We asked our critics what were their top five art picks of the 2017?
Here’s Momtaz Begum-Hossain’s top five…
MUSICAL: ‘Taj Express’ (Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells June 2017)
From zero expectations to dancing in the aisles; a fun & fabulous Bollywood inspired musical dripping with hit songs and sparkling costumes, all of which I wanted to wear!
TELEVISION: ‘Dangerous Borders’ (BBC, August)
Marking India’s 70 years of Independence from Britain was a major theme of television programming this year but presenters Babita Sharma and Adnan Sarwar’s adventures in India and Pakistan made for the most addictive viewing: all round brilliant telly and storytelling.
http://asianculturevulture.com/portfolios/family-partition-india-1947-first-look-bbc-programme-uncovers-personal-partition-stories/
Did you catch #DangerousBorders? We were thrilled to learn at #GG2Awards that @adnansarwar is working on more BBC TV docs #yesplease pic.twitter.com/ZIlH0DBUfh
— asianculturevulture (@asianculturevul) October 27, 2017
FILM: ‘Hotel Salvation’ (BFI release, August)
An Impressive debut by Shubhashish Bhutani (age 26) about coming to terms with death. Set in the compelling city of Varanasi, it’s a compassionate and sensitive story that stars Adil Hussain who never makes bad role choices.
http://asianculturevulture.com/portfolios/hotel-salvation-mukti-bhawan-laughing-accepting-death-indian-way/
ART: Lubaina Hamid, Navigation Charts, Bristol, Spike Island, (January)
I was blown away by this whole Turner Prize exhibition but wondering around ‘Naming The Money’, 100 cut outs representing African slaves working in European royal courts was an experience I won’t forget. Powerful and creative.
Himid went onto win the Turner Prize, Britain’s top art award, and making history as the first black woman to win.
http://asianculturevulture.com/portfolios/turner-prize-winner-2017-lubaina-himid-makes-history-with-work-about-race-and-colonial-history/
MUSIC: Pato Banton, Under The Stars, Newham, London (August)
The reggae star performed his first live set in the UK for over a decade at a park in East London for free. Charismatic from the moment he entered the stage his positivity and energy was infectious; one of the most fun live events I’ve ever been to.
