Ian Bunn | Political & Popular Culture Arts

Long gone are the days when I just used to be (October 16th)

Mark Wallinger the 52 year old UK artist, and 2007 Turner Prize winner for his meticulous recreation at the Tate Britain, of peace campaigner Brian Haw’s protest outside of the UK parliament against policies toward Iraq, acknowledges that now the majority of his work comes via commissions or competitions. In an interview with Nicholas Wroe of the Guardian, Wallinger stated, “I admit that long gone are the days when I just used to be in my studio painting, and when I finished one piece I’d just start on another, but things still need to be interesting stepping-off points”. While now settling for work in set design for ballets and opera, Wallinger’s earlier work was noted for its social commentary focusing on social class and nationalism, ultimately winning him the prestigious Turner Prize.

Inspired by Nicholas Wroe http://ow.ly/6KNbe image source theinternational.ae http://ow.ly/6KNjS

We just come from a bad place (October 6th)

Steve Rodney McQueen the 41 year old UK artist and filmmaker has released his new work titled ‘Shame’ at the Venice Film Festival to much acclaim. The film is about a 30+ male sex addict having issues managing his sexual urges after his sister moves in with him. The main character Brandon, skilled at the easy pickups, is constrained by his sister’s presence and disastrous activities including self harm, and a relationship with his boss. McQueen’s films are typically black and white minimalistic pieces, projected on an enclosed art gallery wall. He often appeared in his own earlier works, and is renowned for restaging a Buster Keaton stunt titled ‘Deadpan’ where a house collapses leaving him standing and unscathed through a window opening. McQueen is a Turner Prize winner, and received the Caméra d’Or Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Inspired by Ann Binlot http://ow.ly/6FVTA image source futureshipwreck http://ow.ly/6FW7E