Blogs Crosscuts

Good News – Bad News – Good News

The good news is that Jem Cohen’s Chain will be screening at the Walker Cinema tomorrow. I think it is one of the best films to hit the screen in the last couple years. I had the opportunity to present this film to a packed house at the Wisconsin Film Festival a couple weeks ago. [...]

The good news is that Jem Cohen’s Chain will be screening at the Walker Cinema tomorrow. I think it is one of the best films to hit the screen in the last couple years. I had the opportunity to present this film to a packed house at the Wisconsin Film Festival a couple weeks ago. It looked fantastic, and people seemed genuinely moved by the film. Chain has not made the traditional theatrical rounds, and I don’t know if there are plans for a traditional video distribution, so don’t miss the opportunity to see this film presented on the big screen and introduced by Jem. You will not be disappointed.

Now for the bad news, as reported by SP in Education and Community programs yesterday. Sadly, Vic Chesnutt will not be able to attend Thursday’s Contemporary Art in Conversation event with Jem Cohen.

Lastly, more good news. My colleague here in Film/Video, Assistant Curator Dean Otto, has gallantly stepped forward to dialogue with Jem for Thursday’s event. Dean has interviewed Jem in the past, and judging by that conversation this one should be fascinating as well. Jem and Dean are still working out some details, but Jem will be bringing some of his oldest and newest work for the show. This work is not easy to see, even in NYC, and as a longtime fan of Jem’s work, I am excited and honored to be able to see these films. The event promises to be fantastic.

Jem Cohen’s NYC Weights & Measures, 2005

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Also, if you are a fan or supporter of Vic Chesnutt, we’ll provide an opportunity after the program for you to send your get-well wishes to Vic.

At home she feels like a tourist…

That line leads off Ed Halter’s Review of Jem Cohen’s Chain in the Village Voice. I think that sentiment accurately echoes one of the films more personal points. Chain feels especially poignant for me, living here in the Twin Cities metro, amongst some of the most widespread urban sprawl I have seen. (not to mention [...]

That line leads off Ed Halter’s Review of Jem Cohen’s Chain in the Village Voice. I think that sentiment accurately echoes one of the films more personal points. Chain feels especially poignant for me, living here in the Twin Cities metro, amongst some of the most widespread urban sprawl I have seen. (not to mention the original shopping mall) Through Jem’s poetic and beautiful imagery, Chain paints an incredible portrait of the modern world in the era of globalization.

Chain

Film/Video Assistant Curator Dean Otto interviewed Jem Cohen when Chain x 3 was installed at the Walker in 2003. Read that interview here.

Chain will play at the Walker Cinema on April. Get yr tickets here. Jem Cohen will be present. Jem will also take part in the Walker’s Contemporary Art in Converation series on April 27. He will discuss his work in conversation with musician Vic Chesnutt. The two of them will kick off the evening with an improvised film and music performance. It will be a unique and amazing experience for sure. Don’t miss it!

“He’s a bit of a submarine,” she said, and grinned.

Bjork on Matthew Barney in an article on Drawing Restraint 9 in today’s New York Times. Photo:Chris Winget/IFC Films Drawing Restraint 9 will play at the Walker Cinema on Friday, May 5. Get your tickets here.