Category: London

A sense of beauty on a rainy gloomy day.

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A rainy and quite gloomy bank holiday weekend but all brightened up by two cultural wonders. One at the V&A , the Jameel Prize 4 exhibition and following that, a trip to the Design Museum to see the Azzedine Alaïa exhibition.

Hala Kaiksow work exhibited at the V&A ‘Jameel Prize 4’ exhibitionIMG_3730

The Jammeel Prize is an award for contemporary art and design inspired by Islamic tradition. It is an international competition, open to artists and designers across the world. Over 250 entries were received and works by eight finalists are exhibited. The show is free and open at the V&A until 25 November 2018.

Hala Kaiksow is a fashion designer, born in Bahrain and who launched her own sustainable womenswear label in 2016.

Azzedine Alaïa designs at the Design MuseumIMG_3740

The ‘Azzedine Alaïa the couturier ‘exhibition at the Design Museum presents fashion figure hugging sensuous beauty. Azzedine’s design and use of fabrics are inspiring. This exhibition is charged and is open until October 2018.

 

I am pleased to say my weekend has ended with a smile.

Three Dimensions

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Abstract in White,Green,Black,Red,Grey c 1963 and Pink by Victor Pasmore

My visit to the Tate this weekend was initially to see the Picasso exhibition. Following this show I decided to take a wander and see if I could find any new and hidden gems.

Well to no surprise I found a piece for me. Suspended in mid air ‘but going somewhere’’ was what this piece said to me.

The Victor Pasmore ‘Abstract in White Green, Black, Red, Grey and Pink’ definitely brings ideas of growth and abstract harmony into three dimensions / referenced on the Tate label.

A great trip and as always there is something about art which stays with you.

Teamwork

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F1 Pit Stop/ 2007 by Andreas Gursky at the Hayward

I went to an exhibition a few months ago at the Southbank in the newly refurbished Hayward Gallery and certain images have stuck with me. That is what is so good about art and the array of cultural experiences, which surround us. They are not one off; they have an impact, can inspire, shock, ignite and often have a life beyond. Well this exhibition,  the Andreas Gursky show at the Hayward came to my mind today, as I was rushing around and feeling a little under stress. The F1 Pit Stop image summed up something very important. The importance of teamwork and revisiting this image has really made me smile. I loved the exhibition.

It closes on the 22nd April and get a ticket in advance if possible or try arriving extremely early and queuing.

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/venues/hayward-gallery

I forgot my March 2018 update, but now its sunny I am catching up and recalling those important cultural and creative moments.

 

My favourite Christmas tree

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An interactive audio-visual installation by stage designer Es Devlin

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I am looking back on photos and visits I made over the Christmas break and there is no doubt that my favourite 2017 Christmas tree is ‘The Singing Tree’ by Es Devin at the V&A London. I don’t think it is too late to go and see it either.

The tree sings words, which have been collected from V&A visitors and produces a constantly regenerating ‘carol’ sung by an interactive choir of human and synthesized voices.

A beautiful tree, in an amazing setting and with voices in the background created something which touched all your senses.

As Christmas comes to a close and 2018 is nearly upon us, I am taking time out to review the forthcoming cultural landscape and it looks exciting!

Looking beyond walls

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2 Willow Road designed by Erno Goldfinger

I have passed this building a number of times and have often seen small groups of people gathered outside, queuing for something. I can honestly say, the building did not impress me immediately but I did become more and more curious to what these people were waiting for.

Well I did stop recently and found out what was different about 2 Willow Road Hampstead. This is a building designed and lived in by Erno Goldfinger a well-known architect.

The start of my visit involved taking a seat in a room, which was previously the garage and watching a film about Erno Goldfinger, his work and this building.

A tour of the building then followed with snippets about Erno’s family life but in particular information about the design choices he made, his collections and challenges he faced in delivering a building of this nature in Hampstead.

For some reason this building and in particular its interior have inspired me and reminded me to be curious and look beyond walls.

Secret garden

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Fenton House in Hampstead London was my surprise find today. It was ‘Open House’ this weekend but it was not the house but the garden that took me by surprise. Admittedly it was a beautiful sunny day but there is no doubt the garden is their treasure. Well kept, beautiful plants and wonderful places to sit on a bench and enjoy London.

Lightening my spirits

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Work by Natalia Avdeeva at the Bankside Gallery

An exhibition worth going to at Bankside Gallery. ‘Above And Beyond’ A Major Exhibition of Paintings and Drawings by Natalia Avdeeva. Land – Sea – Cityscapes.

Natalia’s work has a depth and colour, which lightens ones spirits. Finding artists outside the larger institutions is invigorating. This exhibition is free, in a great location and on until 2nd July.

Out of the sunshine and into something beautiful

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I visited ‘The American Dream ‘pop to the present at the weekend and I am so sorry this exhibition has now closed. I would have gone earlier and shouted from the rooftops for people to see it. This exhibition included works by American artists; Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and many more. The design and content of the show was truly inspiring, providing an insight into the production of the works alongside the art and in a space, which enabled visitors to contemplate and enjoy the experience fully.

A really good British Museum moment.