Un-requiem for Daniel Pearl: Minimalist composer Steve Reich‘s “Daniel Variations,” debuting October 8 at the Barbican, is the “most political work of his career.” It came out of a meeting Reich and the parents of journalist Daniel Pearl who was abducted and beheaded by Islamic militants in Pakistan in 2002. Based in part on Pearl’s writings, passages from the biblical book of Daniel, and references to Pearl and Reich’s shared Jewish heritage, the work isn’t a requiem for the slain journalist but aims to emphasize his humanity. A centerpiece of Reich’s 70th birthday celebration, the work is a bit of a departure. Says Reich, “When the piece first begins, you might think: can this really be Steve Reich? It’s much darker, not at all what I’m known for.”
Politically engaged art: Jazz great Charlie Haden, a contemporary and friend of Ornette Coleman, discusses his outspoken politics with Amy Goodman, including his views on Vietnam and his 1971 arrest in Lisbon for dedicating his “Song for Che” to the “Black peoples’ liberation movements in Mozambique and Angola and Guinea-Bissau”–people fighting Portugal’s colonization.
Virtual Huyghe: The Tate Modern created an impressive interactive online tour of Pierre Huyghe’s first UK solo exhibition Celebration Park. The show closes September 17.
New artist grant announced: United States Artists, a new charity “designed to get support directly into the hand of working artists” (as the Walker’s Philip Bither told the New York Times) offers $50,000 to working artists–no strings attached. Where can I sign up? You can’t: a panel of artists, curators and critics is reviewing the 300 nominees sent in by 150 anonymous arts leaders around the US. (The organization’s executive director, by the way, is none other than former Walker development director [and Duluth, MN native] Kathie de Shaw.)
Strenght and Nisdom: It’s the thought that counts, but when tattooing a prayer on your back, proofread first.