Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, Lord of Montaigne (28 February 1533 – 13 September 1592) was one of the most significant philosophers of the French Renaissance, known for popularizing the essay as a literary genre. If you haven’t come across his Essais, I’d recommend just picking a couple at random and starting from there… It’s how…
As we approach officially the spookiest time of the year, I am putting a spotlight on one of my favourite terms in Art Theory – Hauntology. Aside from the wonderful name, Hauntology is a fascinating concept, with wide-ranging applications across philosophy, sociology, music, history, art history…. and just about any academic or cultural topic you…
Last weekend I was lucky enough to catch ‘Short Circuit’ on the very last day of the exhibition. Short Circuit is a reassessment of the archetypal touring show – currently based at Stryx’s studios at Grand Union, Birmingham.
Currently on at Spike Island, is Cally Spooner‘s Post Production. It is an unusual show (on until the end of June), and essentially consists of two video pieces. You start at the end, with the credits rolling, in a near-empty, bright white space, and then move onto to the ‘main exhibition’ – a pitch black…
The 2015 Venice Biennale is now underway, and chosen to represent Britain, is artist Sarah Lucas. Her show, entitled, I SCREAM DADDIO is said to “reprise and reinvent the themes that have come to define her powerfully irreverent art – gender, death, sex, and the innuendo residing in everyday objects.” The show revolves around themes…
Last night saw the private view of New Art Gallery Walsall’s new exhibition: FOUND. The exhibition featured seven artists (Paul Chiappe, Julie Cockburn, Ellen Gallagher, Ruth Claxton, John Stezaker, Vesna Pavlović and Erik Kessels), all of whom transformed and re-worked found, visual material. It featured photographs, postcards, slides and magazines – all gleaned from the…
A Celebration of Ignorance Standing motionless with all his might, blood pumping and senses stinging, Zhongni felt the silken fur glide against his right shin. The creature circled around and in-between his legs, delicately negotiated his feet, and disappeared back into the darkness. The waiting continued. The anticipation of discovery grew. The delicate click…
