Art About Relationships & Human Connection: Tribute Magazine
October 2024: Jack Eames recommends media across different genres exploring art about relationships and human connection.
At a time where we are feeling more and more disconnected, it feels more important than ever to engage with ways of exploring human connection and relationships, including in the art and media we consume. The below was originally published across Tribute online and in Tribute Magazine (print) in July 2024 and October 2024 respectively.
1/ Film documentary: Velvet Underground - Todd Haynes
Film and music are two big interests of mine, so I love media that traverses both genres, particularly when you get a deep insightful dive into the creative mastermind of one or the other. As someone who deeply values art about relationships and human connection, I recently had the chance to watch the 2021 Todd Haynes documentary The Velvet Underground, and it was a masterful tribute to one of the most influential bands in rock history. Haynes brilliantly explores the relationships between band members and their cultural impact, making this documentary a compelling reflection on the power of creative connections.
With his distinctive directorial style, Haynes brilliantly captures the essence of the 1960s avant-garde scene in New York, blending rare archival footage, striking visuals, and in-depth interviews. The film not only delves into the band's groundbreaking music and enigmatic personalities but also vividly portrays the cultural and artistic milieu that shaped them, exploring human connection in its rawest form. Haynes’ talented documentary making is an excellent example of art exploring relationships, focussing on the band’s interactions, their individual dynamics, and how their collective journey influenced music history.
I love Haynes’ innovative use of split screens and layered visuals and how they mirror the experimental nature of The Velvet Underground’s music. The interviews provide invaluable insights and personal anecdotes, shedding light on the band's creative process, dynamic and human connection between its members.
The documentary excels in its celebration of the band's legacy, highlighting their influence on countless artists and their enduring impact on music and culture. If you get a chance to check it out on Apple TV then it’s a strong recommendation from me!
2/ Film: Perfect Days - Wim Wenders
Wim Wenders is one of my favourite directors - he directed one of my favourite movies of all time: Paris, Texas.
Earlier this year I went to see his latest film Perfect Days - a movie about human connection with daily ritual. It is an incredibly beautiful and gentle film that follows the character Hirayama – a Japanese man with an unpretentious life full of routines and simple pleasures. The film is a perfect character piece with little drama or adversity, but the level of detail and care taken to paint a portrait of Hirayama is truly arresting. The small disruptions to his daily regime feel impactful and deceptively emotional, and only strengthen the bond you build with him. Overall the film is incredibly meditative, meticulous and contemplative, and a perfect piece of art about relationships.
Another recent one to watch from Wim Wenders is Anselm – an incredible filmic experience that explores the work of artist Anselm Kiefer. Much like Perfect Days the film is a cinematic portrait that feels like a very genuine insight into the subject’s life and routine.
If Wim Wenders isn’t on your radar yet, then these two movies would be an excellent place to start – and why not throw in Paris, Texas too for good measure.
3/ Podcast: Animal- New York Times
I recently binged a new six part podcast series from New York Times writer Sam Anderson called Animal, which examines human connection with animals. Usually my podcast choices are more relevant to creativity and work, but sometimes it’s nice just to escape into something that is easy to listen to. I really enjoyed Anderson’s tone and tenor, and the affection he shares towards animals is joyful and heartwarming.
The series begins with Anderson telling the listener how his fondness for animals began, as it does for many of us, with a beloved pet. He describes his bond with his late dog Moby as the “most profound, non-human relationship” he’s ever had, which I think is something we can all relate to. The episode explores that feeling of never really being able to replace that perfect pet, but when you make that difficult choice to, how you build a new connection with a beautiful little creature. A creature who hasn’t come into your life to try and replace the old one, and who you love very differently for their own character and personality. It was a very moving listen as I sat with our lovely dog Jerry on my lap.
The podcast then follows Anderson as he travels around the world meeting different people with an affinity for particular animals – from puffins to ferrets. If you are looking for some easy humorous listening that will warm your heart along the way then pop your headphones in and give this one a go.
