During Frieze week, our Visual Arts team has been visiting exhibitions, talks and fairs across London. Here are a few things that caught our eye:
"Helen Cammock’s solo show at Cubitt is a revelation. The hour-long film Shouting in Whispers brings together news footage showing moments of female resistance and protest around the globe. Intercut with domestic scenes shot by the artist and a gently sung protest song, the work is a timely reminder of the importance of global solidarity."
Claire Feeley, Curator
"I experienced room after room of intense colour, texture and vibrancy at 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair set in Somerset House last night. The fair took me from a cold washed afternoon to warmer shores as I drifted from space to space. I particularly enjoyed the works of Abe Odenia whose paintings felt like guest appearance as at a party and also the work of Lungiswa Gqunta whose work reminded me of the aftermath of when the party-goers have left…"
Rebekka Deighton, Touring Exhibitions Coordinator
"To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of David Roberts Art Foundation and start the vibrant Frieze week, we attended (X) An Evening of Performances at KOKO in Camden. Lina Lapelyte’s Ladies opened up the event playing traditional Lithuanian kankles, followed by a moving version of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Zee Asher as part of Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings' work, followed by an extraordinary piece by Last Yearz Interesting Negro aka Jamila Johnson-Small, who eventually left the stage to perform among the crowd. Laure Prouvost and British Council Collection artist Marvin Gaye Chetwynd, alongside many others, made it an engaging night of music, dance, video installations and great creative energy − exactly what’s need to begin London contemporary art week!"
Elisabetta Rabajoli, Exhibitions Coordinator
“In a week of running from gallery openings to artist talks to art fairs, John Akomfrah’s Purple is one thing that made the art world stop, be quiet and sit down for at least 45 minutes. This vast six-channel video installation fills most of The Curve gallery at the Barbican Centre with a powerful, moving collage of new and archival film footage, accompanied by a rousing score. Moving from urban to frozen landscapes, rural to industrial, bleak expanses to tropical islands, Purple explores the impact of climate change on the environment, humans and their communities. Akomfrah’s British Council Collection work, The Unfinished Conversation, is currently showing in Korea as part of our exhibition The Art of Dissonance, and I hope that his work resonates with Korean audiences as it did so strongly with the Barbican’s visitors last night.”
Katie Haines, Communications Manager