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Gogol Bordello brings Gypsy punk to Helsinki
Gogol Bordello can boast of making gypsy punk a musical style virtually Single-handedly. Even today, they have very few imitators. Gypsy punk all started in the Lower East Side of New York in the late 90s. As fans know, features that characterize Gogol Bordello are their manic concerts and almost theatrical staging. Derived from roma traditions, these showman know how to take a stage. The large group consists of no less than eight members, and is led by Eugene Hütz. Hutz is not only a singer but also a DJ and actor who have worked in films such as “Everything Is Illuminated” and “Filth and Wisdom.” Almost all its members emigrated from Eastern Europe to the U.S. and use instruments like the accordion and violin, effectively turning the traditional punk lineup on its head while maintaining all of the inflammatory energy of punk… This blend makes for great fun and is a festive counterpoint to some of punk´s darker manifestations. Some of the main influences of the group include Jimi Hendrix and Parliament-Funkadelic. In addition he also pays tribute to Nikolai Gogol, obviously in the name of the band, a famous Russian writer who explored Ukrainian culture in his works. Their first single, “Start Wearing Purple” came out in 1999 and was on the album Voi-La Intruder, originally released in the UK and later recorded again to form part of the album Gypsy Punks. They continued to be a rather underground band for several years and gradually reached out to more fans thanks to their touring. Their live shows have a reputation for being explosive. Don’t miss them in...
Home recipes to eliminate sun spots and age spots
Our customs eventually we end up taking their toll, both physically and mentally. In this case I’m speaking about those oft unsightly “sunspots.” For some reason, thought they affect both woman and men, women seem to care more about them. While generally these spots appear in middle age or later, certain habits like unprotected exposure to UV rays, misuse of cosmetics, use of contraceptives, smoking, and poor nutrition can all cause them to appear earlier. Obviously, over-exposure to the sun is a big culprit. So what to do if you have few? Before resorting to harsh creams and chemicals that offer fleeting results at very high prices, why not experiment with a few tried and true methods passed down from generation to generation? Here are a couple recipes from Grandma, with a very successful record!. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the first step is to prevent further dark spots. Please remember to protect yourself from the sun by using a broad spectrum sunblock everyday! Onto the treatments… In the evening, prepare a toner with the juice of one lemon and a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide (10 vol). Apply it to the spots every night before bed. The Second anti-stain recipe from Grandma: Two teaspoons of milk powder and again one of hydrogen peroxide, plus two drops of glycerin to prepare a whitening cream. It should also be applied at night, because during the, day hydrogen peroxide may worsen the stain, so in the morning, wash the affected area and apply a sunscreen! Do not forget that antioxidants are essential for...
Shopping addicts
Given a good deal, both the most capricious impulse buyer, as well as the stingiest miser bust out the credit cards, hands trembling with excitement, to make that special purchase. A study conducted by the University of Westminster, scientifically confirmed what everyone already knew: shopping is as exciting as watching a pornographic movie and one of the most delightful activities there is. The scientists conducting this study examined the emotional responses of over 50 volunteers while doing various activities and exposed to various incentives. Volunteers responded with as much happiness as when he gave them a voucher or gift card as they did during other activities. In fact, their emotional response was measured as having the same intensity as when these subjects were watching a good erotic movie. When a person falls in love, the brain sends the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates the release of testosterone, the hormone of sexual desire. The impressive thing is that scientists detected the same levels of dopamine in individuals experiencing a satisfactory Shopping session. Obviously, these results lead us to the conclusion that for most people, sex and a good session of Shopping are just as exciting! This leads to different but accurate deductions. For one, it explains why people like to spend much money, even if they can’t really afford it. On the other hand, it becomes obvious why we spend so much on purchases especially when we are depressed or stressed. Like a good session of sex, Shopping relaxes us. If you want to feel the pleasure to be had by shopping, but want to avoid economic ruin, why not take...
