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Last posts

Big Bang Show

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian, Only-Be

Ask any hip cat on the streets of Barcelona about the big bang bar, and they will rave about its cool vintage atmosphere and buzzing Fashion crowd. Although it dates back to the early 90´s, the atmosphere oozes nostalgia. And so does the crowd, their dances, to music on vinyl, marking the rhythms of unselfconscious fun as the bodies of uncertain origins and ages swirl into the vortex of self-referential homage to the past. The papered retro walls, posters and photographs from an unsung ancestral collector, laughter, loud talking, possessed dancing and furtive glances all lend the ample space an animation which speaks of the best of Barcelona nightlife. The Big Bang show, presented as if it were a cabaret, with music and performances, encapsulates the essence of the bar. It is held each Tuesday, with free admission but limited seating, and features new characters presenting everything from poems built around the life of a barman, to emulations of such films as The Wizard of Oz. The show takes place in a small adjoining room at the back of the bar. The presentation is part of the show and it varies every week, sometimes it features actors with music, satire or clowns. The players vary week to week and many offer small humorous monologues on a variety of possible topics. Or other more unusual performances, which features a song that barely sounds at the end, a peculiar Dorothy who walks with a stuffed animal on her shoulder who calls the tin man by her side a bastard for having no heart, dances and music created from videogames … For... read more

Borromini´s Dancing Plane Geometry

Mónica Boixeda Only-Be, Roman

One of the most unique advantages to the traveler who rents apartments in Rome is that it, like the Paris of Hemingway, the city seems infinite… Given the variety of styles and the tremendous quantity and quality of archaeological, architectural and artistic material to behold means that even if one spent every trip just exploring one aspect of the city, one would still never run out of things to see. One particularly intriguing figure, worth a bit of attention, is melancholy architect Francesco Borromini (1599-1667), whose life was cut short, like many a great artist’s, by suicide. This mortal coil has very little place for brilliance, sensitivity and innovation. He was probably one of the most radically theatrical architects Rome had seen, emblematic of a Baroque era defined by the metaphor of World as Theatre. Should you decide to take this route, do not forget to put on your dancing shoes. If, as said by Walter Pater, all art aspires to the condition of music, all the buildings of Borromini seem to aspire to the condition of dance. This article, in turn, aspires to the condition of the monster mash. Perhaps even more appropriate than the metaphor of dance, is the image of the ecstatic dervish found in Rumi´s verses. Just consider the amazing San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane (Via del Quirinale 23), whose ellipsoid forms lead to an altered state of consciousness and reasoned derangement of all senses, and following Rimbaud’s desires convert a mere poet in psychic visionary. Breathe in the dramatic architectural illusionism and bewildering grace as you marvel at the frenzy of the exquisite oval... read more

Tacheles: Art Space or Tourist Trap?

Mónica Boixeda Berliner, Only-Be

Almost all Berlin lovers have been to Tacheles at least once, and no doubt some have wondered how it happened that a building (and a project) which was originally a squat has transcended its anarcho-art punk roots and become a fashionable, guide-book standby of Berlin and helped turn the surrounding neighborhood into one of the hippest in Berlin. The meaning of the word “alternative” has now fade, and lost part of its original connotation of opposition to the established order. Now it seems to have instead become representative of anything that is merely considered “cool.” Tacheles was once a both blueprint and trailblazer of the recovery of urban space and artistic production in the Berlin of the 90s, i.e., just after the fall of the wall. At that time, as we all know, the city experienced an intense period of cultural upheaval, coupled with strong advocacy for new social modes. What is now called Tacheles had formerly been a mall and during the Second World War was used by the Nazis to host the administration and organization of various departments and housed prisoners of war. The building was badly damaged by bombing, but not completely destroyed, and was to be demolished in 1990. In neighborhoods like Mitte, PrenzlauerBerg and Friedrichschain a subculture sprung up promoting autonomy and cultural freedom. Its protagonists decided to occupy this space to promote alternative development. Tacheles, a word which in Hebrew means “revealing” “communicate” or “frank speech” quickly became well known for the atmosphere of the building and the number of projects that were carried out, like performances, concerts, exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, installations.... read more