Editor's Log 023
Anniversaries, new drops, and me actually getting work done.
Hi all,
Welcome back to the Editor’s Log - on time, for once! This was a fun week: lots of news dropping, lots of things to say, and I actually got some writing done too. Check out my piece on Beuford Smith and my review of Riz Ahmed’s Bait.
Monday
Frieze reviewed Jill Westwood’s ongoing show at NEVEN Gallery. I’d never heard of her before, but her work seems really cool, very much my kind of thing. Definitely need to head down before it closes.
I also linked my friend Dylan at his art studio. Dylan’s been doing his thing for a while now, and I think it’s time more people knew about it. If you don’t know his work, you need to tap in.
Tuesday
New Dean Blunt in collaboration with Celeste! Two people I rate enormously, so this was a pleasant surprise to wake up to. I love the tune, only real complaint is that it’s not longer.
Cult London venue Lost has officially secured a rolling contract at its current site. I’ve never been myself and it seems like one of those places people either love or can’t stand. Hopefully it stays open until I’m 18 at least, then I can form my own opinion.
Lauren Auder joined Lea Ogunlami on her Foundation FM show for a really enjoyable set. I’m a fan of both of them individually, so watching their worlds collide was a treat.
Wednesday
A conversation between Hans Ulrich Obrist and Alexander Kluge was unarchived by e-flux. I’ll be honest, it’s not the easiest read; it meanders a bit and assumes a lot of knowledge, but stick with it, because there are some really rich ideas in there. Definitely worth your time.
Dialled In has launched their own record label! They’re describing it as “dedicated to developing and amplifying boundary-pushing South Asian artists on a global stage,” which is an exciting proposition. Dialled In have always had great taste and a clear sense of what they’re doing, so I have a lot of faith in this. Very excited to see what direction they take it in.
Also, a few anniversaries worth marking this week. 15 years of Katy B’s On A Mission. What an album. Timeless rave music. Every track still hits, it still sounds current, it still makes you want to be on a dancefloor somewhere.
10 years of Dean Blunt and DJ Escrow’s BBF too. Another forever classic. That album has a texture unlike anything else, it just sits in its own world.
And 9 years since the death of Darcus Howe. A political hero of mine, and one of the most important figures in British political history. His courage, his clarity, his refusal to be spoken over… His impact really can’t be overstated. Legend doesn’t cover it.
Thursday
Grace Ladoja is the first Nigerian woman to collaborate on a Nike signature shoe. Honestly, it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person; she’s been a powerhouse in global culture for years, operating across music, fashion, sport, community-building, all of it simultaneously. The collab makes complete sense. And the trainers themselves are some of my favourite TN colourways I’ve ever seen.
Olivia Dean is on the cover of Elle this month. I’m such a fan. Anything she does, I’m immediately interested. The interview is worth reading too; she namechecks bell hooks and Audre Lorde, which tells you everything you need to know.
The Saka Sauce is back!! I have to be real with you, it tastes a bit shit. I don’t know how to put it more gently than that. But Reuben Dangoor absolutely did a madness on the packaging art, so at least it looks incredible on the shelf.
Friday
I wrote about the work of one of my favourite photographers, Beuford Smith.
Rico Ace and Wiley both announced new tapes. Rico only has a handful of solo releases under his belt, so I’m curious to see how this one takes shape. And Wiley announced Tunnel Vision 7, due April 6th. I’ll believe it when I see it.
Saturday
I went to the Horse Hospital’s Palestine and Lebanon fundraiser. I’m not sure I got there at the right time though, because nothing really caught my eye in the way I was hoping. Maybe the best things had already gone, maybe I just wasn’t in the right headspace. Either way, the chocolate cookie was excellent, so no complaints. Oh, and Celeste came up to me and said she liked my hat!!
Sunday
One of my favourite writers, Archie Forde, covered the Xaviersobased show for Crack Magazine. He has a really distinctive voice, very considered but never stiff, and this piece is a good one.
And I reviewed Riz Ahmed’s latest show, Bait. It’s a really interesting piece of TV. I had a lot of thoughts, which is always a good sign. If you disagree with me, let me know…
Until next week,
Sik
P.S. Put me on!
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