Apollo Magazine

A prehistoric DJ makes his debut at a neolithic monument

Paul Oakenfold is the first DJ to play a set at Stonehenge. Plus Alex Katz remembers the frank criticism of Frank O’Hara

Sunrise at Stonehenge in June 2018. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/Getty Images

Sunrise at Stonehenge in June 2018. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/Getty Images

Introducing Rakewell, Apollo’s wandering eye on the art world. Look out for regular posts taking a rakish perspective on art and museum stories.

Stonehenge is Britain’s most famous prehistoric monument – an accolade that dance music afficionados might also bestow on ’90s trance DJ Paul Oakenfold. Appropriately enough, then, Oakenfold will this September become the first musician to play an invitation-only set at the neolithic site, with proceeds from the recording going to English Heritage. ‘The energy there will be like nowhere else on earth, and this will be reflected in my music and performance,’ Oakenfold says. ‘Despite having performed at incredible events and locations across the globe, sunset at Stonehenge will be the most magical.’ The Rake is keeping everything crossed for a Spinal Tap moment.

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In other news…

If Anish Kapoor’s work has ever seemed lacking in edge, a recent incident should silence his critics. Last week, a visitor fell inside an installation at the Turner Prize-winning artist’s solo show at the Serralves Museum in Porto. The visitor required hospital treatment but was, thankfully, not seriously injured. The work in question consists of a small concrete room with a circular pit in the floor, which is painted a very dark shade of black. Its title? Descent into Limbo.

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In the New Yorker, Alex Katz recalls his relationship with Frank O’Hara, a friend who didn’t hesitate to express an opinion. One day in the early 1960s, Katz remembers, the poet visited Katz’s studio and began giving him unsolicited advice. ‘I said, “Listen, Frank, I know how good I am,” and he said “Don’t get porky with me. You’re the one who’s going to have to hang near Matisse”.’

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Finally, Jerry Saltz may have won the Pulitzer, but Guardian art critic Adrian Searle has (almost) proved top dog in the prize stakes.

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