#London Turbine Hall

[richardarmitagefanpage]

Richard is one of the ambassadors of LAMDA's Transformation Gala. The gala will take place at the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, in London, on June 13, 2024.

[artintestine]

El Anatsui, Behind the Red Moon, Tate Modern, London, 2023

[kritikajain29]

Tate Modern, located in London, is a renowned contemporary art museum. Housed in a repurposed power station, it showcases an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. Its iconic Turbine Hall hosts innovative installations, making it a must-visit cultural destination in the city.

I went to the Tate Modern Exhibition Centre last week. The building's front was composed of a jali pattern of bricks with light-letting slots in the glass. It seemed so raw and contemporary. To allow attention to be drawn to the artworks, exposed concrete texture is employed on the walls and ceiling in the interior.

[home-phoenix]

Turbine Hall @tatemodernuk London.

[dovekie]

"Last year, my guide says, you could buy the rejects of Ai Weiwei's sunflower seeds in this market for 200 yuan a kilo, little conical heaps of grey seeds that he had commissioned from the small workshops of Jingdezhen for his vast installation at the Tate Modern in London. They were press-moulded by the million, and you could go and collect a bag of them from a depot and paint a stripe of iron along each side and get paid by weight. There were 100 million made, 150 tons of seeds, and they kept workshops busy for a couple of years.

This year you can't find Ai Weiwei seeds."

...

A few days after Ai Weiwei's sunflower seeds installation in the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London is opened to the public, it is closed, so that you cannot walk on the porcelain due to the dust."

Edmund de Waal, "The White Road"

my favorite piece of modern art is Ai Weiwei’s Sunflower Seeds, over one hundred million hand-painted ceramic sunflower seeds made by dozens of craftsmen

[zarinamuhammad]

Mr Ye Who Loves Dragon, Cai Guo-Qiang (2003, Gunpowder on Paper)

Mr Ye Who Loves Dragon is a large rectangular drawing on paper by the Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang that was created from the residue left by the ignition of combustible materials. The composition consists of an undulating line of dense brown and black material of varying density and width. The line is burnt into the paper, and follows the route of the ignition fuse arranged prior to detonation. The scorch marks are dark at the centre of the line and fade to a lighter brown at its periphery.

The drawing is the residue or documentation of a performance that took place inside the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern in London on 29 January 2003 and is the smaller of two drawings created in front of an audience during the event. Commemorating Chinese New Year, the event launched Tate & Egg Live, a season of live performance pieces. To produce the drawing, Cai arranged a trail of fuses, explosive powders and cardboard stencils over the paper’s surface. At the time of the performance, a slow burning stick of incense triggered the ignition of the gunpowder, producing an explosion of light, sound and smoke. Weighted variably on top of the powder, the stencils affected the spread, progression and intensity of the blaze, and consequently the appearance of the scorch marks. The heavy fibrous Japanese paper used as the support had been especially prepared to withstand and absorb the heat and impact of the combustion.

The title of this work alludes to a popular Chinese idiom used to describe a person whose appreciation of a subject is revealed to be merely superficial. In the fable from which the idiom emerges, Mr Ye had proudly decorated his home with abundant dragon motifs to such an extent that his love of the mythical creature became known throughout the kingdom. However, when a real dragon heard about the house and decided to pay it a visit, wrapping its tail around the building and poking its head through a window, Mr Ye was terrified and ran away. The idiom’s relationship to the work, Cai wrote in his proposal for the project, is open to many interpretations, ‘such as the Western attitude towards the East, especially modern day China; the Museum’s invitation for the artist and his project; or even the artist’s deprecating humor towards his own history of tirelessly using dragons as subject matter.’ (Quoted in Blume, accessed 9 September 2014.)

