbanised world. (Words: Rachel Segal Hamilton)

onedotzero runs from 23-27 November 2011 at BFI Southbank. Click here for more info.

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Something you should see… Postmodernism: Style and Subversion 1970 – 1990 at the V&A

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:00:15 +0000

“Weird for the sake of weird.” While it may have been written for comic effect, this flippant definition of Postmodernism, given by Moe Syzlak aka the bartender in The Simpsons, pretty much sums up the general public’s take on an often misunderstood contemporary cultural movement.

Fortunately the V&A is here to set things straight. The museum’s ambitious autumn exhibition – Postmodernism: Style and Subversion 1970-1990 – promises to chart how Postmodernism, from its origins in architecture, came to dominate popular culture and design during the 1970s and 80s. Far from being gratuitous, the show insists PoMo was a deliberate rejection of the simplicity of Modernism in favour of a radical rethinking of design through humour, clashing styles, mixed references and vibrant images.

As well as high profile fine art pieces, such as Dollar Sign (1981) by Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei’s Han Dynasty Urn with Coca Cola Logo (1994), this comprehensive show includes everything from a hologram portrait of Boy George to a novelty Mickey Mouse tea set. Video installations of Koyaanisqatsi, Godfrey Reggio’s mesmerising 1982 time-lapse film of a city at night and O Superman (1981) by performance artist Laurie Anderson should also be savoured.

Look out for graphic designer Peter Saville’s beautiful, pared down album covers, Hip-hop mix pioneer Grandmaster Flash’s trusty Technics and an extraordinary Constructivist Maternity Dress (1979), designed for Postmodernist icon Grace Jones by her then lover, Jean-Paul Goude (pictured). The latter is a necessary education for anyone who believes Lady Gaga’s outlandish style is every bit her own. (Words: Rachel Segal Hamilton)

Entry is £11 and runs until January 15, 2012.

[stextbox id=”custom”]V&A, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

Tube: South Kensington

Further info: www.vam.ac.uk

[/stextbox]

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Something you should see…Imagined Cities at the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:03 +0000

Imagined Cities, a new exhibition at the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, is fresh evidence that some of the most exciting creative work right now is happening on the border between fine art and design. Curated by Dainow&Dainow, the show brings together limited-edition art prints by talented architecture graduates and professionals as part of the London Design Festival 2011.

Take Ostap Rudokevych‘s magical ‘Cloud City’. Described as “a concept for provisional post-disaster housing”, it shows vast, white balloon houses floating serenely in the sky, tethered to the decaying remains of houses below. In a similar vein, ‘Aqualta_TimesSq-Night_NYC‘ is Times Square, but not as you know it….

…To read the rest, click here to visit Rachel Segal Hamilton’s blog, Detour.

Follow Rachel on Twitter: @rachsh

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Somewhere you should go…London Design Festival 2011

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:00:29 +0000

The capital’s creatives have had it scrawled in their diaries (in red Sharpie marker, naturally) for months. It’s a biggie, the London Design Festival – and now in its 9th year, it promises to be vaster and more exciting than ever. But, with a dizzying 250 events and exhibitions to choose from over nine days, it’s hard to know where to begin. We recommend kicking off at the festival’s core venue, the V&A, where you can grab a copy of the LDF guide before hitting the streets to explore what else is on offer. Then head down to ‘Cut it Out’ at Outline Editions, to check out new work by illustrator Noma Bar and bag your own limited edition artwork made with a giant, dog-shaped hole punch (no lies). Also, don’t miss ‘My London’ at Established & Sons, a series of collaborative installations by designers, artists and architects, paying homage to the big smoke, or ‘Mermaids‘ by Marcel Wanders, a watery re-imagining of Dutch design company Moooi’s London showroom. Finally, indulge your wildest foodie fantasies at a ‘secret sensory supper’ in the dramatic masonic temple room at Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel. And if that’s not enough, you can always get up the next day and start all over again. (Words: Rachel Segal Hamilton)

[stextbox id=”custom”]London Design Festival runs from 17 – 25 September 2011 at the V&A and other locations around London. For more info, visit londondesignfestival.com[/stextbox]

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Somewhere you should go…Open House London

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:00:16 +0000

Ever secretly fancied taking a peek inside a stranger’s home? Well now is your chance. Open House London, the free annual architecture festival that lets you explore inside some of the capital’s most unusual and extravagant properties, is back.

Some of 2011’s quirkier examples are an ‘upside down house’ in Portobello and an eco-friendly hanging bathroom in Balham. But we’re not just talking luxury pads here. More than 700 buildings, of all varieties, will be open to visitors over the weekend of September 17-18, including the BT Tower, the Royal Albert Hall and Beefeater House, London’s last remaining premium-brand gin distillery. Plus at many of the sites, architects and engineers will be on hand to give you the expert lowdown on the design process.

