Director:  Michelangelo Antonioni
Cast: David Hemmings, Vanessa Redgrave, Sarah Miles
UK, USA,111’, 1966, color

English with Turkish subtitles

The first European art film to enjoy mass popularity, Antonioni’s mod London romp/metaphysical conundrum exploded commercially and critically – its graphic after-effects still felt today in both pop culture and high art. David Hemmings’ iconic photographer divides his work into authentic art and vapid economic necessity, yet his egotistical objectification of reality and blasé ownership of the image tests the limits of such simplistic divisions. While endlessly distracted by the frivolity and sensual diversions of the 60s, the detached artist confronts a perverse fantasy of the photographer: uncovering an actual crime through his art. However, the “real” exposé lies within the essential problems of perception and representation. While Antonioni discretely removes characters and “facts” one-by-one, he finally throws the resolution to this veritable thriller audaciously into the viewer’s court.

Story of a Love Affair

Story of a Love Affair

Red Desert

Red Desert

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point

Identification of a Woman

Identification of a Woman

L’Avventura

L’Avventura

Blow-Up

Blow-Up

The Mystery of Oberwald

The Mystery of Oberwald

Shorts

Shorts

At the Order of the Padishah

At the Order of the Padishah

In this piece, Żmurko presents an exotic image of a harem chamber, replete with gleaming fabrics and scattered jewels, as a setting for the statuesquely beautiful body of an odalisque murdered “at the order of the padishah”. 

Dancing on Architecture

Dancing on Architecture

I think it was Frank Zappa – though others claim it was Laurie Anderson – who said in an interview that ‘writing on music is much like dancing on architecture’. 

Soothsayer Serenades I Beautiful People by Sarp Dakni

Soothsayer Serenades I Beautiful People by Sarp Dakni

Today we are thrilled to present the second playlist of Amrita Hepi’s Soothsayer Serenades series as part of the Notes for Tomorrow exhibition.