To rescue Kahlo from the clutches of the corporate art market, we need to acknowledge the overt and covert political dimensions of the work, demands GAVIN O’TOOLE
Latest editorial
Who owns this ‘country’?
by Marge Piercy
If you can see past the relentless commodification you will be rewarded by enormously powerful work, suggests JENNY MITCHELL
CHRIS SEARLE revels in the one-off collaboration between an American polymath and a British Muslim, and detects the presence of their revolutionary forebear
GORDON PARSONS revels in an ebullient production of Shakespeare’s magical comedy
BRENT CUTLER welcomes a thoughtful analysis of the Erdogan regime, viewed through the evolving history of a neighbourhood in Istanbul
GORDON PARSONS regrets the price, but is dazzled by an outstandingly ambitious study of the way art restoration in particular, and culture in general was weaponised by the Nazis
The rich have spoiled almost
everything. They have driven
residents from any hamlet
by the sea, gentrified
cosy neighbourhoods, some
historical. High rises, boutiques
replace funky local eateries,
markets with ethnic foods.
They make money off bad air
that chokes, darkens skies.
They make money sending
jobs to sweatshops overseas.
They raise rents higher, higher
till most people have to leave
cities, neighbourhoods they
grew up in, knew neighbours.
They buy hospitals and turn
a profit. No insurance? Out
you go. Do you need a pill
required to save your life?
Big Pharma didn’t grow huge
keeping drugs affordable.
They love AI — never complains.
No unions, pensions, benefits.
If you don’t have the wealth
this is no longer your country.
They buy politicians, elections
own media and in fact, you.
This poem first appeared in The Monthly Review, a US Independent Socialist Magazine.
Marge Piercy is a US activist, feminist and writer. Her work is rooted in her Jewish heritage, Communist social and political activism, and feminist ideals.
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