Hailing from New York, artist Esteban Jefferson’s practice explores matters of race, identity and the legacies of colonialism. Utilising photography, drawing, painting and sound as forms of documentation, Jefferson typically depicts the focal points of his compositions in great detail, creating a stark contrast between the subject or object in focus and the surrounding environment….
Early instances of hospital architecture dating back to the 9th century can be found in the Islamic world, where the field of medicine began to assume scientific prominence. These pioneering medical institutions were known as bimaristan and introduced innovative healthcare concepts, including the incorporation of elements like music, aesthetics, visitor areas and dedicated spaces for…
While Tunisia boasts a rich cultural heritage spanning millennia, a significant shift occurred in the dynamics between art and politics in the country following the 2011 Tunisian Revolution. An era of censorship gave way to a freedom of expression, sparking questions on how to use it. Pioneering the way in the contemporary art sphere, established…
British-born South Asian artist and writer, Osman Yousefzada’s practice employs various modes of storytelling across diverse mediums, compellingly blending elements of autobiography with fiction and ritual. Through moving image, installation, text, sculpture, garment design, and performance, the artist examines the representation and rupture of the migrational experience, making reference to current socio-political issues along the…
The first known films exploring Haiti emerged during the 1930s, while full-length movies produced within the nation became more prevalent in the latter part of the century. As the first Black Latin American nation to achieve independence, Haiti pioneered the way for others; however, its extraordinary contribution remains insufficiently acknowledged. From 18–31 October 2023, Barbican…
Mat Collishaw is a key figure within the influential cohort of British artists that came to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, graduating from Goldsmiths’ College. His participation in the seminal group exhibition Freeze in 1988, along with peers Damien Hirst and Sarah Lucas, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of British…
New York has long found ways to provide respite for city dwellers during its hot summers, offering various options from bathhouses and beaches to community pools and even floating pools moored along its rivers. However, during the 1960s and 70s, the city adopted one particularly innovative approach to ensure that everyone, even those who couldn’t…
With origins in the Arab world, the hammam, or Turkish bath, has its roots deeply embedded in the ancient practices of Roman and Byzantine bathhouses. These magnificent bathing facilities gained widespread popularity in the late 1400s, often situated in close proximity to mosques and medinas. They provided a refreshing respite from the rigours of daily…