A DOG'S HEART

Complicite. Can they do no wrong?
Mikhail Bulgakov's A Dog's Heart is a satirical fantasy written in 1925 and censored by the Soviet Union until 1987.
A clear swipe at communism, the authorities never wanted it to see the light of day.
A stray dog, close to starvation, is rescued and taken into the home of a famous surgeon. Once the dog is brought back to health the surgeon implants human testicles into the dog and waits to see the outcome…
The crude, idiotic man/dog fits easily into the communist regime that Bulgakov despises. He tows the party line and conforms to their extreme socialist views. And thus the writer's point is made.
We think Bulgakov would be proud of Complicite’s take on his work.
An incredible performance, fusing puppetry and more traditional styles of operatic delivery.
It’s insane, funny, sad, gross and endearing. And it demands your attention from beginning to end.

You’d have to have a cold heart not to love it.

David Lynch - Artist

When it comes to directors there aren’t many who match David Lynch for originality.

Some think of him as a god-like genius. Others think he’s completely mental.

Some of his work is deeply disturbing (Eraserhead and Blue Velvet) while others are gentle, touching portraits of human relationships (The Straight Story and The Elephant Man).

It is this constant reinvention and mass of contradictions that have made him famous.

However, what he’s less famous for is his art. Which doesn’t so much lean towards the darkside as run head long into it through barbed wire, over rusty nails taking you into hell.

His exhibitions are made even more disturbing by the constant industrial grinding sound that accompanies you on the dark journey through Lynch’s consciousness.

I won’t even begin to try and work out what’s going on in his head in these pieces. And looking at them, I’m not sure I want to know…

USB WALL.

Across New York, USB drives are appearing, embedded in walls, buildings and curbs. The idea is to create an anonymous, offline file-sharing network in a public space. The drives are completely public and anyone can plug in to drop and download files.

It's part of an art project called "Dead Drops" by Aram Bartholl and I have to say, it's cool as fuck. I'd have to plug in. It'd also be interesting to see what people would anonymously share on the public drive.

Shun-Kin

Complicite's version of the Japanese story ‘Shun-Kin’ (by Jun'ichir o Tanizaki) is a compelling portrait of sadomasochistic love.

The beginning of the story is told through a voiceover artist in a studio. The director then cleverly immerses you into the tale of a servant who falls in love with his blind master.

The subtle lighting and minimalist set make the story telling and characterization extremely powerful.

But what makes this truly amazing is the use of a puppet for the main character, for the first half of the performance.

On paper this sounds like it’s going to be pretty hard to take seriously. But at no time do you question it. It seamlessly fits with the story and actually helps convey the lead character’s weakness and vulnerability. Despite her ferocious temper.

Some might be put off by the thought of seeing a play about sadomasochism, that’s completely in Japanese (there’s subtitles projected on to the set) but don’t be. It’s well worth a look.

BEDTIME STORIES

The latest show from Faile. The artist collaborative returns on November 4th with Bedtime Stories. 'A singular visual archive that emphasizes the painterly dimensions of their frenetic visual tapestries.'

Faile never stop evolving. We weren't so keen on their last show Lost in Glimmering Shadows. However, this show is proof that they're back with a bang.

If you're lucky enough to be in the Big Apple soon don't miss out.

Nov 4th - Dec 23rd

Perry Rubenstein Gallery
527 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011
T 212.627.8000
F 212.627.6336
E info@perryrubenstein.com
www.perryrubenstein.com

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Modern Toss

If you’ve got bugger all to do this weekend why not waste your time going round the Modern Toss Exhibition at: Maverik Gallery, 68-72 Redchurch Street, E2

It runs runs until 11^th July.

Most of these hilarious prints will be there for sale, at some ridiculously over inflated price.

So why not buy one? And then shove it up your arse.

(Click on the visuals to make them big enough to read)

Football Photography

So, the stage is set for the South African 2010 World Cup Final, Spain v Holland.

It’s been fairly eventful, with Ghana being the first African nation to reach the semi finals. Argentina’s finest volleyball player entertaining the world’s press by slagging off the French, singing in press conferences and telling Pele he should be put in a museum. And England have gone home after performing like a bunch of over paid girls, who can’t keep it in their shorts.

However, there’s one group of people who you can guarantee will be at every World Cup to the end. And that’s Magnum’s Photographers. (A bit of a tenuous link, I know, but it gives us a chance to show you some of the pictures taken from Magnum's new essay titled 'Football Around The World.)

Shown below are a few examples.

The full version can be seen on their excellent website.