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The Tragedy of Afghanistan
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The Tragedy of Afghanistan

Contemporary artist Francis Alÿs's film Reel-Unreel speaks volumes

Victoria Powell
May 4, 2022
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The Tragedy of Afghanistan
www.thegallerycompanion.com

I can't think of a more poignant work to speak to the events that have happened in Afghanistan than Francis Alÿs' Reel-Unreel, shot in Kabul in 2011.

The cameras follow a reel of film as it unrolls through the old part of town—pushed by two children, uphill and downhill, like a hoop, inspiring an improvised narrative. Nothing really happens, but keep watching, and listening to the thoughts that come into your mind.

Alÿs described it as an example of 'doing/undoing'. I’d love to know your thoughts on it.

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