The drawing Mr Ye Who Loves Dragon is directly related to a pyrotechnic commission titled Ye Gong Hao Long: Explosion Project for Tate Modern,which took place outside Tate Modern on 31 January 2003. Beginning at the north side of the Millennium Bridge, Cai set off a very large firework in the form of a dragon, which once ignited surged along the length of the bridge before traversing the façade of Tate Modern, coiling itself around the building’s prominent tower and burning out in a cloud of smoke.

[slorpi]

[Y2: CTS B] Compulsory Question 2: Connections & Engagement

We had an activity about our strengths and weaknesses. Our desires in the future and how we would achieve that. I got to share it around with my classmates and got feedback from it in return. Let start by restating my artistic vision which is that I would love to open my very own studio. A studio where I am able to feely express my creative visons, deliver and bring my clients visions to life. Over the years, I've worked with clients from all walks of life, learning and growing as time went by.

I've made great connections and friends over the period of time that I was in LASALLE. In class, around my classmates who are always supportive and motivating me. I gained a lot from interacting and was able to expand my set of skills to a bigger horizon. Engaging as a designer to another gives me the opportunity to create a connection and learn a thing or two from them.

I have a lot of flaws and it has held me back at a certain extend over the years. Affected me in the way I handle myself creatively and socially. To hear from those in the industry telling me about their upbringing and stories has made me realize that I wasn't alone in all of this.

Social Engagement (Week 3):

Let's talk about social engagement! In week 3 as I previously wrote about in my other blog tackled the problems we faced in Singapore and that was inflation. We had to create a video in response to show how we could relay this message in a form of visual communication.

Visual Communication is a way to communicate and it speaks a lot of volume without needing to say a word.

The Weather Project by Olafur Eliasson. A mesmerizing installation at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in London. Closely resembling the sun, Olafur Eliasson constructed half a sphere which was placed against the reflective mirror ceiling to create a full sphere when turned on. Haze machines breathed fog towards the space which created a sense of atmosphere of being there, near the sun.

An excerpt from the article by NYU, Confluence, "when the viewer sees the reflection of themselves with the sun and mist in the glow of the hall, they are physically seeing their relationship and proximity to the sun, which invites them to reflect on the intimate power of the sun in their lives"

The viewers were documented to have laid on the floor among the others to look at themselves while doing gestures and faces with the strong sunset orange hue against them. Olafur Eliasson included his viewers in the shots of his presentation to highlight the different interpretations left from people.

To take the time to unwind and just reconnect the surroundings, a time to yourself to reflect about everything. It feels calm and warm to look at the pictures of the installation. In a way, CTS has a lot in common with how it has enabled me to slow down and critically asses my decisions and action with a more clear path.

(512 words)

Sources:

Olafur Eliasson’s The Weather Project by Coco Jiang

[trascapades]

🎨#ArtIsAWeapon

"When you link things...when you unite things, their power keeps growing." - El Anatsui @elanatsui_art

El Anatsui: Behind the Red Moon, commissioned by @hyundai, was on display at London's @tate Modern Turbine Hall October 2023-April 2024.

Learn more: https://youtu.be/F74n5lSMYPk

Read more: www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/el-anatsui -

"El Anatsui’s Behind the Red Moon is a monumental sculptural installation made of thousands of metal bottle tops and fragments. Crumpling, crushing, and stitching them into different compositions, large panels are pieced together to form massive abstract fields of colour, shape and line. The commission builds on Anatsui’s interest in histories of encounter and the migration of goods and people during the transatlantic slave trade. Sourced in Nigeria, the liquor bottle tops used in this commission form part of a present-day industry built on colonial trade routes.  

Behind the Red Moon is staged as an artwork in three acts. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey of movement and interaction through the hangings, a dance between bodies and sculptures."

#ElAnatsui #TateModern #TateModernTurbineHall #BehindTheRedMoon #AfricanArtists #BlackGirlArtGeeks

[topattractionlondon]

Discover London’s Best: Top 15 Must-See Attractions

London is packed with iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to explore. Here’s a guide to the top attractions in London:

1. The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle that has served many roles over its 1,000-year history, from royal palace to prison. The Crown Jewels, housed within the Tower, are a must-see for anyone fascinated by the British monarchy.

