Sunshine State

Steve McQueen’s first new artwork since his major commission Year 3 at Tate Britain in 2019, Sunshine State is a two-channel video projection shown on both sides of two screens placed one next to the other. Opening with footage of a burning sun, the work unfolds exploring images from the musical drama The Jazz Singer (1927), starring the famous singer Al Jolson. The film is known as the first “talkie” in the history of cinema that uses synchronised dialogue.

Commissioned by IFFR for our 50th edition, Sunshine State is the first exhibition to be shown in the 5th floor exhibition space of Depot Boijmans van Beuningen since the opening of the building in November 2021.

Open to the public from Thursday 26 January to Sunday 12 February (except Mondays). 

This artwork contains flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to epilepsy.

Steve McQueen’s Sunshine State is made possible with the support of the Municipality of Rotterdam, Stichting Droom en Daad, Rotterdam Festivals and Nederlands Filmfonds.

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