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INSTIGATOR
Art & Culture magazine
NEWS
PHOTO / "Ordeal by Roses Nº15" by Eikoh Hosoe / Photo © Courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
PHOTO / Mishima "Ordeal by Roses Nº32" by Eikoh Hosoe / Photo © Courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
OKASHI
MICHEL HOPPEN GALLERY
LONDON
ORDEAL BY ROSES
Does Michael Hoppen gallery need an introduction? NO.
Hoppen is undoubtedly the finest photographic gallery in London. Not only they hold one of the foremost collections of Japanese photography in Europe, mainly by Japanese post-war photographers Yoshihiko Ueda, Shōmei Tōmatsu, Masatoshi Naitō, Nobuyoshi Araki, Eikoh Hosoe, but they also represent the most acclaimed international photographers as well, Richard Learoyd, Guy Bourdin, Peter Beard, Brassaï, Tim Walker.
After 37 years at Jubilee Place, the gallery re-opened its doors in Holland Park, which perfectly describes the gallery’s next chapter, with Okashi, an exquisite exhibition on Japanese photography.
The concept of Okashi has been used throughout Japanese aesthetics to refer to elements with delightful strangeness, power, sensuality, and intrigue.
The show illustrates an eclectic understanding of Japan’s visual identity by including photographs, vintage textiles, woodblock Shunga prints, and rich colourful avant-garde posters. Michael Hoppen personally welcomed us the press, collectors, and art enthusiasts during the private view with a personalised tour and anecdotes. A one-of-a-kind exhibition with rare pieces.
A must see.
Okashi
Michel Hoppen Gallery, London (UK)
13 April - 30 June 2024
PHOTO / Shen Wei / Photo © Courtesy of Flowers Gallery
SHEN WEI
FLOWERS GALLERY
LONDON
A SEASON PARTICULAR
New York-based Chinese-American artist Shen Wei returned to Flowers Gallery with his solo show A Season Particular.
The exhibition of sensuous photographs explores notions of gender, form and desire, reflecting a practice which Shen Wei describes as “finding the spiritual and abstract similarities between our bodies and nature and emphasising the harmony, fragility, and interconnectedness of both.”
At Flowers, closely cropped figurative forms are interspersed with images of plants and blossoms, evoking a dreamlike sense of contemplation and calm. According to Shen Wei:
“The unique beauty and interplay between the human body and nature aim to elicit a sense of awe, wonder, and appreciation for the world around us, as well as a way to explore more profound spiritual and philosophical questions about the nature of existence and the purpose of life."
Shen Wei
Flowers Gallery, London (UK)
4 May - 3 June 2023
PHOTO / Annish Kapoor / Photo © Courtesy of Zoltan Alexander
61ST
VENICE BIENNALE
VENICE
ART OF POLITICS
IN MINOR KEYS
The world is in escalating chaos, and the Biennial itself is being torn from all angles by it, starting with the Festival's Jury resigning last week over controversial issues, simply stating that Israel and Russia will not be considered for any prize.
In addition, the 61st Biennale lost its curator, the much-acclaimed Cape Town–based Koyo Kouoh, who suddenly died of cancer, leaving her work to a team of five collaborators to complete the exhibition.
In our upcoming article, we revisited the installations of Anish Kapoor at the Palazzo Manfrin, Marina Abramovic at the Gallerie dell'Accademia di Venezia, the Austrian pavilion housing Florentina Holzinger, at the Central pavilion Nina Katchadourian, Willem Dafoe during Dessent & Peace, also Punta della Dogana, Fondazione Prada, and the Foundation Dries van Notten.
61st Venice Biennale
6 May - 22 November 2026
PHOTO / "East-West/West-East" by Richard Serra / Video © Courtesy of Qatar Museums, Qatar
RICHARD SERRA
QATAR MUSEUMS
QATAR
EAST-WEST/ WEST-EAST
In late March 2024, we lost the master of rusty steel, curvy metal, and monoliths, Richard Serra, whose latest project was a monumental public art installation in the Qatari desert in collaboration with Qatar Museums. East-West/West-East has become a unique landmark in Qatar since the installation took place in 2014.
Serra, throughout his life visitors were always in his mind, and according to him, the content of the work derives from interaction with the viewer. Serra has always believed that sculptures should not be hidden in a museum; instead, they should be installed in public places.
“This is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. It’s a piece that I’d really like to be seen.” Richard Serra
This breathtaking sculpture in the Qatari desert Brouq Nature Reserve spans over a kilometre and comprises four giant monolith steel plates, each over 14 metres in height. To guarantee perfect alignment, Serra examined the topography of the land and beautifully enhanced the vast, desolate space in the heart of the desert.
According to the artist, the colour of the pillars will change from grey to orange to brown until they turn dark amber. The result is a testament to his legacy and genius; it’s spectacular and timeless.
Richard Serra
Qatar Museums, Brouq (Qatar)
2014
EAST
WEST/WEST EAST