Highlights: The Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), the White Tower, and its historical significance as a former royal residence and prison.

2. The British Museum

One of the world’s greatest museums, the British Museum houses a vast collection of art and antiquities from around the world. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, the museum's exhibits span over two million years of history.

Highlights: Ancient Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and an impressive collection of Greek and Roman artifacts.

3. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

The seat of British government, the Houses of Parliament is a striking Gothic building on the River Thames. Big Ben, the clock tower, is one of London’s most iconic symbols (although the tower is officially called the Elizabeth Tower).

Highlights: Guided tours of the Parliament, views of Big Ben from Westminster Bridge.

4. The London Eye

The London Eye is the city’s giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of London’s skyline. A ride on the London Eye provides a bird’s-eye view of landmarks like the Shard, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.

Highlights: 30-minute rotation offering a stunning 360-degree view of London.

5. Buckingham Palace

The official London residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is a must-see for royal fans. Visitors can tour the State Rooms during the summer months, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place year-round.

Highlights: State Room tours (seasonal), Changing of the Guard ceremony, and views of the palace gardens.

6. The Tate Modern

Housed in a former power station on the South Bank, the Tate Modern is one of the most important modern art galleries in the world. It offers contemporary masterpieces from artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dalí.

Highlights: Rotating modern art exhibitions, the stunning Turbine Hall, and free general admission.

7. The Shard

London's tallest skyscraper offers visitors incredible views from its observation deck, The View from The Shard. From 800 feet above, you can see the city's layout, from the River Thames to St. Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.

Highlights: Unrivaled views of London, dining options, and breathtaking architecture.

8. Westminster Abbey

A stunning Gothic church, Westminster Abbey is where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066 and where many are buried. It’s also the site of royal weddings, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Highlights: The Coronation Chair, Poets’ Corner, and the tombs of British royalty and notable figures.

9. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, street performers, and historical landmarks. The covered market offers unique gifts, and the area is home to the Royal Opera House.

Highlights: Street performers, boutique shopping, and the iconic Covent Garden Market.

10. Hyde Park

One of London’s largest green spaces, Hyde Park is perfect for relaxing, picnicking, or exploring. The park features the Serpentine Lake, Speaker’s Corner, and many memorials, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Highlights: Boating on the Serpentine, Speaker’s Corner debates, and the Diana Memorial.

11. The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a family favorite, home to thousands of specimens spanning the history of life on Earth. From dinosaur skeletons to a blue whale model, this museum brings the natural world to life.

Highlights: Dinosaur exhibits, the Hintze Hall blue whale, and a stunning Victorian building.

12. The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

The V&A is one of the world’s leading museums of decorative arts and design. It houses everything from Renaissance sculptures to fashion, textiles, and ceramics.

Highlights: Fashion exhibits, Renaissance masterpieces, and special exhibitions.

13. The Tower Bridge

Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is a magnificent bascule and suspension bridge. Its two towers are connected by high-level walkways, offering fantastic views of the River Thames.

Highlights: The glass-floor walkway, Victorian engine rooms, and picturesque views of the river.

14. Camden Market

Camden Market is known for its eclectic mix of food stalls, fashion boutiques, and vibrant alternative culture. It’s a great place to find vintage clothing, unique art, and sample global street food.

Highlights: Food stalls, alternative fashion shops, and vibrant street art.

15. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most iconic religious buildings. Its magnificent dome, whispering gallery, and crypt make it a fascinating site to explore.

Highlights: The Whispering Gallery, panoramic views from the dome, and historic crypts.

