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ONLY BE BARCELONIAN
Only-Be Barcelonian
Atelier Van Lieshout – AVL Exhibition in Vienna
AVL, artist’s collective whose interventions touch on art, design and architecture was founded by the Dutch artist Joep Van Lieshout, born 1963 in Raventein, Holland. Principally the group is known for its large scale portable sculpture designs. One of my favourite works is their “Wellness Skull” (2007), a giant skull made for rest and relaxation (see photo). The neck contains a small bathroom, and the head a sauna which releases vapour through the eyes when in use. Another of their famous skulls is called the “Sensory Deprivation Skull” (2007), constructed after careful study. It is built so as to take up a minimum of space, while allowing for sufficient space to relax. Here one can forget about all noise and bother from the outside world. The work “The Heads, Claudia & Hermann” (2005), consists of three giant hollow heads. Claudia is the feminine element of the triad, with dark hair and eyes Hermann, one of the masculine elements is blonde and blue-eyed, while the third head, Tom, has a dark complexion. The three heads together symbolize human diversity, and have been used in all manner of ways in different expos: as a bar, as kiosks or information points. Three other outstanding works by the collective include: “Bikini Bar” (2006) a female torso attired in bikini, which is an agreeable and curious place to get together and relax. “Bar Rectum” (2005), is a huge sculpture which mirrors the digestive system, and finishes in a giant anus. It begins with the tongue, passes through the stomach, small intestine and large intestine and finishes with the emergency exit: the anus. “Darwin” (2008),...Istanbul 2010 – A bridge between East and West
When we talk about Turkey the headlines often refer to the denial of the Armenian genocide or their potential inclusion in the European Union. Less frequently do we have a chance to appreciate and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of this country, full of treasures and traditions from past civilizations. This year, everything changes: Istanbul was elected European Capital of Culture 2010. The many cultural and artistic activities organized will give ample opportunities for the city to showcase the roots of this blend of east and west, and its modern-day multiculturalism. The Bosporus Bridge in Istanbul symbolizes the essence of Turkey: it joins Europe and Asia. This particular geographic situation has determined the identity and transformation of this country, making it a meeting place for diverse cultures and civilizations. Despite not yet being a member state of the European Union, though its inclusion has been in the works since 2005, Turkey attracts many students via the European Erasmus Exchange and millions of tourists, hungry to discover the country’s riches and transformations. Essen in Germany and Pécs in Hungary have also been elected European capitals of culture for 2010. Istanbul 2010 This year the ancient Constantinople will become a cradle for visual arts, music, opera, film, documentaries, cartoons, literature, theatre, performance and street art. Being nominated as a European capital of culture represents a huge push for the city both culturally and economically, and an incredible opportunity for visitors to get closer to its history and current dynamism. Over 467 projects are planned during the course of the coming year, everything from concerts by Eric Clapton and U2, to a...
All-Out Adventure – Extreme tourism and its cousins
If you think you have seen it all – been there, done that, bought the T-shirt – then welcome to the world of true Off The Beaten Path tourism. Take a peek at a few holiday ideas you may not have thought of when you bought your last Lonely Planet. Extreme Tourism: Swimming with crocodiles, BASE jumping, white-water rafting in rapids that wouldn´t feel ashamed next to Niagara Falls. These are just a few things that travellers are plunking down their ready cash to be a part of. One of the most out-there options is a holiday in Chernobyl. Yes, Chernobyl, site of the largest nuclear-power accident in recorded history. Technically, no-one is allowed close to the eerie, desolate site (although there are plenty of instances of former residents ´sneaking´ back into their homes) but enterprising tour operators have somehow wangled the permits to take guided groups into the Danger Zone. There is a mountain of paperwork before you leave – mostly along the lines of ´I won´t sue if I get radiation poisoning and my kidneys start leaking out of my ears. ´ Although the feel of the place is creepy at best, taking home a I Went To Chernobyl and All I Got Was This Lousy Third Arm t-shirt is a great conversation starter in the local bar. Holidays in Space Richard Branson continues to push for world domination (and now outer space domination) of all pop industries with the Virgin plans to take tours into space. Although this idea is not new (it´s been kicked around since 2004), the technology required is becoming a concrete reality....
