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ArtReview and Modern Forms launch 'Complex Systems' year-long program with talks, films, and archive microsite

digital · 2026-04-20

Back in 2018, ArtReview teamed up with Modern Forms, an art collection and editorial platform, to kick off a year-long initiative called 'Complex Systems.' This collaboration brought together online content and live events that explored ecology, technology, and politics. They set up a dedicated microsite to keep track of everything from recorded talks to films made by artists and written pieces. Events at the ArtReview Bar included discussions and panels, with the first featuring Hussam Otaibi, the founder of Modern Forms, chatting with creative director Nick Hackworth. Subsequent sessions highlighted artists like Marguerite Humeaux and Shezad Dawood, as well as writers Marina Warner and Sam Solnick, plus curator Stephanie Hessler. The microsite remains as a permanent record of this project.

Key facts

  • ArtReview collaborated with Modern Forms on a year-long program in 2018.
  • The program was titled 'Complex Systems'.
  • It explored themes of ecology, technology, and politics.
  • Outputs included online content, live events, and a dedicated archive microsite.
  • Live talks and panels were held at the ArtReview Bar.
  • The launch featured Hussam Otaibi and Nick Hackworth in conversation.
  • Participants included artists Marguerite Humeaux and Shezad Dawood.
  • Participants also included writers Marina Warner and Sam Solnick and curator Stephanie Hessler.
  • The microsite archives recorded talks, artist videos, and texts.

Entities

Artists

  • Marguerite Humeaux
  • Shezad Dawood
  • Hussam Otaibi
  • Nick Hackworth
  • Marina Warner
  • Sam Solnick
  • Stephanie Hessler

Institutions

  • ArtReview
  • Modern Forms
  • artreview.com

Sources