Fernando Botero in Budapest
Fernando Botero is a Colombian artist, whose pictures and sculptures feature characters that are fat, expressive and emphatic. His bright and colorful paintings are in part inspired by the aesthetics of top Latin artists like Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco. However, his distinctive imagery has also been influenced by classical European painting, as Botero studied in Madrid, not in his home city Bogota. His works are peppered with references to great masterpieces that any avid observer with an affinity for art can discover. This fall the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest devotes an extensive retrospective to Botero´s playful imagery, and includes his most iconic works of the last twenty years of his career, as well as new works. There are about 60 oil paintings and sculptures. Under the simple title “Fernando Botero,” the exhibition, which opened on September 23rd and runs until January 2nd, 2011, seeks to showcase Botero as a representative figure in contemporary Latin American art and shed light on his pictorial and intellectual record. The Colombian artist is undoubtedly one of the most important figures of Latin American modernity, whose work can be found in some of the most hallowed collections in Japan, Russia, Germany, Italy and, of course, Colombia. Thanks to the robust and exaggerated human forms that populate his paintings and made him internationally famous, he has been compared to Peter Paul Rubens, who, like Botero, had a weakness for human curves, especially feminine ones. His work tells stories about his beloved home country with its colorful folklore and culture. In some of his paintings you can see Colombian flags, and other...
Rubens Exhibit at the Prado this Winter
The Prado Museum in Madrid will show almost a hundred works by of one of the most important artists in history, Peter Paul Rubens, until January 23, 2011. In addition, viewers can also enjoy a documentary about the Belgian painter Rubens. Peter Paul Rubens, known in the art world only by his surname, was born in Siegen, Germany, in 1577 and became one of the most celebrated artists in history for his paintings that emphasize the movement, color and sensuality. Common topics in his work range from religious things to classical mythology. The way in which he sought to convey an exalted vision of the ideal life of man was how Rubens became one of the most recognized artists of his time in Europe. The Prado Museum will close its exhibition year with a presentation of the Rubens exhibit on November 3rd. The exhibition will be curated by Alejandro Vergara, Chief Curator of the Flemish Painting School and will feature nearly a hundred works. One of the most interesting features is that the sample will allow viewers to see many Rubens masterpieces such as “Battle of St. George and the Dragon”, “San Pablo”, “The Garden of Love,” “The Three Graces,” ” Nymphs and Satyrs, “” Hercules and Cerberus, “Saturn Devouring his Son “,” Dance of villagers ” and ” Diana and her Nymphs surprised by Satyrs ” among others. Moreover, the Prado Museum is presenting a documentary directed by Miguel Angel Trujillo produced in conjunction with the Center for European Studies and Angular Productions about the artist’s life. If you want to see the best works of Rubens and...
Disquieting Images exhibit in Milan
On October 19th, a fascinating exhibition opened at the Milan Triennale. The exhibit, called “Disquieting Images” features the works of a number of artists whose photos share a decidedly critical outlook and have a visceral impact. Here you will find disturbing images of problematic content, such as pollution, gender, AIDS, the mafia, sadomasochism, war, drugs, transvestism, and many other social topics. These photographs document life and death, erotica, illness and social and political problems that have rocked our world though out the twentieth century and continue to provoke. With a rich aesthetic diversity, the exhibition takes us closer to issues of social and emotional impact. Here is a brief introduction to two of the artists represented in this impressive display. Pieter Hugo: The South African photographer explores the lives of those who live on the margins of society. Known for his straightforward and provocative aesthetics, the artist turns his lens towards those parts of Africa that are usually hidden from view. He is always in search of the stark reality, without makeup or concessions to the viewer, and always shows us the brutal, honest and authentic side of Africa. Diane Arbus: This legendary American photographer, one of the most important twentieth century wanted to show the “evil” and undercurrent of alienation present in our society through her work. She too, like Hugo, was attracted to marginalized individuals: circus folks, transvestites, dwarves and prostitutes who lived in many cases, the inverse of the American dream. We invite you to take a look at this interesting exhibition, which will also feature work from Letizia Battaglia, Nina Berman, Elena Dorfman, Donna Ferrato,...
