The Easel

29th September 2026

Arthur Jafa, King of Pop

Stephanie Wambugu | Hyperallergic | 25th September 2026

Jafa’s diverse art, such as the video Love Is the Message, The Message Is Death (2016) has had a significant cultural impact. A large survey show illustrates the themes of his work, notably the beauty of Black culture and the persistence of racial violence against Black communities. But does it give a clearer vision of this important American artist? He has an intuitive grasp of “memes” but not all of his works are clear. “It’s a charming, playful, and rich homage, but does anyone get it? 

Pope.L’s pleasing refusal to be interpreted

Zachary Fne | The New Yorker | 10th August 2026

Pope.L’s performances included crawling along Manhattan streets and sitting for days on a raised toilet eating the Wall Street Journal. Were such deeds deranged or a lucid advocacy for those in his family who were homeless? His drawings are equally elliptical. This writer disagrees with critics who want to group his graphics and performances as a coherent whole. “Pope.L couldn’t care less about crafting an image or a brand. His work thrives on the incoherence of his own restless curiosity.”

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