Paperback, full colour, 14 pages, W239 x H191mm
This small catalogue was published to coincide with the exhibition of three of Ndiritu’s video works, shown for the first time at the Venice Biennale in 2005 in a presentation by Ikon and Nuova Icona, Italy. In the works, The Nightingale, Desert Storm and Arrested Development, the artist raises serious global issues, making bold statements through an extraordinary combination of composition, simple actions and music.
Projected onto the altar in a chapel, The Nightingale made a powerful installation, alluding to images of the Madonna that occur in Renaissance paintings. Originally based on a story of unrequited love – the title making reference to the bird famous for its beautiful, sad song – the video explores issues of cultural stereotyping and the disconnection between the East and West.
This booklet features three full page colour stills from this film, as well as a short text by Ikon Director Jonathan Watkins focusing on the themes and ideas behind the works, and several depictions of Ndiritu in Desert Storm. Also included are texts by Vittotio Urbani, Director of Nuova Icona and Plug Director, Camilla Seibezzi.