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Last posts

Artist friends – Georg Baselitz and Benjamin Katz

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian, Only-Be

The friendship of the German artist Georg Baselitz and Belgian photographer Benjamin Katz began more than four decades ago and is now commemorated with an exhibition in Helsinki, which not only shows the last work of this neo-expressionist artist, but also will dedicate a space to Katz´s portraits of Baselitz, made in the last twenty years. Sons of modernity, these two fascinating figures have always been linked by having the courage to find their own path and their faith in change, as well as their incessant interest in the past. Baselitz, for example, has always been attracted to the darker parts of German history of as was, as well as the darkest parts of his own history. Katz, on the other hand, started in art by opening his own gallery, and then devoted himself exclusively to photography. Central themes of his work include his friends and acquaintances, important personalities from the world of art, both artists and those who operate behind the scenes: curators, gallerists, critics, collectors, etc. And in that sense, the work of Katz works as a sociological archive of the world of art then and now. Like Baselitz, he has found a way to deal with the past and pay tribute to it without losing sight of the present. In this latest exhibition at the Helsinki Art Museum Tennis Palace, which opened on April 16, Baselitz is engaged again to his own past as way of “remixing” his former positions. With “Remix”, the artist tries to reinterpret the dark and anxious tone of his early works with infractions of lightness and spontaneity. Katz´s work, meanwhile, is... read more

Istanbul Jazz Festival

Mónica Boixeda Istanbulite, Only-Be

The root of all modern music styles, jazz, returns to Istanbul for a festival that is about to turn sweet 17, from 1 to 20 July. More than 50 concerts await music lovers during this international festival, which invites more than 300 groups and artists to the city. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover a fascinating city and delve into its many architectural and acoustical treasures. The Open Air Theatre Cemil Topuzlu, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of St. Irene, Istanbul Modern, Istinye Park, the Board IKSV, the Sepetçiler villa and the Marmara Esma Sultan are just some of the places where concerts will be held, and you are sure to vibrate with pleasure. Don’t miss the opening ceremony with a concert by the best Turkish musicians at The Marmara Esma Sultan … International stars Artists and groups such as Tony Bennett, Grace Jones (16.07), Seal (17.07), Chick Corea, New Folks and Martha Wainwright (who will interpret songs by the divine French chanteuse Edith Piaf) are eagerly expected. Save the date for July 3, and head over to the Festival of Tünel, held in various cultural centres and concert halls divided between Galata and ?i?hane. Stages will be set up in tunnels and Kuledibi Galata to host several free performances: it’s free, which means you can’t afford to miss this chance to enjoy exciting jazz rhythms. Rock, pop, blues, reggae and new age resonate as well, which makes this event a festival for all types of people. In recent years, Bjork, Massive Attack, Eric Clapton, Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Paco de Lucia, Jane Birkin, Mercedes Sosa and Lenny Kravitzhave... read more

The Night of San Juan

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian, Only-Be

When I was younger, on the night of San Juan in France, I found it very boring. For me, it was nothing more than a crazy group of adults dressed up, dancing around a giant bonfire and drunkenly ambling in the street. Later on, when I discovered the night of June 23 Catalan style in Barcelona it was totally different, a magical and unforgettable time for both children and adults. A Night for Witches and Wishes This party is a gold-mine for photographers, as they can see how the beach morphs overnight. As the hours pass, the sand fills with people, who arrive with their dinners and kids. The beach begins to fill with young people who gather in bars or set up their own makeshift bars, complete with music, bonfires, alcohol and BBQ. Children come with their pockets full of firecrackers and light them until dawn. People jump into the sea, dance in the sand and throw fireworks … And the next morning when city officials come to clean the scene of the crime, they not only find kilos of garbage, but also lovers baking in the sun … Souvenirs, souvenirs … Lovers or friends who participate in the festivities should comply with the Spanish traditions for good luck: As the flames burn higher, you should jump though the fire while making a wish, or write three wishes down on a paper which is then cast into the burning flames. Typically a cake called “coca” is eaten, it’s similar to a brioche, and filled with cream, candied fruit and pieces of butter. This cake is round like the... read more