Black Dada by Adam Pendleton

Black Dada by Adam Pendleton

Chiara Sabella · 2 years ago · Art

Born in 1984, a research on language that synthesizes different styles, means and disciplines: Adam Pendleton is a conceptual artist from New York, twice included in Forbes Magazine‘s 30 Under 30 list. We find him in the collections of the Tate in London, the MoMA and the Guggenheim Museum in New York, with works that combine painting, screen printing, collage, video and performance in experimental and meaningful works. On the borderline between image and representation, long strokes of spray paint play on the perception of figures, without ever abstracting from reality, from our past and contemporary history. His is a cultural reflection before artistic, as in the works on Black Lives Matter where “The novelty is in the language, which is at the same time a public mourning, a battle cry and a poetic appeal”.

In 2011 the artist composed Black Dada Reader, a collection of photocopies, collages and statements assembled together for personal purposes, then distributed informally among friends and colleagues. The text is described by Pendleton as a “radical juxtaposition” and sees the names of Hugo Ball, W.E.B. Du Bois, Adrian Piper, Gertrude Stein, Sun Ra, Stokely Carmichael, Gilles Deleuze appear in an unexpected mix. The artist speaks to us through fragments of images and words taken from his personal library, side by side in the new practice of Black Dada.

Black assumes for Adam Pendleton an “open meaning” while Dada refers to the freedom of his works, inspired by the absurd works of the Avant-garde that gave an artistic response to history, challenging society. The anthology that conceptualized the poetics of Black Dada is now enriched with a second text. Ten years later, the artist again juxtaposes writers, artists, filmmakers, philosophers and critics to draw contemporary guidelines. The collection Pasts, Futures, and Aftermaths includes, among others, the writings of Sara Ahmed, Clarice Lispector and Malcolm X in a reflection on the current anti-racist and anti-capitalist movements.
We are faced with true artistic narratives: personal research, bibliographies and spiritual autobiographies that interpret contemporary complexity and bring forward, among other struggles, a critique of museum collecting practices. Adam Pendleton’s works are designed to influence the place that hosts them, giving new meanings and feelings to institutions. The artist believes in a well-rounded art: it is not possible to truly understand painting without fully understanding improvisation, poetry, and music. In this sense, the lyric becomes a meeting between political struggle and love, the writing a fundamental support of the work of art.

Black Dada by Adam Pendleton
Art
Black Dada by Adam Pendleton
Black Dada by Adam Pendleton
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Luca Imperatrice revives the myth of Taranto

Luca Imperatrice revives the myth of Taranto

Collater.al Contributors · 2 days ago · Photography

In the series Delle Delizie Tarantine, a tribute to the city of Taranto, its history, and its hidden beauty, we find Luca Imperatrice behind the lens. A photographer active in the fashion world, Imperatrice also pursues personal projects like this one, aiming to portray his more personal side. This series draws inspiration from the 1771 Latin work by Tommaso Nicolò D’Acquino, celebrating the city in all its splendor, often concealed by the obscurity of time. The history of Taranto blends its ancient past and myth, a story seemingly destined to fade into oblivion. However, in Imperatrice’s project, Taranto is brought out of the darkness and comes to life in the photographs of Luca Imperatrice.

In the series, Imperatrice’s shots become a kind of guardian of Taranto’s history. Each image is a vivid memory of the city’s past, a testament to the extraordinary offerings of this land. Through Imperatrice’s lens, Taranto is reborn in a new light, and its neglected beauty becomes visible to all.

Each shot is a journey through time, an invitation to explore Taranto’s millennia-old history through the unique perspective of Imperatrice, who seeks to capture the essence of the city. Thanks to the images taken by Imperatrice, Taranto reveals a mythological and imaginative side waiting to be discovered by all.

You can find more projects from Luca Imperatrice here is his Instagram profile.

Luca Imperatrice revives the myth of Taranto
Photography
Luca Imperatrice revives the myth of Taranto
Luca Imperatrice revives the myth of Taranto
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Motherhood captured by Wendy Symons

Motherhood captured by Wendy Symons

Collater.al Contributors · 4 days ago · Photography

Wendy Symons, a self-taught Dutch photographer, embarks on a profound journey through her lens, capturing intimate moments of motherhood without any filter. Wendy Symons possesses a remarkable ability to perceive the beauty in everyday moments, those small and delicate details often overlooked by the frantic pace of life. Her photography is a heartfelt exploration of the human experience at every stage of life. However, it’s the early motherhood experience that holds a special place in Wendy’s heart. She approaches it with an honest and intimate lens, revealing the profound bond between a mother and her child.

Inspiration flows to Wendy directly from nature itself. The healing power of the natural world influences her work and often becomes the muse for her next shoot. Through her lens, Wendy finds solace and inspiration, effortlessly merging the worlds of art and motherhood. Wendy Symons’ style is a testament to authenticity and the raw essence of life. She relies exclusively on natural light to capture genuine moments in their full splendour. This choice infuses her work with a warmth and truthfulness that makes each photograph an unfiltered window into the lives she documents.