Conclusion

Whether you're into history, art, royalty, or simply wandering through beautiful parks, London has something for everyone. From the awe-inspiring views of the Shard to the rich history in Westminster Abbey, London’s top attractions are sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

[kvb222poonwanghong]

Week 3 Artist Research

Carsten Höller: Test Site (2006)

Background:

Carsten Höller, a Belgian artist with a scientific background, is well-known for his experimental installations that investigate perception, decision-making, and human interactions. His 2006 installation, Test Site, was part of the Unilever Series at London's Tate Modern. The work builds on Höller's interest in play, movement, and the physical and psychological impacts of interacting with art.

Details:

Location: Tate Modern, London.

Duration: Temporary installation, October 2006 – April 2007.

Material: Steel, fiberglass, and polycarbonate.

Dimensions: The slides ranged from 16.5 meters to 55.5 meters in length.

Cost: Sponsored by Unilever as part of their long-running series at Tate Modern.

Installation:

The Test Site was made up of five enormous slides that spiraled down from various floors of the enormous Turbine Hall of the museum. For safety and visibility, a polycarbonate coating covered each steel and fiberglass slide. A spectacular drop down the hall was offered by the highest slide, which started from the fifth floor and allowed visitors to slide down from varying heights.

Reflection:

With Höller's Test Site, art watching became a dynamic, hands-on experience instead of being a static one. The slides sparked discussion about the relationship between the body and space and the function of play in daily life in addition to offering an exciting experience. The exhibit created a shared sense of delight, terror, and excitement among viewers, challenging the traditional limitations of art.

Visitors frequently came back to try new slides because each one offered a different viewpoint and tactile experience. The key to the installation's success was its capacity to entice viewers into the artwork and transform them into vital components of it. Test Site challenged the notion of art, emphasizing active engagement over passive observation.

The artwork was welcomed with both praise and criticism, with some hailing its novel approach to public involvement and others questioning its place in a fine art institution. Nonetheless, Test Site remains an important example of interactive and spatial art, demonstrating how art can transform and revitalize public spaces.

In summary, Carsten Höller's Test Site at Tate Modern was a game-changing installation that altered visitors' perceptions of art and space. Höller produced a humorous and thought-provoking experience by enabling visitors to slide down the museum's famed hall, demonstrating spatial art's ability to engage audiences in novel and unexpected ways.

Reference:

Bishop, C. (2012). Artificial Hells: Participatory Art and the Politics of Spectatorship. Verso Books.

Höller, C. (2007). Carsten Höller: Test Site. Tate Publishing.

Danto, A. C. (2007). Unnatural Wonders: Essays from the Gap Between Art and Life. Columbia University Press.

O'Hagan, S. (2006, October 15). "All Slide, No Slide: Carsten Höller's Tate Modern Installation." The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2006/oct/15/art1

Active Metal. (2017, July 26). 10 extraordinary staircases around the world. Active Metal. https://www.activemetal.com.au/2017/07/26/10-extraordinary-staircases-around-world/

Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: Pulse Room (2006)

Background:

Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer is well known for his interactive installations that combine art, technology, and human engagement. Themes of participation, surveillance, and the interaction of technology and the human body are frequently explored in his works. Pulse Room had its debut in the Mexico Pavilion of the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2006, and it has since been shown in a number of places across the globe. The installation is a component of the larger Pulse project by Lozano-Hemmer, which aims to record and display human vital indicators.

Details:

Location: Initially presented at the Venice Biennale, with subsequent exhibitions worldwide.

Duration: Temporary installation, 2006-present (exhibited in multiple venues).

Material: Incandescent light bulbs, heart rate sensors, computer software, and wiring.

Dimensions: Variable, depending on the exhibition space.

Technology: The installation uses custom software and hardware to capture and display participants' heartbeats.

Installation:

The Pulse Room is a space where hundreds of incandescent lightbulbs are suspended in the shape of a grid from the ceiling. Visitors are asked to hold a heart-rate sensor as soon as they enter the room. One lightbulb pulses in time with the participant's heartbeat when the sensor sends the heartbeat data to the installation. A captivating display of pulsating lights fills the room as more people engage with the sensors. Their heartbeats are captured and added to the sequence. The installation uses light to create a dynamic, constantly-changing atmosphere, with each bulb symbolizing an individual participant's heartbeat. The light pulses move across the space, producing an aural and visual depiction of everyone's heartbeats who has taken part.

