Editor's Log 026
Tate Britain, Kibo's homecoming, Boards of Canada, and a custom Dior nappy.
Hi all,
Welcome back to the Editor’s Log. Didn’t go out too much this week, but never a dull day.
Monday
Business of Fashion put out a survival guide for independent brands. If you’re running something small (or thinking about it), it’s definitely worth a read, at least as far as I can tell.
Tuesday
Brian Eno, Mechatok, Massive Attack and others signed an open letter urging organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest to ban Israel this year. They argue that the competition should apply the same standard used when Russia was excluded after its invasion of Ukraine. If you’re an artist reading this, click here to join the boycott and geoblock your music from Israel.
Polygon Portal, a new listening lounge, is opening in London next month. The programmed albums aren’t entirely my thing, but they’re pairing records with commissioned essays, which could be where it gets interesting. I’ll reserve judgement for now.
Little Simz has started teasing a new era, and it sounds like she’s leaning further into dance territory. Drop 7 hinted at it, so I’m curious to see that direction fully realised.
The British Art Show returns for its tenth edition, with artists like Liz Johnson Artur and Alvaro Barrington involved. I’ll definitely be heading down once it opens.
Wednesday
Boards of Canada are set to return next month with their first album in thirteen years. It’s only just clicked for me how many of my favourite electronic artists passed through Edinburgh; there’s clearly something in the water.
Jesse Bernard is launching his new book next week at Reference Point. That one feels like a must-attend.
Thursday
Rihanna covers W Magazine; one shoot with baby Rocki, one without. The custom Dior nappy is ridiculous in the best way, but I actually prefer the Chanel cover. There’ve been so many strong covers across magazines recently, it feels like everyone’s trying to outdo each other.
Friday
The LVMH Prize finalists are in. I’m rooting for Petra Fagerström, this feels like her moment.
Palantir dropped merch, which is… something. If you’re buying into that, just remember the countless war crimes they’ve been involved in, if not the 22-point manifesto they put out last week.
Guvna B’s new album is finally here. It’s strong, not quite The Village Is On Fire, but still well worth your time.
I finally made it to Tate Britain for Hurvin Anderson’s retrospective. I thought I’d connect with the work more than I did, but the curation by Dominique Heyse-Moore and Jasmine Kaur Chohan is excellent. Also, I can’t lie, Tate Britain as a whole surprised me, and the Chris Ofili mural in the stairwell is incredible.
Then I went to Tate Modern for Tracey Emin’s Second Life. I’ve never been fully sold on her, but seeing the breadth of her practice in one place was definitely illuminating.
In the evening, I went to Kibo’s homecoming show. Literally everyone I know was there. Keko and Xtiana set the tone perfectly, and Kibo himself is just operating on a different wavelength. The show had this loose narrative where people were wrestling him on stage for the “Kweffy World Champ” title, and he brought out Jawnino too. I had a great time, and I met Novelist for the first time (very sound guy.)
Saturday
Happy would-be 98th to Cy Twombly, one of the greatest to ever do it. I’d love to see a proper London retrospective at some point.
And Lubaina Himid got married, big congratulations to her.
Sunday
The London Marathon took over the city. Huge well done to everyone who ran, and especially Sabastian Sawe on breaking the record. It almost made me want to go for a run…almost.
And finally, Rihanna linked up with Diya; a long overdue crossover, and a very powerful one for India’s global cultural standing.
Until next week,
Sik
P.S. I’m looking for speaking engagements, so if that’s you, get in touch.