When I was in Germany people were trying to convince me Chopin was French. During my stay in Belgium they were doing the same when it comes to Copernicus, claiming he was German. You should know many Poles react very badly to that. We don't have many folks who would be worldwide famous, who would have great contribution to humankind development or to humanity in any other way. That's why when someone tries to deprive us of those few that belong to us, that we can be proud of, we're not very happy with that.
What I liked, on the other hand, was a situation with some Belgian guy. When I told him I come from Poland, surprisingly he didn't mention Lech Wałęsa or John Paul II. Mentioning them makes sick some of us because it makes us realize what I already mentioned above - that we don't have many well known figures and people always mention those two. You know who he mentioned? Krzysztof Kieślowski. Oh, I was very happy with that. Kieślowski was brilliant master indeed. You could have heard of his "Three Colors" or "The Decalogue". Did you watch Tykwer's "Heaven"? It was inspired by Kieślowski's work. Try also his documentary short movies. They're brilliant, however they may to be too hermetic for non-Poles.
People were telling me sometimes they're sure there are some very famous Poles which have some great achievements. However, once I mentioned some of them by name those names didn't say anything to those people. I remember Agnes asked me once about Polish artists. I mentioned Magdalena Abakanowicz and Igor Mitoraj. She didn't know them, didn't recognize the names. And that's it, Abakanowicz, Mitoraj, Kantor, Grotowski... They are very famous, very distinguish, known worldwide but only by people who are into art or theater. It's not like with Bergman or Herzog, or Brecht. Everyone knows them. When you hear the name Picasso or Dali the bell rings immediately.
Maria Skłodowska-Curie discovered two elements, she is the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two sciences. And still, does anyone know her? Those who do, believe she was French and she probably called one of the discovered elements Polon without the reason or maybe to emphasize her French origin.
Aleksander Wolszczan, Polish astronomer, discovered first planets in nonsolar planetary system. Great discover for humankind. Did you ever hear about him? And still, you're certainly familiar with such names as Alfred Nobel, Astrid Lindgren, Johan Gutenberg, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jan Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven...
Hopefully you will at least remember now that Copernicus was Polish. Dick Solomon may help you to memorize that. Do you know this TV show "3Rd Rock from the Sun"? One of two, just next to the "Office", which makes me laugh no matter what.
Pokazywanie postów oznaczonych etykietą art and culture. Pokaż wszystkie posty
Pokazywanie postów oznaczonych etykietą art and culture. Pokaż wszystkie posty
wtorek, 15 września 2009
środa, 2 września 2009
Misconceptions about prejudices
I found the book of Jeff Marano in the Centre of Contemporary Art's bookshop in September last year. I don't consider his photos something special but the bodies he takes pictures of are worth to take a look at. There is nothing more beautiful than human body.
They had exhibition "Flowers of our Lives" that was focused on the collecting things issue. There was installation of Turkish artist, Kutlug Ataman, titled "Stefan's Room". It was actually documentary movie with four extra screenplays around the viewer. It was telling a story of young German guy who was collecting butterflies and had over 30.000 of them. Gay motive was of course unavoidable. Czech and gay motives were persecuting me. It was very good, simple story but covered number of topics. Ataman makes also future films but they're nothing special.
I wasn't oriented on Turkish matters without a reason. After Hana left us for good, Deniz moved in for less than two weeks. The greatest young mind in Turkey. Can you imagine? He had scholarship for the best student in the entire Turky. Meeting him was very salutary experience for me. He was attractive, social, real fine young man. However, I was afraid he will reject me once he'll find out I'm gay. You know, we are fed with those convictions that Muslims has no understanding for gay issue. What can I say? Deniz definitely wasn't lacking in that kind of understanding.
But once occurred even more surprising situation considering the reception of gay people by Muslims. We went the whole group to Dawid. We dropped by a shop before paying him a visit. Young, beautiful (not handsome, just beautiful), Muslim judging by his features guy was cashier in there. Girls were buying and paying and I was admiring him, staring open-mouthed at him. What did he do? He didn't express his possible displeasure caused by my affection, disapproval or embarrassment which would be definitely the case in Polish shop. He smiled at me warmly. Oh, I was ecstatic. Agnes even noticed his smile.
My stay in Brussels definitely caused me not to perceive Muslims from the angle of their religion. My prejudices about their prejudices vanished.
