Wednesday, 22 December 2010

The Saatchi's collection in Lille, France

 Shadi Ghadirian - "Untitled from the Like Everyday Series"


While waiting for the opening of Saatchi's highly-criticised museum in London, the Saatchi Gallery presents an exhibition of more than 60 works from its famous contemporary art collection in Lille, France. 

Entitled "The Silk Road" [La Route de la Soie] this show is organised by lille3000 and takes place at the Tri Postal, a trendy contemporary art space which held exhibitions on Indian art and Pinault’s private collection in the past. I had the chance to visit it last week.
"The Silk Road" is a reference to the ancient trade routes between Asia and Europe which linked China to the Middle East via India from the 2nd century BC… Hence the fact that it showcases artworks from Chinese, Iranian, Lebanese artists amongst other nationalities... I had seen most of the artworks in London, and even had "to deal with" Pakistani artist Huma Mulji's "Arabian Delight," an artwork which consists in a camel folded in a suitcase which caused a stir at the 2008’s Art Dubai fair but I found the show of great interest.

Qiu Jie  - "Portrait of Mao"

One of the highlights is the installation of the Franco-Algerian artist Kader Attia, an aluminium-made group of no-face people praying. It is highly impressive and almost scary, I loved it!
The show runs until 16th January so go and visit it if you have a chance to!