Art Review: We Want More @ KK Outlet

By Ruth Last edited 165 months ago
Art Review: We Want More @ KK Outlet

TheTingTings-WWM-DanielCohen.jpg
Image courtesy of Daniel Cohen
AAA - the holy trinity of letters allowing entrance to the most hallowed of domains; back stage. This sanctuary of calm, far from the baying crowd, is ordinarily the sole domain of the artist, the groupie, the roadie, the ligger. But Daniel Cohen's new photographic project launched last night at KK Outlet in Shoreditch - complete with a DJ set from Judi Chicago - allows us a precious glimpse into this world.

Chronicling the moments between the end of the set and the encore at Amsterdam's legendary Paradiso and Melkweg venues, We Want More at times captures scenes of elation, showing the artists taking on some of the energy from the audience (and in cases such as Method Man, taking a little more from the audience too). For others though, the sheer toil weighs heavy on their faces - an exhaustedly distant Mark Ronson; Erykah Badu rubbing her aching feet; Kula Shaker's Crispian Mills - remember him? - looking like an extra from a zombie film. Dir en Grey show the blood, sweat and tears far too literally, whilst for The Fratellis, the tedium of it all seems overwhelming. A clever juxtaposition highlights the eternal battle of youth vs. experience, as a veritably melted Debbie Harry mirrors the Ting Tings' Katie White in outfit alone.

Overall, it's a rich and beautifully shot foray into a world most of us are too busy chanting to experience, but like the encore itself is all too brief and leaves the audience wanting more.

At KK Outlet, 42 Hoxton Square, until 29th June. Entrance free (so long as you don't get seduced by their selection of art books).

Last Updated 04 June 2010