PEEKABOO – South African Art in Helsinki
Until recently I have not been aware of art from South Africa but as it turns out, South Africa has developed into a major hub for contemporary art in the past 15 years. Numerous South African artists are top names in the contemporary art scene such as William Kentridge, Jane Alexander, or Roger Ballen. Key themes that the artists share are the issues of the South African society: Apartheid, the role of religion, the constant turmoil of change, the finding of an identity. For the first time in Finland, the Helsinki Art Museum presents a review of contemporary art and looks at the history of South Africa in the exhibition “Peekaboo – Current South Africa.” The show features 20 artists whose works consist of photos, paintings, sculptures and installations dealing with Apartheid, the changing role of religions, and the forming of a person’s identity amidst these changes. The works best described the state of transition that South Africa is undergoing. Some works explore personal experiences and others comment brutally or poetically on the surrounding reality, sometimes using humour or satire. Erja Pusa, Chief Curator of Helsinki Art Museum.wants to make clear that “Peekaboo” is not a comprehensive review of post-Apartheid art, as he states: “It seeks to show what kind of content is important in South African art at this moment. For many of the artists, apartheid was part of their own life and its traces are still present today.” He also draws a comparison to surrealism that emerged after World War I and further explains: “The experience of history is subjective, and it is always seen against the...
Picasso and politics in Vienna
The life and work of Picasso has been investigated and from multiple perspectives andin multiple formats. However, one of the most important facets of his biography and his work is his political position, which is reflected especially in several works from the Cold War era. What very few know, or many forget is that the iconic painter joined the Communist Party in 1944 and was an active member until his death at age 73. During this creative period, his political and social interests substantially influenced his work. The Albertina Museum in Vienna houses for first time will host the work of this famous artist, to delve into his passion for politics and social convictions. From September 22nd until January 16, 2011 you can appreciate this very interesting glimpse into the life and work of one of the world´s most famous artists. Starting with 1944, the year in which the artist joined the Communist Party, the exhibition entitled “Picasso. War and Peace ” takes a journey through the most important works of this period, deeply marked by his commitment to the Communist Party. One of the most iconic images of that creative time is “Dove with olive branch” from 1961, which has since been etched in the collective imagination as a symbol of peace. As Picasso himself pointed out, there was no doubt that his paintings speak of war and suffering, perhaps even going beyond representing the political events of that time. It is therefore not surprising that many of these works have caused great controversy, as they openly support and promote communist causes. However, they also speak to an...
Fina la Ina, Barcelona’s reigning queen of cabaret punk
It’s difficult to describe the artist Fina la Ina though one critic has tried their best: “Fina La Ina is a whirlwind spectacle who leaves no one indifferent.” If you have ever seen her you know her performances happen “with the force of a cyclone,” or as the song says, at the end of the show even the tables want to applaud. She masterfully interprets songs that are a bit cabaret, a bit punk, incorporating dancing and wisely seasoned theatrical elements to portray different characters in each of the songs. This is how Fina La Ina creates a special musical treat that delights audiences. Her voice, dancing, drama and hilarious performances will impress lovers of music, theatre and laughter. She collaborates with a talented team of musicians like Ayose Armas a musical creator with formidable acting skills, capable of adapting his show to any space, pianist Oscar Machencoses and coaxes the audience to eat right of her hand. Under her spell, even the most abstemious take a drink and end up hooked. The scene is reminiscent of chanteuses of the past, but with a decidedly more punk flavour, a dose of hyperbole and the space allows for improvisation. As they play, the songs characterize their protagonists, generating dramatic tension as to what, how and when the action will happen. Intermission leaves you spellbound with suspense as to how the spectacle will end. Following the scene’s conclusion, you will laugh, cry and jump out of your seat to ask “When is the next show?” Fina was born in Guardiola de Berga, Barcelona, in 1972 and, as she says, was raised...