The shop clerk situation was not the only one involving me staring at someone insistently that was completely new to me. When we went with Marta to Antwerp and I cast a glance at a guy which I do constantly that particular one paid back my look. It was full of admiration, very flirty. He was too old for my taste but it was astonishing and somehow pleasurable. I'm not used to it. In Poland admire handsome guys is always one-way relation. One of many differences between Belgium and Poland, between my wonderful life there and my miserable existence here.
They had exhibition "Flowers of our Lives" that was focused on the collecting things issue. There was installation of Turkish artist, Kutlug Ataman, titled "Stefan's Room". It was actually documentary movie with four extra screenplays around the viewer. It was telling a story of young German guy who was collecting butterflies and had over 30.000 of them. Gay motive was of course unavoidable. Czech and gay motives were persecuting me. It was very good, simple story but covered number of topics. Ataman makes also future films but they're nothing special.
I wasn't oriented on Turkish matters without a reason. After Hana left us for good, Deniz moved in for less than two weeks. The greatest young mind in Turkey. Can you imagine? He had scholarship for the best student in the entire Turky. Meeting him was very salutary experience for me. He was attractive, social, real fine young man. However, I was afraid he will reject me once he'll find out I'm gay. You know, we are fed with those convictions that Muslims has no understanding for gay issue. What can I say? Deniz definitely wasn't lacking in that kind of understanding.
But once occurred even more surprising situation considering the reception of gay people by Muslims. We went the whole group to Dawid. We dropped by a shop before paying him a visit. Young, beautiful (not handsome, just beautiful), Muslim judging by his features guy was cashier in there. Girls were buying and paying and I was admiring him, staring open-mouthed at him. What did he do? He didn't express his possible displeasure caused by my affection, disapproval or embarrassment which would be definitely the case in Polish shop. He smiled at me warmly. Oh, I was ecstatic. Agnes even noticed his smile.
My stay in Brussels definitely caused me not to perceive Muslims from the angle of their religion. My prejudices about their prejudices vanished.
The shop clerk situation was not the only one involving me staring at someone insistently that was completely new to me. When we went with Marta to Antwerp and I cast a glance at a guy which I do constantly that particular one paid back my look. It was full of admiration, very flirty. He was too old for my taste but it was astonishing and somehow pleasurable. I'm not used to it. In Poland admire handsome guys is always one-way relation. One of many differences between Belgium and Poland, between my wonderful life there and my miserable existence here.
wtorek, 1 września 2009
czwartek, 27 sierpnia 2009
The day I bought my hemba
I didn't brought any CDs, I brought, however, small African sculpture, hemba statue. Purchase of it has its beginning during my trip to Paris. I bought a small hemba in Louvre, as a souvenir from my journey to Paris. You can see it on the photo below, among other items every of each symbolizes one of us, EP Library trainees 2008.
It's quite popular artifact. You'll find at least few of them in every single African shop in Brussels. In the biggest shops there are really many of them, very diverse. It's amazing, some of them seem to be inspired by a work of western artists from the XX century. I found one which enthralled me completely. Proportions of it were unusual. Normally hembas are slim and this one was short with big belly. What made me fall in love with it was however something else, its lips. They're enormously large. Usually hembas have mouth hardly outlined mouth. This one is really unique.
It cost 150 euros. Normally I wouldn't think of buying so expensive item only to fulfill my esthetic needs, only for a pleasure. But it happened that summer sale took place that week and every item in that shop was selling with 50% discount. It was great opportunity, especially that I could effort expense of 70 euros. On the other hand my departure was approaching and every cent was important to me. I had a tough nut to crack...
I had no idea how I would manage to take to the plane but I finally bought it. I remember asking Agnes for advice. She was amazing. If you ask her for an advice you can be sure she will consider the issue carefully and will give balanced opinion. At first she was skeptical. She thought it's not good idea to buy African artifacts in Belgium, she believed one should buy them when going to Africa. However, when Marta and I convicted her that Brussels is not only the capital city of Belgium and Europe but it may also be easily considered as capital city of Africa in Europe, she took my dilemma into consideration and she gave me the answer that fully satisfied me. ;-) Not all of my doubts were gone but it's always better to regret eventually things that we did than the ones that we abandoned to do.
My hemba is covered with African dust, I've never cleared it out. It has spider web between legs and his privates, and he has some holes made by woodworm. Its color is different than the photos show, it's dark brown. It smelled very intensively for a long time. I liked to think it was a smell of Africa. I packed him with wrap and towels on it to avoid any damage during the flight. Every time I was drying myself with those towels later I could smell it very clearly. I enjoyed that sensation very much.
