PHOTOGRAPHY: NEW YORK
Magnum Contact Sheets
The Magnum Contact Sheets exhibition now at New York’s Milk Gallery offers a rare glimpse behind methods used by photographers whose work comprises the vast Magnum photo agency collection, gathered since the 1930s onwards. The exhibition focuses on photographers’ contact sheets (the collections of thumbnail images produced during analogue photography that some of the world’s most famous shots will originally have been chosen from), displaying the story behind how sharp-eyed shooters arrive at a single choice frame. The exhibition includes work from photographers such as one-time Magnum president Elliott Erwitt, Swiss documentary photographer Rene Burri and British satirical image-maker Martin Parr.
Milk Gallery, 450 W 15th Street. Open Monday to Friday, 10.00-18.00; Saturday to Sunday, 11.00-18.30.
themilkgallery.com
THEATRE FESTIVAL: TORONTO
Toronto Fringe Festival
Toronto Fringe Festival of theatre is currently taking place at venues across the city. This Saturday check out Centre of the Universe by Torontonian troupe Theatre Lab at Labyrinth Lounge on Brunswick Avenue. It’s a tale of four people trapped in a bar during a state of emergency following an attack on the Toronto’s iconic CN Tower. For something more lighthearted, opt for Chasing Margaret Flatwood taking place at Campbell House Museum. This satirical fiction piece tells the story of a rich author who has fallen from favour in literary circles and in the view of famed rival Margaret Flatwood (a not-so-thinly veiled homage to the real-life Toronto author Margaret Atwood). Expect plenty of awkward moments delivered with biting wit.
Times and venues vary. See website for details. Until 13 July.
fringetoronto.com
ART: LONDON
Art in Mind – Infatuation
This weekend at London’s Brick Lane Gallery, a group of international artists are looking at love and infatuation in all its forms – people, art, nature – and seeing where their organic thoughts wander. The show features works ranging from the complex pen-and-ink illustrations of New Zealander Kim Greig to the emotive fine-art paintings of Danish artist Alexandra Kay. Other up-and-coming artists contributing to the show’s indulgent spread of new talent include South Africa’s Gareth Scott, Polish talent Robert Andler-Lipski and Brits Liz Worley, Paul Wood and Jeremy Scott-Miller. Visitors should also feel even better about themselves for supporting new art as 10 per cent of sales from Kay’s works will be donated to the charity Teens Unite Fighting Cancer.
Brick Lane Gallery, The Annexe, 93-95 Sclater Street. Open Monday to Saturday, 10.00-18.00; Sunday, 12.00-18.00. Until 13 July.
thebricklanegallery.com
SCULPTURE: BUENOS AIRES
Richard Long: Mendoza Walking
British artist Richard Long is highly acclaimed for his sculptures, photography and paintings that focus largely on natural landscapes. But the Turner Prize winner with a 40-year career is only now making his Latin American debut, entitled Mendoza Walking, at the Faena Arts Center in Buenos Aires. Taking inspiration from a 17-day trek through the Andes mountains, on display are two site-specific sculptures accompanying a selection of photographs documenting the journey. “Andes-Paraná” is a wall installation constructed out of mud gathered from the Gauyracá stream in Brazil’s Paraná delta. While everyone might be astounded by the massive scale of this geometric piece, it’s worth remembering that the real thing is even bigger.
Faena Arts Center, Aime Paine 1169, Puerto Madero. Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 12.00-19.00. Until 28 July.
faena.com
MUSIC: GLOBAL
Comet Gain: Paperback Ghosts
London’s Comet Gain are one of those little-bit secret bands who once you know about, you’ll be confused, slightly shocked and perhaps even a little bit heartbroken that it’s taken 20 years for their bittersweet brand of perfect jangle-pop to come your way. But don’t fear, Comet Gain’s way with an achingly melodic chorus is on hand to see you through. Latest album, Paperback Ghosts, is packed with those across nostalgic, pretty songs that take inspiration from their home city’s weathered lustre. And if song titles such as “Sad Love and Other Short Stories” sound a little bit overly introspective and melancholic for some listeners then that’s ok. The best secrets can’t be shared with just anyone.
‘Paperback Ghosts’ is available to buy now.
fortunapop.com