4/ Film: Crossing - Levan Akin
Another month and another brilliant film to recommend! Crossing is the latest from Swedish director Levan Akin and follows the journey of Lia and Achi as they travel from Georgia into Turkey in search of Lia’s missing niece, Tekla. It truly is a wonderful piece of art about relationships, including those we hope to reestablish and repair, and those that incidentally build along the way.
The development of the main characters relationship is beautiful and touching, and the portrayal feels very real. Their journey takes them to Istanbul and the communities of trans women that live there, as Lia discovers the community and human connection that Tekla was seeking. Through the steady softening of Lia’s character we learn her motivations and intentions - to make amends to the niece she has failed and fulfil the dying wish of Tekla’s mother; to find Tekla and bring her home.
There is so much unexpected warmth in a movie that feels destined to deliver hostility and heartbreak. Beautifully human and empathetic, Crossing is a must watch.
5/ Charity: Hair&Care Project
Earlier this year I was invited by the brilliant Anna Cofone to join her in one of her masterclasses The Art of Session Hairstyling which she runs with her charity Hair & Care.
Hair & Care is a wonderful project which aims to make the hair industry more accessible to the low vision and blind community. They run monthly workshops for blind and low vision women and young girls, giving them the skills and space to learn how to care for and style their hair.
We all know how important this type of self-care is to building confidence and self esteem, and it’s so wonderful to see how people in our industry are helping make this accessible to those who are otherwise excluded by creating spaces for human connection, empathy and care.
The masterclass session I was invited to is a workshop aimed at industry professionals, but all the profits go back into supporting the work of the charity and is one of their biggest fundraising events. It was an amazing day filled with lots of talent, and it’s always a pleasure to see Anna doing what she does best! On the day I photographed the final looks from each of the participants and I love the images we created together.
There are loads of ways you can support this fantastic charity, from volunteering to joining one of Anna’s hairstyling masterclasses – the next one is running in Shoreditch from the 4th-6th November.
6/ Media: Plastikcomb Magazine
I’ve mentioned before my love for collage, and how as a studio it’s something we’ve been experimenting with. I love the tactile nature of it, and the opportunity it gives you to make something new and fresh, playing with layouts, typography and graphic design.
In my search for collage inspiration I found an amazing art and design magazine called Plastikcomb that delivers incredible collage art and graphic design work. It feels like true escapism from digital screens and is a publication you can really immerse yourself in!
Their latest issue is unique, experimental and exciting, and all the featured works really throw the rule book out the window. A true celebration of the analogue art form and the creatives who use it, Plastikcomb is a bold reminder that print is NOT dead.
7/ Book: Beyond Vanity - Elizabeth Block
This is a weighty tome with the subtitle ‘The history and power of hairdressing.’ It focuses on the cultural power of hairdressing in 19th Century America, with really in-depth discussion by writer Elizabeth Block. She demonstrates how the way women have cared for and styled their hair has influenced social and technological change... from where you are in society to the development of the hairdressing profession. It’s quite a dense read but good to dip in and out. What is most intriguing is the photography, of course! From showing how dead birds were woven into hairstyles, to when pomades were made from lard, beef or mutton fat... or how women could keep their hair tidy once the bicycle was invented...there’s a lot in this. Just perusing the pictures will keep you amused.
8/ Exhibition: Ed Clark at Turner Contemporary
I’ve mentioned Turner Contemporary art gallery before in this piece – it’s just down the road from me in Kent, so it’s an easy choice for a Sunday afternoon. Recently I got the chance to take a trip down there with my son Freddy and his school class and it was so beautiful experiencing it through the eyes of the kids. The way the children interacted reminded me of how art can build human connection, even between generations, by enjoying it together.
We visited the Ed Clark exhibition – Clark is a brilliant abstract expressionist celebrated for his bold and innovative approach to painting. His work is incredibly emotive and dynamic and the kids really responded to it! I asked Freddy what his favourite painting was and he chose the one featured because we’d read a book about sharks earlier that morning and the shapes reminded him of shark fins – so interesting how children link things and what informs their preferences.
There was another of Freddy’s classmates in my group who told me it was her first time ever visiting an art gallery, and it was a stark reminder how easy it is to take these things for granted if it’s something that you have the opportunity to engage with regularly.
