Cathy's Art Diary

Muddled installation at Tate Britain in the large Duveen galleries by Zineb Sedira. I say muddled as there are a lot of large installations but I didn't feel they hung together. The theme was African cinema using it to explore memory, migration and trauma. Not knowing anything about the subject I would have appreciated a bit more explanation of each section of the work. I liked each piece and they worked well in the space including a recreated cinema and café, large cinema style sign boards and a camper van. I must go back again and give the piece a bit more time and concentration. Closes 17 January 2026 Reviews Guardian Telegraph

Strange exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery of work by Zineb Sedira. I say strange as Sedira has created a series of film sets based on films from the 60s and 70s as well as elements of her own life. I think the idea is that the viewer interacts with them but when I visited it was quiet and people were there on their own or in pairs which is not conducive to interaction. That said I liked the quiet yet dramatic nature of the week. I had seen most of the pieces at the Venice Biennale two years ago when Sedira featured in the French Pavilion. Ironically, I partly came to see this show to see the work with less people but realised it works better with more. Closed 12 May 2024 Review Guardian