Richard Mosse, an esteemed photographer, was born in 1980 in Kilkenny, Ireland. He pursued his education in fine art at Goldsmiths and later obtained an MFA in photography from Yale. Conflict serves as a prominent theme in his work, gaining recognition for his use of infrared film to capture the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in striking landscapes with shocking pink hues. His artistic achievements include winning the Deutsche Börse prize in 2014 and the Prix Pictet in 2017 for his video installation “Incoming,” which sheds light on the migrant crisis in Europe. Recent endeavors involve documenting the destruction of lives and ecosystems in the Amazon. Mosse is one of the distinguished artists participating in the Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London from June 21 to September 3.
1. Film
“Killer of Sheep” (dir Charles Burnett, 1978)
This exceptional film, in my opinion, is one of the most aesthetically pleasing films I have ever encountered. It was meticulously created on a limited budget, utilizing black and white 16mm cinematography. Personally, it inspired me to follow suit and explore filmmaking myself. The narrative revolves around a devoted slaughterhouse worker whose efforts are continuously overshadowed by society’s neglect, leaving him utterly drained. The film encapsulates his life, struggles, and the unrequited love from his wife. The delicate and poignant scenes of children playing add a special touch. Upon revisiting it recently, I couldn’t help but appreciate the skillful and masterful use of the long lens.
2. Book
“Postcapitalist Desire: The Final Lectures” by Mark Fisher
I have just delved into this captivating book. It serves as my introduction to the works of Mark Fisher, and his insights on hauntology, exploring the remnants of modernity and the yearning for utopia resonate deeply with me. As an artist, I am also intrigued by the potential of psychedelics, which often find their way into my own creations. Fisher’s publication comprises his lectures delivered at Goldsmiths prior to his passing in 2017. Despite its somber nature, I anticipate that it will stimulate my thoughts, encouraging fresh ideas for my own artistic pursuits.
3. Documentary
“The Territory” (dir Alex Pritz, 2022)
While working on my documentary “Broken Spectre,” I discovered that “The Territory” had been concurrently produced. However, the two films diverged significantly in their focus. Pritz dedicated his efforts to the state of Rondônia in Brazil, specifically highlighting the struggles faced by the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau people amidst rampant deforestation for large-scale monocultural plantations. Pritz embarked on this documentary journey just as the pandemic surfaced, leading him to entrust his subjects with cameras to continue capturing footage. The resulting film is truly remarkable.
4. Photobook
“Dialect” by Felipe Romero Beltrán
Although I am not yet acquainted with Beltrán’s body of work, this book strikes a chord with me as it commemorates the experiences of refugees. Beltrán collaborated with nine Moroccan migrants in Seville to create a collection of extraordinary photographs. Approaching the topic of refugees as an artist or storyteller is undoubtedly challenging. The subject matter is highly sensitive, making it difficult to explore new perspectives. However, Beltrán manages to adopt a performative approach, resulting in spare yet impactful images. Collaborating with the subjects proves to be a fruitful endeavor, effectively capturing the essence of their narratives.
5. Place
Lough Avalla Farm looped walk in County Clare, Ireland
Every visit to the Burren presents an opportunity for me to immerse myself in the scenic Lough Avalla Farm looped walk. Its ever-changing landscape, with its winding paths through shrubbery inhabited by wild goats and long-haired cows, exudes absolute magnificence. Farmer Harry Jeuken, welcoming visitors with complimentary tea and cake at his cozy tea house, harbors intriguing beliefs. He posits that there exists an energy from outer space channeled through the aerial-like rocks he strategically positioned across the farm to fatten up the goats. This walk holds a special place in my heart.
6. Art
“An-My Lê: Between Two Rivers” at MoMA, New York
An-My Lê has been a profound source of inspiration for me throughout the years, making it incredibly exciting that her retrospective will be showcased at MoMA this November. As a Vietnam-born artist who sought refuge in the US during her childhood, she possesses a unique and extraordinary perspective on the world. Much of her work revolves around various aspects of the US war machine, including a remarkable series focused on civil war generals’ statues and another exploring Vietnam war re-enactments. Lê’s photography talent is truly exceptional.
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