nathaniel (multiplied)
south african art
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aidsafari, by Adam Levin
Adam Levin next to his new book.
Went to the book launch for aidsafari last evening. It started with its author, Adam Levin, saying something like, “I’m really happy to be here tonight. No, really; you have no idea how happy I am to be here.” (Bu-dum-cha.)
I’m not sure I can describe what it was like to hear readings about Adam’s life. It was sad, inspiring, romantic, voyeuristic, unreal. I don’t know him, and I’m not sure if I’ll read his book – but I have immense respect for what he is trying to do.
The book is not heroic, says Adam. It is simply about his struggle to survive, “what anyone would do.” From what I heard of / from it, it’s funny. It’s gut-wrenching. It’s honest. But mostly, it’s for many others with (or without) AIDS to find a safe space, to find hope. He was literally on death’s door not long ago – and after 2 years of dancing, crying and tiara wearing, he’s living (I wouldn’t say well, but it’s all relative – and this man loves living, so I guess he’d say well), and with his new book.
(paraphrasing) “It’s not about testing postitive or negative. The world has AIDS; live a lesson in compassion.”
Available in bookshops all over South Africa, and online from exclusive.
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thanks mr kaganof / homeowner blues
Had a great and fun chat about various Joburg niceties, video art in the age of digitalia, spritiualism online, and wherever else (Aryan) Kaganof’s, Nicola’s or my fancies took us. It was a good start to the morning, with coffee and dessert – looking forward to hearing more about the Rotterdam Film Festival, for which Aryan is putting together a Johannesburg program (I did a new short piece for them). It sounds like there are some great works on board – I hope Aryan will put some of them up here, or at least toss us/me (which I’ll post) links to them!
Then, went to Colleen’s for an afternoon of work, only to receive a call (within minutes of my arrival) that there’s a leak in my shower. Rush home, call plumber: NOT A WASHER – whole tap needs replacing, several thousand rand, NOT including the fact that we will have to find matching tiles, or replace everything, and also pay a tiler, etc. They just plugged it up for now, as I scramble for a way to pay for it….
Sigh.
I guess we at least have a bath for now, otherwise I’d smell more than usual.
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the | premises
OMG, I had no idea that the premises gallery was so good at documenting their shows!
I was there cuz I mentioned I wrote a review of Sean Slemon’s show to Marcus Neustetter, and he said to get some of the images from their site. It’s so good to see a South African small gallery with so many current images! It’s a rarity, a find, and something to learn from for other galleries. Woot.
