‘One request for Venice, Okwui: please not too much film’
Director of Ikon gallery in England and curator Jonathan Watkins on what he sees as the big art world developments in 2015
Jonathan Watkins
Which exhibition or event are you most looking forward to in 2015 and why?
‘On Kawara — Silence (February 6 to 3 May). In my opinion On Kawara was one of the best artists of the 20 century — and the 21st, too!’
What do you predict will be the most significant development or biggest talking point in art in the year ahead, and why?
‘Okwui Enwezor’s Venice Biennale semi-certainly will be the biggest talking point in my corner of the art world. One request, Okwui, please not too much film. I predict that there will be no significant development in art, unfortunately.’
Which artist most excites you right now, and why?
‘Nástio Mosquito (main image at top, as Nastivicious working with Vic Pereiró, and below). He’s an artist whose work — performance and video — is extremely engaging, very smart and refreshingly politically incorrect.’
Nástio Mosquito, 3 Continents, 2010. Video, 745’. © Nástio Mosquito. Courtesy the artist and Ikon.
Tell us about the project that you are working on/showcasing in 2015.
‘Well, how could I then not mention the project with Nástio Mosquito I'm organising for Venice? Nástio Mosquito will also be the subject of an exhibition at Ikon, and there will also be shows by A. K. Dolven, Vanley Burke and Fiona Banner. Also, a survey of work by Fiona Banner, a star in the firmament of British art, at Ikon during Frieze.’
Main image: Nastivicious, Acts, 2012. Video, 1217’. © Nastivicious. Courtesy the artist and Ikon
Portrait: Jonathan Watkins. Courtesy of Ikon
Exterior of Ikon, Photo Stuart Whipps. Courtesy Ikon. Interior of Ikon, Photo Nigel Barker. Courtesy Ikon.
Interior of Ikon, Photo Stuart Whipps. Courtesy Ikon