Jack Whitten’s exhibition ‘Speedchaser’ at Hauser & Wirth in London and a forthcoming major retrospective at MoMA highlight his profound impact on contemporary American art. In the 1970s, Whitten transformed his artistic practice from Abstract Expressionism to unique methods that combined personal tools and automated processes. Influenced by John Coltrane, he developed techniques that created rich textural surfaces with an array of unconventional tools, which defined his innovative approach. The exhibition ‘Speedchaser’ features notable works from this dynamic decade, including his Greek Alphabet series and totemic wooden sculptures. Discussions with artists like Glenn Ligon and curator Zoé Whitley reveal Whitten’s legacy: an abstractionist who engaged deeply with social and cultural narratives, using art as a powerful medium to express complex ideas. Ligon reflects on how Whitten’s work taught him to blend abstraction and figuration, particularly in conveying identity and history through the medium. Whitten’s creative process was influenced significantly by philosophical texts, reshaping his understanding of art’s temporal and spatial qualities. His experimentation with sculptural techniques informed his paintings, and he embraced a metaphysical dimension, allowing for spiritual exploration within his work. The forthcoming MoMA retrospective will celebrate Whitten’s contributions, affirming his role as a generous mentor to younger artists and a pivotal figure in the evolution of contemporary art across diverse communities.

Jack Whitten, an influential figure in American contemporary art, made significant strides away from traditional gestural Abstract Expressionism. In the 1970s, he adopted innovative techniques that involved the use of improvised tools to create textured surfaces, which were inspired by his admiration for jazz music and particular cultural narratives. His exhibitions, including ‘Speedchaser’, showcase his evolution as an artist who explored complex themes through abstraction, firmly establishing his legacy in both the art world and among younger generations of artists.

Jack Whitten’s innovative contributions to contemporary art, showcased in the ‘Speedchaser’ exhibition and his upcoming MoMA retrospective, serve as a testament to his unique approach to materiality and abstraction. Through his inventive techniques and commitment to cultural narratives, Whitten not only transformed his own practice but also influenced numerous artists by encouraging them to explore the boundaries of abstraction and representation. His legacy as a mentor and his profound impact on artistic expression continue to inspire new generations.

Original Source: www.wallpaper.com

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The World Travel Market (WTM) in London was inaugurated by Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, honouring Greece at this prestigious international tourism exhibition. The event featured 81 Greek co-exhibitors under the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), showcasing Greece’s robust tourism sector. A significant outcome was the memorandum of cooperation signed with easyJet, aiming to foster sustainable tourism development over the next three years. Kefalogianni engaged in various media interviews during WTM, highlighting Greece’s tourism success in 2023 and projecting 2024 to be even better. She emphasized a focus on quality tourism and balancing visitor distribution across regions. Following the WTM, she inaugurated the 2024 OPAP Marathon Expo, celebrating its global recognition and the innovative technologies presented therein.

The World Travel Market (WTM) serves as a critical platform for countries to showcase tourism offerings and develop international relationships. Greece’s participation, this year marked by being the honoured country, underscores its commitment to boost tourism through strategic partnerships. Such exhibitions allow for networking among travel operators and promote Greece’s diverse attractions, contributing significantly to its economy.

Greece’s participation in WTM 2023 highlights its longstanding commitment to enhancing tourism through strong partnerships and innovative strategies. With a focus on sustainable practices and quality experiences, Greece is poised to continue its growth trajectory in the tourism sector, building on a record year and forecasting further successes for the future.

Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com

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Incubus has announced a major headline show at London’s O2 Arena set for April 26, 2025. This performance will be their exclusive date in the UK and Ireland, where the band will present their celebrated 2001 album, Morning View, in full, alongside several of their classic hits. This follows their recent US tour where they also played Morning View entirely. Tickets for this eagerly anticipated event will be available from November 8 at 10 am. Additionally, the band is set to release a re-recorded version of their iconic album, titled Morning View XXIII, through Virgin Music Group. Frontman Brandon Boyd elaborated on the album’s legacy and the artistry involved: “In 2001 we rented a house at the sea to do an art experiment… This album helped propel our little art experiment called Incubus into a way of life,” he noted. Boyd emphasized that the re-recording is a tribute to both the original and their current musicianship, stating, “See you in London soon!”. Morning View remains Incubus’ highest-selling album, achieving double Platinum status in the US and Gold in the UK.

Incubus is a Californian rock band known for their artistic and eclectic music style. Their album *Morning View*, released in 2001, was a significant success, cementing their status in the music industry with over two million copies sold in the US alone. The upcoming headline show in London not only marks a celebration of this milestone album but also reflects the band’s commitment to evolving their music while honouring their roots. Their recent re-recording and re-release of *Morning View* under the title *Morning View XXIII* showcases their desire to revisit and reinterpret this influential body of work.

In summary, Incubus will perform *Morning View* in full during their only UK show at the O2 Arena in London on April 26, 2025. The concert will highlight the band’s rich musical legacy, alongside the upcoming re-release of *Morning View XXIII*. Tickets will be on sale starting November 8, 2023.

Original Source: www.loudersound.com

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