Reflection:

A deep examination of personality, human connection, and the nexus between biology and technology may be found in Pulse Room. The installation emphasizes the shared yet distinct aspect of human life by transforming a basic biological function—the heartbeat—into a communal and visual experience. The artwork turns the room into a living, breathing entity by viewing the heartbeats of various individuals, so creating a collective portrait of people who have engaged with it.

Because Pulse Room is so immersive, it blurs the boundaries between viewer and artist by allowing participants to become an essential part of the artwork. The coordinated pulse of lights fosters a sense of unity and connection among the participants, despite the temporal separation of their contributions. Pulse Room offers a potent remark on the interconnection of human experience through the interaction of individual and group experiences.

Pulse Room has received recognition for its capacity to hold viewers' attention both intellectually and emotionally. The piece of art encourages contemplation on the essence of life, the passing of time, and the manner in which technology can influence human experiences. It is a powerful illustration of how technology can be used by artists to provide memorable and significant experiences that audiences will be thinking about long after they leave the installation.

In conclusion, Pulse Room by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer is an engrossing and provocative installation that elevates the mundane task of monitoring a heartbeat to a profound investigation of human connection. Pulse Room delivers a singular and immersive experience that emphasizes the ability of art to bring people together in a common, yet very personal, experience through the use of light, technology, and interaction.

Reference:

Lozano-Hemmer, R. (2007). Pulse Room: Venice Biennale 2007. Mexico Pavilion Catalogue.

Bourriaud, N. (2002). Relational Aesthetics. Les presses du réel.

Davis, B. (2014). "The Art of Interaction: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and the Technological Sublime." Art in America. https://www.artinamericamagazine.com

Gioni, M. (2007). "52nd Venice Biennale: Think with the Senses, Feel with the Mind." ArtForum International.

Max Estrella. (n.d.). Pulse Room. Max Estrella. https://maxestrella.com/work/pulse-room/

[thebadarchivist]

Carsten Holler - Test Site

Shown at the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern, London between October 2006 and 9 April 2007

[lotusevents]

Exploring the Best Event Spaces in London: A Guide to Unforgettable Gatherings

London, a city that seamlessly blends history with modernity, offers an array of exceptional event spaces perfect for any occasion. From intimate gatherings to large-scale functions, the capital’s diverse venues cater to a wide range of needs and preferences. Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting, a wedding, or a cultural event, London has the ideal space to make your event memorable. Here, we explore some of the best Event Spaces London that guarantee a unique and successful experience.

The Shard

As one of London’s most iconic landmarks, The Shard offers a spectacular venue for events with breathtaking views over the city. Located in the heart of London Bridge, its event spaces are situated on the upper floors, providing panoramic vistas of the skyline. The Shard is perfect for high-profile corporate events, elegant weddings, and exclusive gatherings. Its modern, stylish interiors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure a sophisticated experience. The Ren Room, for example, can host up to 300 guests, making it ideal for both large and small events.

The Natural History Museum

For a truly unique and awe-inspiring event space, the Natural History Museum is hard to beat. With its stunning Romanesque architecture and fascinating exhibits, it offers a magical backdrop for any occasion. The Hintze Hall, with its soaring arches and the iconic blue whale skeleton, can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, making it perfect for grand dinners, receptions, and award ceremonies. The museum’s dedicated event team provides comprehensive support, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned.

Tate Modern

Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, is a leading venue for contemporary art and an exceptional event space. Its industrial chic ambiance and prime location on the banks of the Thames offer a distinctive setting for events. The Turbine Hall, known for hosting large-scale art installations, can also accommodate major events with a capacity of up to 1,500 guests. For smaller gatherings, the East Room offers stunning river views and a more intimate atmosphere. Tate Modern’s cultural significance and unique spaces make it a standout choice for any event.

