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Shooting Down Babylon: Exploring Tracey Rose’s Provocative Exhibition

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Tracey Rose, a fearless artist from Durban, South Africa, embraces various mediums like performance, video, installation, and photography. Her work delves into post-apartheid South Africa and global social dynamics. In her exhibition, Rose emphasizes art’s resistance and disruptive nature, confronting racism, sexism, and colonialism, exposing entrenched inequalities.

Tracey Rose: Shooting Down Babylon is a groundbreaking exhibition currently on display at the Queens Museum. With her thought-provoking artworks, Tracey Rose challenges societal norms and sheds light on pressing social and political issues. Through active and engaging pieces, Rose compels viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and contemplate the complexities of our world.

Tracey Rose, “San Pedro V ‘The Hope I hope’ The Wall”, 2005. Giclée print, 84.91 x 63.46 cm.Image Courtesy of Tracey Rose

The exhibition features a diverse range of mediums, including video installations, sculptures, and mixed-media works. Each artwork actively conveys Rose’s message, capturing attention and sparking dialogue. As visitors transition from one piece to another, they actively immerse themselves, consequently, in an evocative journey of self-reflection and exploration. This immersive experience further deepens their connection to the artworks.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the video installation titled “Babylon X.” Through dynamic visuals and captivating narratives, Rose actively addresses the legacy of colonialism and its impact on contemporary society. Transitioning seamlessly between scenes, the artist provides a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.

In “Colonial Drafts,” a series of mixed-media works, Rose actively combines historical photographs and drawings with bold brushstrokes. The result is a visually striking representation of the complex interplay between past and present. Furthermore, as viewers transition from one element to another, they actively confront the enduring consequences of colonialism. This acknowledgment highlights the pressing need for societal transformation.

Additionally, another noteworthy piece that demands attention is “Requiem for a Failed State.” Through a powerful sculpture installation, Rose actively critiques political systems and their failures. The sculpture’s active presence in the gallery space not only draws viewers in but also prompts contemplation on the state of governance. Moreover, it serves as a catalyst for reflection on the potential for change and the role of individuals in shaping a better future. Ultimately, Rose’s work invites viewers to question and challenge the status quo, fostering a collective consciousness toward societal transformation.

Rose’s exhibition actively challenges conventional notions of art and the passive observer. Furthermore, visitors actively engage with the narratives as they transition between artworks, sparking conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of pressing issues.

Die, Wit Man, 2015- Tracey Rose. Image courtesy of Artsy

Moreover, the exhibition actively encourages visitors to reflect on their own role in shaping society. Transitioning between artworks, viewers are prompted to consider their responsibility as global citizens and agents of change. Through active participation, Rose’s exhibition empowers individuals to confront societal challenges head-on and work towards a better future.

Tracey Rose: Shooting Down Babylon at the Queens Museum is a compelling exhibition that actively engages viewers in a dialogue on social and political issues. With thought-provoking artworks and powerful installations, Rose not only invites visitors to actively confront uncomfortable truths but also encourages them to actively participate in shaping a more inclusive and just world. Transitioning from one piece to another, the exhibition prompts self-reflection, fostering a sense of agency and inspiring action. Visit the Queens Museum to experience this captivating exhibition that pushes the boundaries of art and challenges the status quo.

Author

Rose Mwikali Musyoki is a creative writer from Nairobi, Kenya. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business and Finance from the University of Embu, Kenya, and is the founder of Bloom Inc, an art startup in Kenya. Currently, she works as a writer for Art Network Africa.

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