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Sam Smith, Turner's Modern World, Cold War Steve, US elections on film

Sam Smith on their new album; collage artist and satirist Cold War Steve on his political works; films about American elections; a review of Tate's exhibition Turner's Modern World

When the singer Sam Smith came out as non-binary last year it was headline news around the world. After two global number one albums, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, multiple Grammys and 3 Brit awards, the 28-year-old singer is very much an international household name. And yet, as they release their third album, Love Goes, they are still beset by self-doubt. Sam Smith talks to Front Row about fame, heartbreak and songs to put a smile on your face.

Turner’s Modern World, a new exhibition at Tate Britain in London, explores how the painter JMW Turner (1775-1851) responded to the momentous events of his day, from technology’s impact on the natural world to the dizzying effects of modernisation on society. Charlotte Mullins reviews the exhibition which also reflects on the artist’s interest in social reform, especially his changing attitudes towards politics, labour and slavery.

Satirist Cold War Steve, aka Christopher Spencer, has been described as the ‘Brexit Bruegel’ and ‘A modern day Hogarth’. The collage artist is famous for his provocative look at the state of art and politics, depicting international political figures in uncompromising terms.

As the drama surrounding next week’s US presidential election reaches fever pitch, film critic Tim Robey picks his choice of the best portrayals of the contest on film, from Betty Boop for President to Primary Colours.

Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe
Producer: Julian May

Main image: Sam Smith
Image credit:
Alasdair McLellan

Available now

42 minutes

Sam Smith

Sam Smith
Sam Smith's album is out now.Images -main image above and image to the left: Sam SmithImaged credit: Alasdair McLellan

Turner's Modern World

Turner's Modern World
The exhibition is at the Tate Britain, London until 07 March 2021.  Image: JMW Turner: Snowstorm - Steamboat off a Harbour's Mouth,1842.    Oil paint on canvas.    Credit: Tate     Part of the Turner Bequest 1856

Cold War Steve

Cold War Steve
Image: (Christopher Spencer) with a giant postcard of his work Five Blind Mice on narrowboat on a Coventry canal during a recent UK public art tour.  Image credit: Sally Mais/Sky Arts

US elections on film

Tim Robey's pick of US election films:
Primary Colors, 1998
Election (1999)
The Manchurian Candidate (1962, then 2004)
All the King’s Men (1949, Best Picture winner)
Bob Roberts (1992)
Bulworth (1998)
Betty Boop for President (1932)
Advise and Consent (1962)
The Contender  (2000)
The Parallax View (1974)

Guests' cultural picks

Tim Robey: the Australian horror film
Cold War Steve: Charlotte Mullins: the  exhibition at Tate St Ives

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  • Fri 30 Oct 2020 19:00

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