One of Wendy’s extraordinary projects is Art Mama, in which she merges her two worlds, the artistic and the maternal. In the midst of the pandemic, she embarked on this introspective journey, diving into her life as a mother and artist. Wendy’s photo diary paints an intimate portrait of her children and herself as they deal with the complexities of motherhood during turbulent times. Her images are a reminder that the journey of motherhood, although unpredictable and chaotic, is a shared experience that unites us all.

Wendy Symons will present one of her shots at the Collater.al Photography exhibition at the Matalon Foundation in Milan from Sept. 22-24, 2023.
Courtesy Wendy Symons

Motherhood captured by Wendy Symons
Photography
Motherhood captured by Wendy Symons
Motherhood captured by Wendy Symons
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Rhythmic and melancholic dance in Nanda Hagenaars’ shots

Rhythmic and melancholic dance in Nanda Hagenaars’ shots

Collater.al Contributors · 5 days ago · Photography

Life, like a river, flows with its own rhythm, carrying us on a journey filled with both tranquility and turbulence,” explains photographer Nanda Hagenaars. “In moments of calm, we are embraced by the gentle currents, as if floating effortlessly through the passage of time. It is during these moments that we find solace, and our spirits are uplifted by the serenity of the waters. However, calm waters can transform into turbulent torrents, unsettling our footing and leaving us questioning our purpose.”

With these words, Nanda Hagenaars (1988) provides us with a glimpse into her perspective on life, offering insights to understand her photographs. Hagenaars captures these ebb and flow of life through her lens. Her work can be described as poetic, intuitive, and emotional, driven by the desire to translate her feelings and emotions into images. The concept of time and timelessness has led Nanda to focus on black and white photography, a choice that adds depth and timelessness to her art.

Connection Skins

For Nanda, the camera is more than just a simple tool; it’s a symbol of transformation. It has helped her see life in new ways, much like looking through her lens has shown her fresh perspectives. She believes in using photography as a means to grow and discover herself. “It’s not always easy to see things differently, but I make an effort to do so,” she says. This philosophy is reflected in her practice. She doesn’t just see the water; she also sees its reflection. This way of seeing extends to everything she captures, always in search of new compositions, eager to unveil hidden beauty. Nanda plays with light and shadow, creating a dance that is both rhythmic and melancholic.

«Just as the river carves its path through the landscape, so do the challenges we face shape us. The trials and tribulations, the moments of uncertainty and doubt, they all contribute to our personal evolution. They teach us resilience, patience, and the art of adaptation. We learn that life’s true beauty lies not in the absence of obstacles but in our ability to overcome them. And as we continue along our journey, we learn to trust the flow of life, knowing that, just like the river, we are forever evolving, forever moving forward.»

In Nanda Hagenaars’ world, each photograph is a reflection of this philosophy. With her lens as a guide, she invites us to join her in exploring the intricate twists and turns of the river of life, finding meaning and beauty in every shot.

Nanda Hagenaars will present one of her shots at the Collater.al Photography exhibition at the Matalon Foundation in Milan from Sept. 22-24, 2023.

Rhythmic and melancholic dance in Nanda Hagenaars’ shots
Photography
Rhythmic and melancholic dance in Nanda Hagenaars’ shots
Rhythmic and melancholic dance in Nanda Hagenaars’ shots
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A book with unpublished photos of 2Pac has just been released

A book with unpublished photos of 2Pac has just been released

Collater.al Contributors · 1 week ago · Photography

“Tupac The Legend” is a forty-page volume containing a unique collection of images taken by Michel Haddi during a photo shoot in 1993 with 2Pac. The book, signed and numbered out of 500 copies, was released on September 13th and also revisits some of the rapper’s thoughts. What sets this book apart is the inclusion of quotes from Tupac himself, providing a deeper understanding of the artist’s thoughts and personality. «I am thrilled to present this limited edition book: ‘Tupac The Legend,’ featuring many previously unreleased images,» enthusiastically declares Micheal Haddi.

Haddi’s personal connection with Tupac adds a special layer to the book’s narrative. During their encounter, Haddi was inspired to portray Tupac in attire reminiscent of Martin Luther King Jr., a vision the rapper decided to embrace, and the result of which is reflected in the book.

Micheal Haddi’s own story is fascinating as well, from a turbulent childhood in Paris to collaborations with iconic figures in the fashion industry. His story is as compelling as his photography. In conclusion, “Tupac The Legend” aims to be a heartfelt visual tribute to the legacy of Tupac Shakur. This limited edition coffee table book, with its unpublished images and personal anecdotes, promises to be a valuable addition to the collections of fans and portrait enthusiasts of the rapper.

“Beyond Fashion” is the solo exhibition that will open on October 19, 2023, and will run until March 16, 2024 in Milan, at the29 Arts in Progress Gallery Milan.

Ph. credits Michel Haddi courtesy of 29 Arts in Progress, Sarah Coldron

A book with unpublished photos of 2Pac has just been released
Photography
A book with unpublished photos of 2Pac has just been released
A book with unpublished photos of 2Pac has just been released
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