Special edition: the best interviews of 2024, part two
Dec 26, 2024
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In this special highlight, Lina Ghotmeh, a Lebanese-born architect known for her sustainable designs, shares how her experiences in war-torn Beirut influence her innovative approach to architecture. She emphasizes the significance of beauty and community in healing spaces. Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones, discusses the future of The Wall Street Journal and the critical efforts to secure the release of journalist Evan Gershkovic, underscoring the media's resilience and commitment to press freedom.
Steve McQueen's film 'Blitz' explores the complex social dynamics of Britain during World War II, revealing underlying issues of racism and division amid resilience.
Lina Gottmeier advocates for the restorative power of architecture, emphasizing sustainability and cultural identity in her designs to promote healing in war-affected communities.
Deep dives
Steve McQueen's Blitz: A Complex Narrative
Steve McQueen's film, Blitz, delves into the intricate social dynamics of Britain during the Blitz period of World War II, emphasizing both the external fight against the Nazis and the internal struggles within society. The film follows a young boy, George, whose evacuation reflects the real-life challenges faced by countless families during the war. McQueen seeks to portray the reality of the time, shedding light on issues of racism and social division that complicate the historical narrative often romanticized as a united front. He aims to highlight the resilience and vibrancy of life during this tumultuous period, exemplified in scenes where characters find moments of joy, such as Rita dancing in a club, symbolizing hope amid chaos.
Lina Gottmeier: Architecture as Healing
Lina Gottmeier, an architect shaped by her childhood experiences in war-torn Beirut, emphasizes the restorative power of architecture in her work. With a focus on infusing beauty and meaning into landscapes marked by conflict, she believes architecture can foster healing and unity among communities. Her notable projects, including the Estonian National Museum, reflect a deep engagement with cultural history, allowing architecture to serve as a medium for expressing collective identity. Gottmeier advocates for sustainability within her designs, prioritizing the positive impacts on both the environment and the social fabric, illustrating how architectural practices can be intertwined with cultural continuity.
Maggie Hambling: The Duality of Artistic Expression
Maggie Hambling’s artistic approach intertwines eloquence in absence with dynamic expression, emphasizing the significance of what is left unsaid or unmarked on the canvas. Her recent exhibition, The Night, highlights the multifaceted nature of nighttime as it intersects with themes of desire, madness, and the mysterious aspects of existence. Hambling’s long-standing practice includes a unique routine that fosters spontaneity and freshness in her work, wherein she uses her left hand each morning to create spontaneous drawings. These elements reflect her belief that art transcends technique, allowing emotion and personal experience to coalesce into profound visual narratives that resonate with viewers.
Join us for a Boxing Day special in which we listen back to some of our best and biggest interviews on Monocle Radio from the past year. Today we hear from British film director Steve McQueen; renowned architect Lina Ghotmeh; celebrated painter Maggi Hambling; and Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones and publisher of 'The Wall Street Journal'.