Issue 86 / March 2018

More documents

Info

REVIEWS “Their contemporary and satirical approach ensures that this remains a highly enjoyable and accessible exhibition” The King Is Dead Long Live The King (c) The Singh Twins The Singh Twins: Slaves Of Fashion (Gareth Jones) The Singh Twins: Slaves Of Fashion Walker Art Gallery 19/01-20/05 Donald Trump sits on a Wal-Mart throne at fashion week; he is the epitome of consumerism, the King of Cotton. Theresa May straddles India and the USA, dousing the former in Scotch whiskey. Bush and Blair shake hands, smiling; they make a blood pact while the globe they stand on burns. SLAVES OF FASHION is the latest exhibition by THE SINGH TWINS to grace the Walker Art Gallery, and it is just as politically engaging and controversial as I had hoped. The Singh Twins are known for their unflinching criticism of political corruption, and, in this exhibition, they choose the Indian textile industry and its relationship with western fashion as their subject. There is an important history lesson here, but their contemporary and satirical approach ensures that this remains a highly enjoyable and accessible exhibition. In recent years, The Singh Twins – Amrit and Rabindra Singh – have received international recognition for their work. However, their relationship with the art world and this city has not always been straightforward. While at the University Of Liverpool, the twins faced prejudice for their interest in Indian miniature painting, which was deemed traditional and outdated by their professors. Certain members of the department were reluctant to accept that non-European artforms had influenced contemporary, western art. The Singh Twins refused to concede and never graduated. The success of this exhibition thus feels particularly pertinent. At the centre of Slaves Of Fashion are 11 large, mixed-media portraits of historical figures. Each tells the story of a different aspect of the Indian textile industry, and reveals the human cost behind luxury goods. In Coromandel: Sugar And Spice, Not So Nice a slave hangs from a tree, barely visible behind the rich detail and fabrics that dominate the image. In other paper works, The Singh Twins explore this continuing colonial legacy, which is now manifested in unethical consumerism. The title of one piece, The Adoration Of Profit Without Consequence, could sum up the entire exhibition, and is a stark reminder of our role in this deadly trade. Though the subject matter of this exhibition is challenging, the aesthetic appeal of The Singh Twins’ work is undeniable. They have revived the Indian miniature tradition by including modern symbols and themes, creating a unique style that they label ‘past modern’. The intricate detail and eclectic mix of political references means you could spend hours decoding a single painting. It is perhaps symbolic that I am initially drawn to their work for its beauty; only upon closer inspection do I realise that they are telling a painful story. Slaves Of Fashion is a must-see for anyone interested in colonial history, traditional Indian art or political satire. Most of all, this is a chance to learn more about two fascinating women of colour artists, who stuck with their interests despite condemnation and discouragement. Their success story is truly inspiring. Maya Jones / @mmayajones 42
Side A 33rpm The UK's Music Documentary Festival returns for its 3rd annual Liverpool edition! Presenting 7 film premieres + Q&As featuring the following artists & scenes: L7 The Big Three John Coltrane Ella Fitzgerald The The Iranian Techno Manchester’s Infamous Electronic Scene Tickets via: Venues: LISTEN TO THE LIVERPOOL-IRISH PLAYLIST AT BIDOLITO.CO.UK NOW COME AND SAY “HAIGH/HI” TO US AT THE THREE FESTIVALS TALL SHIPS REGATTA (25-28 MAY <strong>2018</strong>) PROGRAMME TBA SOON LIVERPOOLIRISHFESTIVAL.COM
Page 1 and 2: ISSUE 86 / MARCH 2018 NEW MUSIC + C
Page 3 and 4: BACK TO OUR ROOTS BACK TO THE HEART
Page 5 and 6: 25 Parr St, Ropewalks, Liverpool, L
Page 7 and 8: CONTENTS New Music + Creative Cultu
Page 9 and 10: EDITORIAL This Is England “If we
Page 11 and 12: DANSETTE LAURIE SHAW reveals some o
Page 13 and 14: ELEANOR NELLY Her name may already
Page 15 and 16: An Arts Council Collection Touring
Page 17 and 18: mediated images are somehow of a ne
Page 19 and 20: BREAKWAVE Promoter, producer, taste
Page 21 and 22: IN GOOD COMPANY 2017’s return to
Page 23 and 24: 23
Page 25 and 26: The new show is a multifaceted beas
Page 27 and 28: Audio production degrees and short
Page 29 and 30: 4th Annual Festival of Experimental
Page 31 and 32: UPCOMING BIDO LITO! EVENTS 23.03.18
Page 33 and 34: ESME BRIDIE With her first full-len
Page 35 and 36: Open Circuit FESTIVAL Open Circuit
Page 37 and 38: GIG Belle And Sebastian Philharmoni
Page 39 and 40: E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S JOIN
Page 41: Nadine Shah (Day Howarth / dayhowar
Page 45 and 46: This Is The Kit + Emma Gatrill Harv
Page 47 and 48: ROUND UP A selection of the best of
Page 49 and 50: FEBRUARY & march Feb 16 liverpool A
Page 53 and 54: Lee ’Scratch’ Perry Arts Club,
Page 55 and 56: BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND 5TH - 7TH MAY

Issue 86 / March 2018

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?