So here we are - me and my hemba, both homeless. It's not smart move to have children when you are homeless. And buoying art objects once you have no place to expose them is profanation of art.
I recall that day, the day of buying my hemba, with all the details. That day I saw Jaana for the last time. We went to the park. She was talkative, full of warmness but at that point I was not able to feel fine anymore. It was very close to departure. I knew I won't see Jan anymore and it disturbed me. I was angry, agitated. I asked a waiter for Pepsi with ice and he brought me one with no ice. I asked him to take it back. I never do such things. Usually I make remark that it's not what I ordered so he would know he doesn't do his job well but I take what he prepared since I don't feel comfortable causing other people troubles.
There was a time I regretted I didn't buy also Tibetan dorje (vajra). There was a shop in Brussels where one can buy the authentic one. It cost about 200 euros so there was no way for me to buy it but still I felt uncomfortable not having it. It made my heart beating faster every time I saw it. It was the first time in my life I could see such artifact. My regret is gone now thanks to friend of mine, Rafael. He employed quite effective therapy on that subject. He made me realize that bringing item like that to Europe probably cost lives or wellbeing of some Tibetans. That's likely and it made me not to want it anymore. But it also made me wonder if my hemba didn't come do Europe by burning some Congo village to the ground...
I bought imitation of dorje when I went with Marta to Antwerp. I never make photos, I always bring souvenirs from my trips.
It's quite popular artifact. You'll find at least few of them in every single African shop in Brussels. In the biggest shops there are really many of them, very diverse. It's amazing, some of them seem to be inspired by a work of western artists from the XX century. I found one which enthralled me completely. Proportions of it were unusual. Normally hembas are slim and this one was short with big belly. What made me fall in love with it was however something else, its lips. They're enormously large. Usually hembas have mouth hardly outlined mouth. This one is really unique.
It cost 150 euros. Normally I wouldn't think of buying so expensive item only to fulfill my esthetic needs, only for a pleasure. But it happened that summer sale took place that week and every item in that shop was selling with 50% discount. It was great opportunity, especially that I could effort expense of 70 euros. On the other hand my departure was approaching and every cent was important to me. I had a tough nut to crack...
I had no idea how I would manage to take to the plane but I finally bought it. I remember asking Agnes for advice. She was amazing. If you ask her for an advice you can be sure she will consider the issue carefully and will give balanced opinion. At first she was skeptical. She thought it's not good idea to buy African artifacts in Belgium, she believed one should buy them when going to Africa. However, when Marta and I convicted her that Brussels is not only the capital city of Belgium and Europe but it may also be easily considered as capital city of Africa in Europe, she took my dilemma into consideration and she gave me the answer that fully satisfied me. ;-) Not all of my doubts were gone but it's always better to regret eventually things that we did than the ones that we abandoned to do.
My hemba is covered with African dust, I've never cleared it out. It has spider web between legs and his privates, and he has some holes made by woodworm. Its color is different than the photos show, it's dark brown. It smelled very intensively for a long time. I liked to think it was a smell of Africa. I packed him with wrap and towels on it to avoid any damage during the flight. Every time I was drying myself with those towels later I could smell it very clearly. I enjoyed that sensation very much.
So here we are - me and my hemba, both homeless. It's not smart move to have children when you are homeless. And buoying art objects once you have no place to expose them is profanation of art.
I recall that day, the day of buying my hemba, with all the details. That day I saw Jaana for the last time. We went to the park. She was talkative, full of warmness but at that point I was not able to feel fine anymore. It was very close to departure. I knew I won't see Jan anymore and it disturbed me. I was angry, agitated. I asked a waiter for Pepsi with ice and he brought me one with no ice. I asked him to take it back. I never do such things. Usually I make remark that it's not what I ordered so he would know he doesn't do his job well but I take what he prepared since I don't feel comfortable causing other people troubles.
There was a time I regretted I didn't buy also Tibetan dorje (vajra). There was a shop in Brussels where one can buy the authentic one. It cost about 200 euros so there was no way for me to buy it but still I felt uncomfortable not having it. It made my heart beating faster every time I saw it. It was the first time in my life I could see such artifact. My regret is gone now thanks to friend of mine, Rafael. He employed quite effective therapy on that subject. He made me realize that bringing item like that to Europe probably cost lives or wellbeing of some Tibetans. That's likely and it made me not to want it anymore. But it also made me wonder if my hemba didn't come do Europe by burning some Congo village to the ground...
