Chantal Akerman, Tombe de nuit sur Shanghai [Nightfall on Shanghai], 2007/2009. single-channel video installation (color, sound). Chinese light boxes. 14 min (single-channel video, loop), dimension variable (2 Chinese light boxes). Courtesy of the Chantal Akerman Estate and Marian Goodman Gallery. SeMA Biennale Mediacity 2016 NERIRI KIRURU HARARA. Nam-Seoul Museum of Art. 2016. Photo: Gim Ikhyun, Hong Cheolki
The film Tombe de nuit sur Shanghai [Nightfall on Shanghai] was Akerman’s contribution to the omnibus film State of the World (2007, contributed by 6 directors from different nations) that illuminated the context of today’s world. The short is an extended view of Shanghai full of excessive imagery and culture. Scenes taken at dusk of shimmering water and towering skyscrapers with huge LED signs embedded in their fa?ades seem to float like videos within the video. The skyscrapers of Shanghai, captured by the artist’s indifferent dry eyes, blend with the cityscape outside the museum, enabling us to reflect and understand global cities, especially Asian metropolises.
