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Last posts

How to Survive the Holidays

Mónica Boixeda Istanbulite, Only-Be

The holidays can prove to be the most traumatic time of year. Experts point out that it is the season of the year in which the most couples break up, families fall apart or start feuds. On top of all the emotional stress, the overindulgence in alcohol and gluttony associated with Christmas and New Years can take their toll in the form of extra kilos, upset stomachs, and brutal hangovers and colds. Therefore it is not surprising that many people try to avoid the traditional Christmas family gatherings at all costs. Some flee the country and go on vacation to get away from the family chaos, others prefer to take the days off to catch up on work around the house, and also there are those who hide out at home in an attempt to wait out the holiday season, and ignore the mood swings between terror and stoic defeat. However, the holidays do not have to end up causing family drama, or take place on a deserted island in the Caribbean. Here are some tips for surviving the holidays with dignity. 1. Gifts are probably the most stressful part of Christmas, and most leave their purchases to the last minute. You have two options, either buying your gifts a month in advance, before the rush unleashes its terror in the shops, or maybe agree to do a “Secret Santa” plan in the family. These ideas can save you money and stress. 2. We know that this time of year is an excuse to eat all the junk food you would not normally allow. But to avoid the post-holiday... read more

‘The Pipe and The Flow’ exhibit

Mónica Boixeda Madrilenian, Only-Be

From November 18 until January 8, 2011 you can see The pipe and the flow, an exhibit curated by Omar Lopez-Chaoud which tries to deepen our understanding of the analogy which gives the exhibit its title. Via art, it studies the similarities that can be found in different things, looking for parallels between different organisms, practices and expressions. The exhibit features the participation of international artists like Olivier Babin, Eduardo Basualdo, Jonathan Ehrenberg, Franklin Evans, Tommy Hartung, Jamie Isenstein, Marepe, Suzanne McClelland, Sam Moyer and LaToya Ruby Frazier. Oliver Babin presents the work “Hail” a paper bag rubbed with graphite giving it a black color which is hung from the ceiling with fishing line. Eduardo Basualdo surprises us with a sculpture and a collection of drawings, in which we can appreciate the distance between two people trying to occupy the same place. Jonathan Ehrenberg shows the video “seed,” which features a man slowly being transformed into a tree. Franklin Evans with “Floornotes” is a ground based installation which allows the public to walk over it. Tommy Hartung will show a video called “Stay Gold Ponyboy” based on the Francis Ford Coppola film “The Outsiders.” Jamie Isenstein´s installation is based on a 365 page book set over a base, which thanks to a UV lamp changes color with the light. The assembly called “Genesis” from Marepe uses a fishing net, plastics and bottles. For more information, see: http://www.espaciominimo.net/ Doctor Fourquet, 17. 28012 Madrid Raquel García Don´t miss this fascinating exhibit, and rent apartments in Madrid to muse and ponder the currents of modern art. Translated by: salome... read more

The Triumphal Arches of Rome

Mónica Boixeda Only-Be, Roman

Andrea Palladio paid tribute to Vitruvius, in his Four Books of Architecture (1570) saying that the Romans had not exceeded his buildings and even four and a half centuries later. There are still likely to authors willing to say the same thing. In any case, our intention is not to perpetuate the absurdity of trying to rank creation, but it seems certain that Rome has more than enough credentials to be named city par excellence for lovers of architecture, as shown convincingly in such films as The Belly of an Architect (Peter Greenaway, 1987). For better or for worse, Westerners continue to manifest an unconquerable longing for Rome which is reflected very uniquely, in the spaces created by architecture. On the other hand, it is not difficult to agree with Gombrich that the ruins of its buildings are impossible to forget, or to use the famous words of Poe, “the grandeur that was Rome.” It´s true that modern cities show the continuing influence of structures of Roman civil engineering and forms that characterized Greek architecture. Despite the accusation of lack of originality regarding the Greek world, Roman architecture is responsible, for the invention of a novel element, the arc, which would become absolutely essential since then, allowing construction feats never before imagined. It is therefore not surprising that among the Roman architectural creations that have caused a more lasting impression are the triumphal arches, whose composition plays a role not unlike that of the musical chords. Perhaps that was precisely the reason these triumphal arches were repeatedly used as a model during the Renaissance for the design of facades... read more