The Gherkin

Another iconic structure on the London skyline, The Gherkin offers exclusive event spaces with unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. The top two floors are dedicated to private events, featuring sleek, modern design and cutting-edge facilities. This venue is ideal for sophisticated corporate functions, elegant dinners, and stylish receptions. The Gherkin’s experienced event team provides bespoke services to tailor the space to your needs, ensuring a seamless and memorable event.

The Old Royal Naval College

For a venue steeped in history and grandeur, the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is an exquisite choice. Its stunning baroque architecture and beautiful grounds provide a regal setting for any event. The Painted Hall, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the UK," is a breathtaking space for banquets, weddings, and large gatherings, accommodating up to 400 guests. The college’s various other spaces, including the Admiral’s House and the Queen Mary Undercroft, offer versatility for different types and sizes of events.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Event Space

When selecting an event space in London, consider the following tips to ensure a successful event:

Guest List: Choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your expected number of attendees.

Accessibility: Ensure the venue is easily accessible by public transport and has adequate parking facilities.

Amenities: Look for venues that provide essential amenities such as AV equipment, catering services, and Wi-Fi.

Ambiance: Select a space that aligns with the theme and tone of your event.

Budget: Make sure the venue fits within your budget while still meeting your requirements.

London’s diverse Event Spaces London offer something for every occasion, combining unique settings with top-notch facilities. By carefully considering your event’s needs and the distinctive features of each venue, you can create an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

[jda-dycp]

My name is Jamel Duane Alatise, I’m an interdisciplinary artist, photographer, poet, director, and model. A British born Nigerian and Jamaican. I am also founder of a purposely-slow publication called People Journal.

I currently base my practice out of my small south London studio, and I am working with the Victoria and Albert museum on a learning and development programme for young people that ends in December 2024. 

I studied Performance and Creative Enterprise at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Some highlights from my career so far are:

2018 commission by Barbican for their OpenFest, a poetry performance performed on their Highwalks; and a subsequent beginning of my Stories project for the art publication People Journal

2020 solo digital exhibition ‘The Portraiture of Jamel Duane Alatise powered by fujifilm instax’ plus a year long sponsorship by Fujifilm instax.

2021 photojournalism commission by the Young Vic theatre, documenting their first queer, trans, intersectional, and global majority-led show in collaboration with MAC Cosmetics; and a subsequent commission to direct a documentary about the production coming back on the main-stage two years later in 2023

2023 commission from TATE to respond to their Tate Modern exhibition, Liz Johnson Artur’s ’Time Don’t Run Here’, resulting in a performance of poetry which was also later adapted into a soundpiece exhibited alongside Liz Johnson Artur’s work; and a subsequent commission to respond again to Richard Bell’s work and travelling piece ‘Embassy’, which resulted in a live performance and series of theme discussions in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, alongside Richard Bell. 

POETRY

2023 commission from TATE to respond to their Tate Modern exhibition, Liz Johnson Artur’s ’Time Don’t Run Here’, resulting in a performance of poetry which was also later adapted into a soundpiece exhibited alongside Liz Johnson Artur’s work

A small collection of poems from 2018 to 2020.

STORIES

Beginning first as a commission titled Satellites (video above), by the Barbican for their OpenFest, gathering anonymous, handwritten stories became a central part of my practice. Starting in 2018 with just a little over 30 accounts collected, and carried on over years, we now have a growing collection that’s steadily approaching thousands of contributions from anonymous people, across several languages including Chinese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, to name a few. 

The project has also been exhibited several times, and made into three different books and counting. 

