Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Goncharova and Takis exhibitions show contrasting styles at Tate Modern

By Amit Roy

AT TATE MODERN there are two exhibitions facing each other on the same floor but they could not be more different in character.


One features 170 works by the Russian avant-garde artist Natalia Goncharova (1881-1962), while the other, with 80 objects, is devoted to the innovative and ingenious use of "invisible forces,” such as magnetism by the Greek sculptor Takis (born Panagiotis Vassilakis in 1925).

Some countries, such as America obviously and India to some extent, inspire art that is big, bold and sweeping. There is no country to which this applies more than Russia.

Politically, the British government has fallen out badly with Russia's president Vladimir Putin, especially after the Salisbury poisoning, but curiously the art establishments in the two countries continue to enjoy a close relationship. Without such a partnership, an exhibition such that of Goncharova's work simply would not be possible. Many of her works are held at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

There are some wonderful paintings - for example, a self-portrait and a cyclist. My favourite is a winter scene which reminds me of the snow blizzards in David Lean's Doctor Zhivago. It is quintessentially Russia.

I like Goncharova's landscapes best because they reflect all that is stirring about the great Russian novels, from War and Peace to Crime and Punishment.

But, as is pointed out by Tate Modem, she was a woman of many parts. Her "artistic output traces, influences and transcends the art movements of the 20th century.”

She "was inspired by the traditional customs and cultures of her native Central Russia - inspirations that pervade her life's works.

"Goncharova was feted for her vibrant costume and set designs for the Ballet Russes.”

The exhibition includes "her scandalous paintings of nudes, the first public display of which led to her trial for obscenity" and her religious paintings.

At the other end, the Takis exhibition deals with matters which are out of this world - literally. Michael Wellen, curator, international art at Tate Modern, explained he had met the artist in Athens during the preparation for the exhibition but, at 93, Ta-Ids was too frail to attend the formal opening last week.

Takis is described as "a sculptor of magnetism, light and sound."

The idea behind his work is deceptively simple. A magnet can make a ferrous object move.

Using this basic fact of physics, Takis has made metal rods strike against strings and produces music - weird sounds, anyway. He has made metal spheres go round in circles under the influence of magnetic forces, there-by imitating the movement of planets and stars in the universe.

Visitors are told that throughout his 70-year career, Takis "produced antennae-like sculptures called Signals- thin, flexible poles topped with found objects or electric lights which gently sway in response to their surroundings.

"From the 1950s, Takis became increasingly fascinated by radar and began exploring magnetism as a way to reinvent sculpture. In 1960, he created the ephemeral action The Impossible - Man in Space, in which he suspended the poet Sinclair Beiles in mid-air through a system of magnets while he recited the Magnetic Manifesto.

"Takis sourced many of his materials from military surplus shops and flea markets. From the radio antennas of US army jeeps to salvaged aeroplanes, he transformed technologies of warfare into monuments of beauty and contemplation. The exhibition closes with Takis's Musical Sphere 1985 and Gong 1978, made from the rusted wall of a tanker.”

Natalia Goncharova is at Tate Modern until September 8, 2019. Takis is at Tate Modern until October 27, 2019.

More For You

Unaccustomed Earth Netflix

Siddharth and Freida Pinto team up for Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories

Getty Images

Siddharth and Freida Pinto lead Netflix’s adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ centred on scandalous affair shaking an immigrant community

Highlights:

  • Siddharth to co-star with Freida Pinto in Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth
  • Series based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning short story collection
  • John Wells and Madhuri Shekar leading the adaptation with Ritesh Batra directing two episodes
  • Cast includes Indraneil Sengupta, Adi Roy, Sarayu Blue, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig

Actor Siddharth has joined Freida Pinto in Unaccustomed Earth, Netflix’s highly anticipated adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s celebrated short story collection. The new drama, combining elements of family conflict with romance, marks Siddharth’s latest international outing. With Pinto leading the cast, the series promises to bring Lahiri’s themes of migration, love, and identity to a global audience.

Unaccustomed Earth Netflix Siddharth and Freida Pinto team up for Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Aamir Khan

Coolie hits £47m worldwide as fake ‘big mistake’ quote on Aamir Khan cameo goes viral

Instagram/sunpictures

Aamir Khan did not call his ‘Coolie’ cameo a mistake, fact-check confirms amid record-breaking run

Highlights:

  • Viral clipping claimed Aamir Khan called his cameo in Coolie “a big mistake”
  • The image showed fabricated quotes criticising the role and script
  • Fact checks confirm no credible record of Aamir making such remarks
  • Despite mixed reactions, Coolie has crossed £41.75 million (₹500 crore) globally

Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed stars, has become the subject of a viral claim alleging he regretted his cameo in Coolie. The Rajinikanth starrer, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, featured Aamir in a brief special appearance. Social media posts claimed Aamir called the cameo “a big mistake”, but fact checks have found no evidence he ever said this. The controversy surfaced as the film continues its strong box office run.

Aamir Khan Coolie hits £47m worldwide as fake ‘big mistake’ quote on Aamir Khan cameo goes viral Instagram/sunpictures

Keep ReadingShow less
Henry Cavill

The remake is being directed by Chad Stahelski

Getty Images

Henry Cavill injury pushes back ‘Highlander’ remake to 2026

Highlights:

  • Actor Henry Cavill injured during training before filming began on Highlander.
  • The remake of the 1986 fantasy-action classic will now start production in 2026.
  • Cast includes Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan and Dave Bautista.
  • Film directed by Chad Stahelski for Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists.

Injury delays production

British actor Henry Cavill has suffered an injury during pre-production training for the remake of Highlander. The incident occurred just days before filming was due to begin, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

As a result, production on the fantasy-action reboot has been pushed back and is now expected to begin in 2026.

Keep ReadingShow less
Coldplay Wembley record

Coldplay light up Wembley with a record 10-night run

Instagram/coldplay

Coldplay break Wembley Stadium record overtaking Taylor Swift as Chris Martin signals world tour pause

Highlights:

  • Coldplay end their record-breaking 10-night run at Wembley Stadium
  • The shows are part of their global Music of the Spheres Tour
  • The tour has now sold over 12 million tickets worldwide
  • Friday’s show was rescheduled after a transport strike in London

Coldplay have celebrated their record-breaking achievement at Wembley Stadium with a dazzling finale, making headlines as they set a new benchmark for live music. The British band’s 10-night stint marked the longest run of concerts ever at the venue, cementing their legacy while also driving massive global interest in their Wembley Stadium record. The marathon shows form part of their ongoing Music of the Spheres Tour, which has already sold more than 12 million tickets worldwide.

Coldplay light up Wembley with a record 10-night run Instagram/coldplay

Keep ReadingShow less