post #2: the year my brain switched off
A vague explanation
2021 was the year my brain switched off. I started this Substack with high hopes for myself (and for my avid readers, of course) but I struggled. And to be honest, I’ve been unable to read anything at all for the past few months. Articles, essays, books, the things I enjoy! My brain refused to commit to them. And when that happens, I feel incapable of writing. The most painful thing about it is the monster it created: the self-proclaimed proof that I am in fact the idiot I often believe myself to be - a writer that doesn’t read or, more importantly, write! The spiral was intense and I’m hopeful that 2022 brings a refreshed me. I turn 28 on the final day of the year, so if anything, I’ll at least be older!
I don’t have enough work to provide you with one of those annual round-ups; however, a particularly proud moment was getting to interview the legendary filmmaker John Smith, whose films Covid Messages and Citadel I reviewed for Art Monthly in June. I also wrote an essay on time for Sofia Albina Novikoff Unger’s exhibition at Seager, which opened in April. And I got to meet, chat with for a long time, and write about Simeon Barclay and his exhibition England’s Lost Camelot for Burlington Contemporary.
And if anyone needs a brain switch off / a list of things to watch, here are some of my 2021 highlights:
And Just Like That (so bad its good)
+ every franchise of Below Deck and Real Housewives, minus Utah and Salt Lake City
Sending love and festive wishes to all. I promise to write again soon. Ax