And with a lively programme of talks, walks, boat and bike tours around this year’s theme of ‘the liveable city’, there’ll be plenty to satisfy curious minds – whether you’re a design devotee or just downright nosy. (Words: Rachel Segal Hamilton)

Open House London takes place on September 17 and 18 at various venues around London. Some viewings must be booked in advance. For more info, visit openhouselondon.org

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Something you should see…Slice: London – Lahore @ Rich Mix

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 09:00:23 +0000

The starting point is simple. The result anything but. An imaginary line is drawn between Lahore Central Station in Pakistan and Liverpool Street Station in London. Ten arts practitioners from each country have been commissioned to make new work responding to the urban landscape they encounter along the first mile of each end of the line. Slice, an interactive video installation at Rich Mix, shows the culmination of the project so far.

By moving an arrow along a map of each city, you select which artist’s video to watch according to its location on the line. All engage with a particular urban site but, unsurprisingly since the participating artists include performers, animators, a ballet dancer, a storyteller and a grime mc, the works vary massively, giving the exhibition an exciting, sprawling, collage-like feel…

…To read the rest, click here to visit Rachel Segal Hamilton’s blog, Detour.

Follow Rachel on Twitter: @rachsh

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Metropolitans: Sunanda Biswas, B-Girl

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:00:14 +0000

I am…a professional dancer, teacher, performer, b-girl, battler, Hip-Hop historian. I’ve lived in London all my life. I love it. London’s a multicultural melting pot. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

The area in London I call home is… Lewisham , south-east London. I still see people from back in the day that I went to college with – it’s nice.

I’ve got to have a meal at…Momo on Heddon Street, off Regent’s Street. They do North African food and it’s one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. Get your money ready though, because it’s expensive!

I tend to get my threads from…Footlocker. I wear a lot of sports and Hip-Hop clothes so I also love JD Sports, NikeTown and the adidas Originals store. If I had the money I’d just buy that shop out.

To enjoy London’s nightlife you should…search around. Don’t just go to the big commercial clubs. I go to a Hip-Hop night called Throwdown at Plan B in Brixton. The best place to see Hip-Hop dance is at the Trocadero – it’s where all the breakers and dancers go to practice. That’s our nightclub!

If I was mayor I would…try to make things a little bit more equal. Some people don’t have enough money to pay their rent for the month while other people spend £700 on a pair of shoes. How does that make sense?

My favourite spot to check out art is…down the SouthBank to see the graffiti.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to…cuss the bus conductors if they’re rude. I’ve seen bus conductors be really impatient with tourists. They’re coming to our town and we should look after them.

The things I miss when I leave London are…my bed, my house, my mum and dad and my best friends. I also miss the vibe of London – it’s loud and you can be whoever you want to be. You can even dance on the street if you want.

My soundtrack to London would include… Pretty Vacant and God Save the Queen by the Sex Pistols, Sticky feat. Ms Dynamite, Booo! and The Streets’s Weak Become Heroes – that one brings back memories.

B.Supreme will be appearing at the Intelligent Movement (A Celebration of Hip-Hop Culture) festival on July 14-17th at the Southbank Centre. Click here for more info.

(Interview: Rachel Segal Hamilton)

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Metropolitans: Teresa Chan, research analyst

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 08:32:13 +0000

I have…lived in London pretty much all my life. People grumble about it but I think it’s the best city in the world. There’s always so much to do – you can’t ever get bored.

The area in London I call home is…west London. West is where my heart is but I’m thinking of moving over to east because that’s where I go out most of the time.

I’ve got to have a meal at…Goodman in Mayfair. It’s a steak restaurant. They do the best venison you’ll find in London.

I tend to get my threads from…websites, like ASOS or urbanoutfitters.co.uk, because I’m still at work when all the shops have closed. If shops in London opened until midnight, that would be great!

To enjoy London’s nightlife you should…go east. I’ve only ever been to 93 Feet East once but I love the fact they let you dance on tables.

If I was mayor I would…allow more street parties.

My favourite spot to check out art is…on the streets of London: down random alleyways, disused underground stations and near Waterloo. I know some people find street art and graffiti offensive but I find it brightens up the city.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to…stop stopping in the middle of the street. And when you get off the Tube, please move away from the doors.

The things I miss when I leave London are…the food. The first thing I do when I come back from holiday is make a cup of tea and find the nearest fish and chip shop.

My soundtrack to London would include…Eagles of Death Metal, “Don’t Speak I Came to Make A Bang”. It’s so full of energy and always gets me going.

(Interview: Rachel Segal Hamilton)

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Somewhere you should go…Postcards Festival at Jacksons Lane

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:04:59 +0000

With performance art and cabaret fast becoming a staple of London nightlife, it’s only right that there should be an annual showcase of emerging and established artists from the scene. Cue Postcards Festival, which is being held for the first time at Jacksons Lane Theatre. Expect acrobatic dancing, avant-garde clowning and accordion playing galore. Aerial duo ‘Collectif and then…’ will have you mesmerised with a death defying performance – which includes dangling from their hair (!) And watch out for hula hooping sensation Marawa the Amazing: pouting and fabulous in blue glittery heels, she strikes a winning balance between humour and sass. The launch night proceedings were a tad rough around the edges, but with the creases ironed out, Postcards Festival should be lots of fun – hopefully for many years to come. (Words: Rachel Segal Hamilton)

Postcards Festival runs until 20th July 2011 at Jacksons Lane Theatre. Visit jacksonslane.org.uk

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