Hanif Kureishi on Art, Politics, and the Future

In an interview with Artribune, British writer Hanif Kureishi (born 1954, London, of Pakistani father and British mother) discusses his inspirations, recent work, and views on the future. He cites Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, and Paula Rego as key artistic influences, and notes his mother's art school background and childhood surrounded by art books in Bromley, South London. Kureishi expresses admiration for Andy Warhol, the Factory, and the Velvet Underground. His latest play, The Spank, premiered in February at Teatro Parioli in Rome, described as a tragic comedy set in a pub where two middle-aged men converse for two hours. He emphasizes the importance of remembering racism and freedom, drawing from his father's experience in colonial India. Kureishi advises young people to find exciting work, noting his two sons have become writers for soap operas and the BBC. He believes in the continued importance of the sacred, individuality, freedom, democracy, and self-assertion. Regarding the future, he sees it as dark and grim, especially for youth, citing climate change and social inequality exacerbated by neoliberalism as major challenges. The interview is part of the 'Futuro Antico' series by Ludovico Pratesi.