PEOPLE JOURNAL

People Journal is a purposely-slow publication I founded in 2016 while working at another publication called SWVNK (and later Acure) – it started out of frustration, wanting to profile people that may not be the most popular but have really remarkable stories. Since it has grown into an active art project that documents people over longer time spans, focuses on the analogue, the handwritten, and the intimate moments between people during connections. In this respect, People Journal has been used as a vehicle to bring many together, foster connection, and encourage them to spend time offline, in real life, and doing something cathartic, whether in conversation or through arts and crafts.

The Portraiture of Jamel Duane Alatise

PHOTOGRAPHY

SUNDOWN KIKI

2021 photojournalism commission by the Young Vic theatre, documenting their first queer, trans, intersectional, and global majority-led show in collaboration with MAC Cosmetics;

subsequent commission to direct a documentary about the production coming back on the main-stage two years later in 2023:

[arthistoriansdiary]

The Weather Project

Olafur Eliasson, The Weather Project (2003). Monofrequency lights, projection foil, haze machines, mirror foil, aluminium, scaffolding. Turbine Hall of Tate Modern, London.

In 2003, the Tate Modern's Turbine Hall was transformed by Olafur Eliasson's awe-inspiring installation, The Weather Project. This work, part of the museum's Unilever Series, transcended traditional art boundaries, offering a unique experience that merged art, science, and the human experience of the natural world.

A Sun of Illusion:

Central to the installation was a massive semi-circular form, reminiscent of the sun, made from hundreds of monochromatic light bulbs. This artificial sun emitted a warm, glowing light, bathing the vast hall in an eerie, yellowish hue. The use of a mirrored ceiling multiplied this effect, creating the illusion of a complete, glowing orb and an infinite space above.

Interactivity and Environment:

The Weather Project was as much about the viewer's experience as it was about the visual spectacle. Visitors were encouraged to linger, lie down, and watch the faux-sun change and move. This interactivity blurred the lines between observer and participant, creating a communal space of reflection and interaction.

Reflections on Climate and Culture:

Eliasson’s work often engages with environmental issues, and The Weather Project was no exception. By replicating the sun – the most fundamental natural element – inside an industrial space, Eliasson prompted viewers to contemplate their relationship with the environment and the impact of human activity on climate.

The Power of Perception:

The installation also played with perception and illusion. The mirrored ceiling and the half-disc of the sun created an optical illusion that challenged the viewers’ understanding of space and reality. It raised questions about how we perceive and interpret our natural surroundings.

Your Vision:

How did The Weather Project alter your perception of art's role in addressing environmental issues? In what ways did it impact your understanding of space and natural phenomena?

[bellafox2144]

10 of the best museums to visit in London city

1. British Museum: Housing over 8 million artifacts spanning human history and civilizations, the British Museum is a must-visit for any history buff. Explore ancient Egyptian mummies, marvel at the Rosetta Stone, and admire the Parthenon sculptures. Don't miss the interactive exhibits and special displays that bring the past to life.

2. Natural History Museum: Step into a world of wonder at the Natural History Museum, home to iconic dinosaur skeletons like Dippy the Diplodocus and Hintze the Blue Whale. Wander through galleries showcasing the diversity of life on Earth, from the tiniest insects to the mightiest mammals. Be sure to check out the Darwin Centre, where you can learn about evolution and human origins.

3. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A): Immerse yourself in the world of art and design at the V&A. This stunning museum boasts a vast collection spanning fashion, furniture, ceramics, jewelry, and more. From medieval tapestries to contemporary fashion installations, the V&A offers a visual feast for all. And if you're feeling inspired, why not book a pair of London split train tickets and explore the vibrant city that birthed so many of these artistic treasures? Whether you're a history buff, a fashion enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful things, the V&A is a must-visit destination.

4. National Gallery: Art lovers, rejoice! The National Gallery houses an unparalleled collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Gaze in awe at masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Da Vinci, and many more. With free entry and themed walking tours, the National Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts.

