Bakary Cafe

It’s worth taking your time with this one! I was there for almost three hours and I’m contemplating a return visit.

The exhibition follows two artists, Rodchenko and Popova, from 1917 to roughly 1925. I was fascinated by the imagination and innovative ideas these two had; so unlike much of the stuff which was happening over here at the time.

An almost overwhelming volume of work is on display, from the dynamic energy of the early paintings to the strident purposefulness of their later print and textile work, following their denouncement of canvas and easel

Embracing the Russian Revolution, Rodchenko, Popova and a few other artists redefined art. Constructivism “aimed to transform the lives of an entire population” (source: Tate Modern). There is nothing they did not touch, from graphic works, advertising, architecture to theatre, political propaganda and textiles. Looking at ways they “could contribute to everyday life” (source: Tate Modern). They even designed a ‘Workers Club’, a place where workers could relax, read books and play chess (activities traditionally reserved for the middle and upper classes).

Turning their back on art and the meaning of art as we still knew it here at the time, “Constructivists rejected all ideas of illusory representation” (source: Tate Modern).

‘Sculpture: Objects in Space’ in room 6 and the short film in room 11 provide welcome breaks from the printed word and other visual pieces on the walls.

This is one for the mind. Over a week after I visited the exhibition I’m still thinking about what I saw and read. How artists can redefine art to serve a cause; how a political concept can so fully be embodied by art.

It’s on until 17 May, Tate Modern. Admission fee.

If you like a challenge, then the ‘Isa Genzken: Open Sesame!‘ exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery is for you.

I tried, I really tried, to understand the pieces on show… but I guess sometimes art passes you by…

Number 7, London
Tracks, London

A few weeks ago now, I wandered the streets of Tooting, in South London, for a couple of hours. 

One of the first things I noticed is that there are very very few pubs about. Not surprising I guess as Tooting is home to a large Pakistani community. Bizzarely enough, the Mosque and the Islamic Cutural Centre are in a converted building which also hosts what looks like a pub/bar (a quick search on the Internet just now reveals that this is in fact a nightclub!). 

The Sri Muththumari Amman Temple a few minutes away looked disused. 

The mini food supermarkets on the main street are treasure troves as far as I’m concerned and I stocked up on a few favourites. There is an abundance of sweet shops and a quick peek in one of those revealed a variety of treats which looked as delicious as they looked mysterious.

And restaurants.. I don’t know how you could possibly choose somewhere to eat if like me you don’t know Tooting well. The majority of the restaurants (if not all of them) have one award or another displayed in the windows. Still, I don’t suppose this would be a problem as most of them were already busy even though it was only late afternoon.

I stepped into a few of the many clothes shops, all with colourful windows. Beautiful fabrics, jewellery and shoes… 

From the shops and restaurtants on the high street, you could think that Tooting was home to large Pakistani and Indian (Gujarati) communities only, but having had a quick look around the markets, I saw other influences mainly Somalian, Jamaican and Polish. 

How interesting.