Spatial Aspiration
Laurent Kronental’s Souvenir d’un Futur documents the lives of residents in the Grands Ensembles, the distinctive housing projects around Paris.
Is the process as important as the outcome? It’s an interesting question and I suppose it depends on the context of any given situation. I truly believe that we do learn from our mistakes and so, with that adage close to my heart manifested in all that I do, it seems that I align more to the former rather than the latter notion. However, I will contradict myself here because sometimes when you’re making / creating something, it’s not until the very end that it all “comes together” to produce a stellar final result. Overall, perhaps it’s the circumstances that define the rules of engagement?
This issue is about both beginnings and ends, and in many ways the spaces in between. We explore the growing trends of green fashion and look at how sustainability is no longer an option but really a must in this industry. However, with designers like Stella McCartney and Gucci following suit, it means that definitions of “green” are changing. Pompidou opens an extensive retrospective of French designer Pierre Paulin, which looks at how he continuously used functionality, together with practicality, to create long-lasting pieces, most notably his chairs. We also take a look at the sheer ingenuity behind Japanese architecture: its clever use of space, light and shapes creates some of the world’s most unique buildings.
In photography, Photo London returns to the capital this May and we give you an overview of some of this year’s highlights. The stunning self-portraits of Alicia Savage depict a greater universality, while the work of Cara Barer demonstrates the artist’s fascination with experimentation; paper becomes her muse. Laurent Kronental presents a different view of Parisian social housing by showing its grandeur and design, and Christopher Payne’s images are a glimpse into abandoned interiors and how, in the process of breaking down, a new type of beauty emerges. Joshua Jordan, cover photographer this issue, portrays the fun, glamour and nostalgia of youth. Finally, the Last Words go to Francesco Pergolesi, who speaks about the process of looking through a detailed series Heroes, which examines interior spaces.
Laurent Kronental’s Souvenir d’un Futur documents the lives of residents in the Grands Ensembles, the distinctive housing projects around Paris.
Centre Pompidou launches a retrospective of the still influential French designer whose craft, power and pragmatism set his work apart.
Constituting an imaginative reinterpretation of historical eras and literary masterpieces, Tagliavini explores idiosyncratic themes and characters.
For Alicia Savage, self-portraiture is a means to explore her past and present, including the literal and metaphorical journeys that she takes.
The spirit of pilgrimage is evoked in a striking new performance, Songs of the Wanderers, which looks at tradition through contemporary eyes.
A major exhibition opens at Tate Modern, creating a conversation between the dangers of domesticity and the depths of identity today.
Pervading Joshua Jordan’s charismatic works are figures who observe and undermine the borders in which they exist.
The Museum of Modern Art, New York, explores ideas of community as an intrinsic part of the aesthetics of contemporary Japanese architects.
Photo London spans decades, genres and use of both analogue and digital methods, showcasing an evolution of the artistic practice of photography.
Heroes is a photographic project that started in Italy in 2013. It is about craft shops and artisans that are disappearing.
Photographer Christopher Payne originally trained as an architect and has dedicated himself to the exploration of America’s industrial heritage.