5. Science Museum: Ignite your inner scientist at the Science Museum, where interactive exhibits make learning fun and engaging. Explore space exploration, delve into the mysteries of the human body, and witness groundbreaking inventions from throughout history. Don't miss the iconic IMAX cinema, showcasing awe-inspiring documentaries on the big screen.

6. Churchill War Rooms: Step back in time and experience the drama of World War II at the Churchill War Rooms. Explore the underground bunker where Britain's wartime Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and his staff planned the Allied victory. Original maps, telephones, and artifacts bring history to life, while immersive audio recordings make you feel like you're right there in the thick of the action.

7. Tate Modern: Immerse yourself in the world of modern and contemporary art at Tate Modern. Housed in a former power station, this iconic museum showcases works by Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky, and other artistic giants. Don't miss the free Turbine Hall exhibits, featuring ever-changing installations by renowned artists. And to avoid the queues, remember to split train tickets – purchase one for your outward journey and a separate one for your return trip. This can often be cheaper and save you valuable time waiting in line!

8. The Tower of London: Journey through history and intrigue at the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the medieval fortress, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and learn about the dark and fascinating stories of the Tower's past. Be sure to join a guided tour for the inside scoop on executions, ghosts, and royal secrets.

9. Sherlock Holmes Museum: Calling all armchair detectives! Step into the world of fiction at the Sherlock Holmes Museum, located at 221B Baker Street. Explore the iconic detective's Victorian-era house, admire his gadgets and disguises, and meet Mrs. Hudson and Dr. Watson. Interactive exhibits and costumed actors bring the stories to life, making you feel like you've stepped into a Conan Doyle novel.

10. London Transport Museum: Take a nostalgic journey through London's transportation history at the London Transport Museum. Discover vintage buses, iconic red double-deckers, and even an original Tube carriage. Learn about the city's changing transport landscape, from horse-drawn carriages to the modern Underground. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make this a fun and educational experience for all ages.

This is just a glimpse into the wealth of museums that London has to offer. With its diverse collections, engaging exhibits, and historical significance, these 10 museums are sure to leave you inspired and informed. So pack your curiosity, lace up your walking shoes, and prepare to be amazed by the treasures that await you in London's museum wonderland!

[antonia-gergely]

Current Artist Research - Anicka Yi

(b. 1971, Seoul)

NYT Press Release for installation in the Tate Turbine Hall, October 2021.

"For Yi, 50, the germs and microbes that pass between us are key to understanding how humans respond to one another. And the air that we breathe is where much of this molecular exchange takes place."

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/11/arts/design/anicka-yi-tate.html

(relates to food as key to understanding how humans respond to one another?)

"The hall will also be filled with another, less tangible, suggestion of microbial life: an aroma that will change from week to week, conjuring the fragrant history of the Bankside area around the museum, from the Precambrian and late Jurassic eras to the Machine Age. Among the scent profiles Yi has created are those that represent more noxious periods in London history, including the smells of cholera and the bubonic plague."

“I want to foreground the idea that air is a sculpture that we inhabit."

"Much of Yi’s earlier work seems concerned with metabolizing the world — including her own physical and emotional experiences — into microbial matter. Her past materials have included snail excretions, shaved sea lice and the rubber sole of a Teva sandal ground to dust."

Art21: 'Anicka Yi in "Bodies of Knowledge"'

"Unorthodox, volatile, aromatic materials are a staple of Yi’s practice, using living matter like bacteria or worms, medical tools like ultrasound gel, and everyday substances like glycerin soap. Through her use of these materials, Yi embraces deterioration and impermanence, exploring how her works change and evolve."

"Yi became aware at a young age of how certain smells are connected to identity." Exactly, foods are of course comprised of smell and taste, mostly. This is definitely something I'm looking to explore; and Yi's mixture of science and art is really enthralling for me, as someone who is also interested in the biological and chemical aspects of art, and its deep connections to the world of science.

(The chemical properties of different paints, solvents, mediums; the elements that give colour to paint, the plants and stones that can create pigment and dyes...)