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Last posts

Add Some Scent to your Life

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian

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... read more

Human Rights at the Istanbul Internacional Film Festival

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian

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,... read more

Mishima and the Japanese Spirit

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian

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... read more