Article written for Cent Magazine, read orginal here or below. Debate over a dinner party is expected, but a Pittsburgh based fast food place is taking this idea one giant leap further. The pop-up Conflict Kitchen only serves cuisine from countries with which the United States is in conflict. The restaurant’s identity changes every few months and depends very much on current geopolitical events. They have already covered the food, culture and politics of Afghanistan, Iran and Venezuela, now the kitchen’s current focus is Cuba. The aim is getting into your mind via your stomach. For each version of Conflict Kitchen there is a programme of discussions, events and performances that seek to engage the public with the focus countries culture and politics. Even their packaging is designed to make you think, beautifully designed paper wrappers with interviews printed on them. The staff are trained to push the boundaries of customers’ mind as they wait for their order, engaging them in casual discussion. Tasty snacks served with a side of questioning, conversation, and debate. They are currently looking for staff, as the face of Conflict Kitchen job requirements include kitchen experience and a keen interest in international politics and...

Article written for the Roundhouse Blog. Read it here .

Article written for Cent Magazine, read orignal here or below. Built in the 1970s to transform war-torn London, the Barbican Estate is the result of a Utopian vision. A self-contained metropolis that took over a decade to build, the 40-acre site includes housing, schools, a YMCA and Europe’s largest multi-arts venue.  The Barbican Arts Centre is world-renowned, consisting of two theatres, a concert hall, a library, an art gallery, cinemas, offices, a restaurant and shops. However, deep within the labyrinth of concrete Brutalist architecture is a secret garden, a kind of post-apocalyptic Noah’s ark. A glass oasis inhabited by thousands of tropical plants and trees, as well as finches, quails and exotic fish — this is London’s second biggest conservatory. Added in 1980, it was constructed around the theatre’s huge fly tower to improve views for residents. Spread over two floors this fantastical high-rise jungle is a refuge that feels a million miles away from its surroundings. A city sanctuary, known by few and rarely open to the public — a well kept secret. Free, but only open on selected Sundays and bank holidays. Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Image: Conservatory © Lee Mawdsley 

I was invited to write research and write a 5000 word essay for the arts journal Engage . Engage is an organisation representing gallery, art and education professionals in 15 countries worldwide. It promotes access to and understanding of the visual arts through gallery education.

Article written for the Roundhouse blog, read it here .

Article written for the Roundhouse blog. Read it here .

Article written for the Roundhouse blog. Read it here .