Just a quick one today, before I run off to watch Owen Pallett unveil the 2013 Polaris Prize long-list.
In solidarity with the protesters of Gezi Park. In solidarity with boldhearted gatherers everywhere, fighting for their neighbours. Especially if they are fighting without fighting. In solidarity with the family of Ethem Sarisuluk, struck by a tear-gas canister, now dead. Longings are utopian; manslaughter is not. Sarisuluk's death is a terrible tragedy, more than anything simply unjust. But protest is not as romantic as it seems. It is about persisting, persisting, tedium, courage, tedium, persisting, persisting. It is about trying to say true things, remaining wary of mobs. It is about persuasion, at its core - as much a serenade as a battle-cry. It's hard, and easier than it looks. [buy]
(photo by Emre Kasap)