Continuum of repair : The Light of Jacob’s Ladder

Brilliant installation at the Whitechapel Gallery by Kader Attia.

It seemed to consist of two parts. Firstly there was a huge square of bookshelves with a cabinet of curiosities in the middle. Above the cabinet was a mirror on the ceiling giving the impression that the shelves went on for ever. It was really effective and was a peaceful space to walk around. I am not sure what it meant but I didn’t really mind as I liked it and it had an effect.

At the far end of the room were some beautiful busts of disfigured First World War soldiers. They had the perfection of classical sculpture yet with damaged faces. It gave the impression that it was the art work not the person who was damaged. Each one was shown with a Muslim antique learning board. Again I am not quite sure why but it worked!

I wish  had sneaked a photograph as there are none on the website.

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