Add Some Scent to your Life
Smell, taste and sight come together on April 11th along the Grand Canal of Milan for an event that marks the arrival of spring: Fiori e Sapori – Flowers and flavours. This annual exhibition unites more than 200 growers and florists to pleasure your senses! This is a great opportunity to discuss the energy that flowers transmit in our daily life, our relationships and our food … Flowers are never out of fashion It’s always a pleasure to receive a colorful bouquet of roses, to look for that nice vase we almost never use, cut the stems if necessary and – above all – find a nice place to put them (out of reach of the children and/or cats), so we can enjoy them every day for as long as they last. Some flowers can really change the atmosphere of a room because they spread joy, love and beauty. Never doubt in giving flowers to your loved ones, but pick the type and color carefully, because the symbolism of these jewels of nature is not always positive. The symbolism of flowers There are a lot of stories and legends which contribute certain properties and meanings to each flower, as well as recommend which flower conveys what emotion. Among the more passionate varieties is the orchid, which represents the worship of a person, gentleness and beauty. In Chinese culture, giving a carnation expresses a desire for marriage. In Buddhism, the lotus flower symbolizes the four main virtues -smoothness, cleanliness, warmth and fragrance – which are compared with the virtues of the kingdom of Dharma (one of the Three Treasures or...
Human Rights at the Istanbul Internacional Film Festival
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. Today, we find normal that all human beings are equal, and we become indignant when we hear about racism. But not so long ago, the world was a very different place. Things have changed since then but, truth to be told, when it comes to equal human rights – there is still a lot of work to do. Organizations like Amnesty International do their part, but also small initiatives can help. Just like the Council of Europe Film Award, for example. On the Istanbul International Film Festival, they will hand out a special award to a film that raises public awareness and interest in human rights issues. President of the jury is Marco Bechis, who won the award last year for a movie about the Guarani Indians, called ‘BirdWatchers’. There are 11 movies nominated in this category, and all are strong, captivating stories about people who are stuck in a conflict or situation they never wanted. ‘Ajami’ talks about the situation in present day Israel, while ‘Freedom’ takes us back to the holocaust, seen through the eyes of the gypsies. If I’d have to guess who will take home this prestigious prize, I’d say ‘Northless’ has a good chance. This film by Rigoberto Perezcano tells the story of illegal Mexican immigrants. After you have seen the movies, be sure to join the workshops about human rights on 16th of April in the Akbank Sanat. Directors Roberto Olla and Marco Berchis will be accompanied by journalist Amira Hass, to discuss the limits of freedom of speech,...
Mishima and the Japanese Spirit
Yukio Mishima committed suicide by seppuku, a ritual also known as ´harakiri´, after writing his last novel The Decay of the Angel, which would culminate his tetralogy. It was considered as the peak of his ideology. He delivered it to his publisher and then went on to Japanese Army Headquarters, where he carried out his last action. For Mishima, the defeat of a Samurai Army which had the Emperor´s name engraved in their heart was the first sign of Japan´s decline. Precisely, Runaway horses, the in the second book from The Sea of Fertility tetralogy, the characters connect with this army to keep their spirit alive, on the fringes of the law. The influence of the West, not only due to World War II, was a symbol of corruption at the time. However, the writer keeps many contradictions, because in he was actually fascinated by Western culture. His works have a strong Western influence; his own grandmother was a member of an Aristocracy which loved European culture and Mishima himself read the work of Rilke and Oscar Wilde. Japanese Obsession In the same manner that he was obsessed with the concept of West versus East, he was preoccupied with other controversies: body versus mind and theory versus practice. In his childhood, he was indoctrinated in an Aristocratic way, which stressed the importance of the mind’s development as opposed to the body cult. When he was declared unfit for military service during the war, after lying about his health condition, he felt guilty and weak. This situation was translated into an urgent need to transform any idea in action. In...
Holy Week in Seville, an amazing spectacle
Semana Santa (Holy Week/Easter) has been one of the most important celebrations in Spain since centuries, above all in Andalusia, and if we had to choose a nerve centre, that would be Seville. Hermandades and cofradías (religious brotherhoods) spend the whole year preparing anything regarding the Holy Week in great detail. They proceed in penitence through the (many narrow) streets of the city, from their church to the Cathedral and back, taking the shortest possible route, as decreed in the rule of the ordinances by Cardenal Niño de Guevara in the 17th century. This year, Semana Santa will take place from the 28th March (Palm Sunday) until the 4th April (Easter Sunday). Most brotherhoods carry two floats: a float with a figure of Christ, representing the distinct stages of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and a float with a Dolorosa (Mary the Virgin in pain) under a canopy. We hope the weather will be calm, because if not, that would be the worst setback for Sevillian people. An event that attracts millions of tourists If you have planned to visit Seville during the Holy Week, you better hurry up. Seriously. Seville–like in many others Spanish cities at this time-, is jam-packed with tourists. The number of spectators may rise up to the impressing number of one million people. Take note, you’ve been warned… The most important night La Madrugá, the early morning of Good Friday is the most important moment during the Holy Week, which is when the brotherhoods of el Silencio, el Gran Poder, La Macarena, El Calvario, La Esperanza de Triana and los Gitanos...
Sound:Frame Festival, the visualisation of electronic music
Sounds odd, doesn’t it? We can visualise many things, even non-happened events -you all know how powerful imagination can be- but how the hell do we visualise music? Well, promoters of Vienna’s audiovisual sound:frame Festival not only want us to visualise music but specifically digital music. That’s what the fourth outing of the internationally established audiovisual festival is all about. Because visuals now belong to clubbing just as much as the sound. The topic for this year is “Dimensions”, and so the focus is on the audiovisual playing of three-dimensional structures. The most unusual locations It might be seem a little bit complex, at first glance, but most important thing is that if you have planned to go to this prestigious meeting –one of the most popular audiovisual festivals in the whole Europe- you won’t know what to choose among so many programmed activities. As usual, the events of sound:frame 2010 involve exhibitions, live events, performances, symposia and workshops. All of them will take place at various highly unusual locations, such as in the – also artistically speaking – highly active scene spot Pratersauna, at Fluc, in the Ottakringer Brauerei in the 16th district and in smaller galleries. In the urban space, for example on Karlsplatz, the aim is to draw attention with large façade projections. International artists will give live acts, including the Sofa Surfers, Planning to Rock, Lusine and Jack the Rapper. If you are one of those people who are expecting anxiously the arrival of Sonar Festival or Klubbers Day, you must go to this Viennese appointment. Sound:frame will change your pre-conceived idea about this city....
Rocky Horror Picture Show in Barcelona
If you have never heard of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” cult movie and its audience participation, you are missing one of the most fun and crazy parties worldwide… So let me introduce you to the Rocky phenomenon and its presence in Barcelona. “Rocky Horror” was born in the first seventies as a british musical, parody of the classic pulp terror and science fiction movies, but adding a glam-camp touch that created an atmosphere of joy, fun and lack of inhibitions. The musical was a great success, and so in 1975 the movie version was filmed, with the presence of Susan Sarandon in her first starring role. The movie may not be a masterpiece cinematographically speaking, but it radiates imagination, humour, catchy songs, and transgression spirit. It was also the first movie to include a transvestite character, Dr. Frank´n´Furter (depicted by Tim Curry – photo above) that was not included in the movie as comic relief, as was the Hollywod habit those days, but presented as a strong and likable character inmediatly loved by the audience. The movie became a commercial failure but a cult classic, and it was projected over and over again worldwide, normally at midnight late shows in little cinemas. That was the perfect atmosphere in which a new form of movie watching could be born… The audience started to interact with what was happening on screen! Dressing like the movie characters, throwing rice in a wedding scene, talking directly to the characters, dancing during the “Time Warp” or “Sweet transvestite” songs or shooting with water guns in all directions to mimic the rainy scenes. The...
Dans Le Noir: Eating in the Dark
The best cooks in the world are constantly looking for new dishes, new combinations and they love experimenting with food. But having dinner is also about the atmosphere, right? For a romantic night out with your hubby, you’d pick a different restaurant then you would for a bachelor party. But what about eating in the dark? It’s the newest restaurant in Barcelona: Dans Le Noir. The concept is simple: the surprise menu costs €39, the a la carte menu €34. A waiter guides you to your table, where you sit down and try to discover your knife without cutting yourself. You never realise how difficult it is to drink without actually seeing your glass until you try it. Don’t worry if you have to go to the bathroom, you’ll not break your neck, since (like in kindergarten) you have to ask to the waiter to accompany you. Another advantage: when your glass of wine is empty, you can secretly drink that of your neighbour without anybody noticing! It’s not that we are scared of eating in the dark; it’s that we are a little worried about what we are going to eat. Because let’s be honest: €39 for a menu without drinks is expensive. And imagine you don’t like to food at all. The first dish tastes like wilted lettuce with sour tomatoes. Then they give you fried potatoes (drowned in oil) with a leathery steak and overcooked beans and for dessert you get a vanilla flan. But when you exit, they tell you that you had a cucumber-tomato salad with balsamic vinegar, followed by tenderloin steak with oven...Promotions