I bought imitation of dorje when I went with Marta to Antwerp. I never make photos, I always bring souvenirs from my trips.
środa, 26 sierpnia 2009
Brussels by Night with a cup of neuhaus chocolate
I tried to cheer myself up every now and then with a cup of neuhaus chocolate which I brought from Belgium. I enjoyed everything that brought me closer to Brussels. I had no intention to cut my addiction off even though it was, as every dependency, destroying for myself. Keeping contact with people I've met there was however too harmful, I hadn't enough strength to do it. I was making attempt every time I felt stronger, I felt being ready but eventually those attempts made me always much more depressed so I avoided it. Besides girls didn't experience difficulties as myself and even though they stopped writing eventually too. Humans.
I've finally find the courage to watch "Brussels by Night" that I bought in BOZAR Shop. Great movie and fortunately not very much about Brussels. As I could find out later by watching the interview with the director, the title was coincidental.
The movie that made much greater impression on me was "In the City of Sylvia" by José Luis Guerín. The city mentioned in the title is Strasbourg. Very poetic movie, almost like a fairytale. It hardly might be called masterpiece but in my subjective reception it was absolutely brilliant. It's absolute affirmation of life. It's also real pearl for photo lovers. If you like Strasbourg you have to watch it. Oh, it was great discover! What main character does is also my prime activity, except for drawing. I'm also fascinated with people and cities. Observing them and taking pleasure from it is one of my most basic reasons to live.
The movie should be watched in cinema. I'm convinced it has much more impact when showing on big screen. In case you'll encounter difficulties getting it, let me know, I would gladly share.
It's interesting clash because the other movie from that period that became embedded in my memory tells about stagnation and resignation rather than joyfulness of life. However it ends with bright spark too. It's titled "The Visitor" and was directed by Thomas McCarthy. In case you're convinced American can not do good movies, you should watch it. I'm quite sure you'll change your mind. It proofs good American cinema didn't finish at eighties.
I perceive the main character as counterpart of mine. Academic teacher in stagnation still open however to discover new aspects of life and meet new people, very different from himself. It moved me strongly however I wasn't convinced with the final, I didn't believe it. Maybe because I just don't see the right place for myself, I didn't discover the right path in my own life yet. I would gladly get to know your opinion.
Thanks to "The Visitor" I discovered the music of Fela Kuti, great African musician.
African music is everywhere in Brussels. I regret I didn't buy any CDs. One of very few things I regret.
I've finally find the courage to watch "Brussels by Night" that I bought in BOZAR Shop. Great movie and fortunately not very much about Brussels. As I could find out later by watching the interview with the director, the title was coincidental.
The movie that made much greater impression on me was "In the City of Sylvia" by José Luis Guerín. The city mentioned in the title is Strasbourg. Very poetic movie, almost like a fairytale. It hardly might be called masterpiece but in my subjective reception it was absolutely brilliant. It's absolute affirmation of life. It's also real pearl for photo lovers. If you like Strasbourg you have to watch it. Oh, it was great discover! What main character does is also my prime activity, except for drawing. I'm also fascinated with people and cities. Observing them and taking pleasure from it is one of my most basic reasons to live.
The movie should be watched in cinema. I'm convinced it has much more impact when showing on big screen. In case you'll encounter difficulties getting it, let me know, I would gladly share.
It's interesting clash because the other movie from that period that became embedded in my memory tells about stagnation and resignation rather than joyfulness of life. However it ends with bright spark too. It's titled "The Visitor" and was directed by Thomas McCarthy. In case you're convinced American can not do good movies, you should watch it. I'm quite sure you'll change your mind. It proofs good American cinema didn't finish at eighties.
I perceive the main character as counterpart of mine. Academic teacher in stagnation still open however to discover new aspects of life and meet new people, very different from himself. It moved me strongly however I wasn't convinced with the final, I didn't believe it. Maybe because I just don't see the right place for myself, I didn't discover the right path in my own life yet. I would gladly get to know your opinion.
Thanks to "The Visitor" I discovered the music of Fela Kuti, great African musician.
African music is everywhere in Brussels. I regret I didn't buy any CDs. One of very few things I regret.
poniedziałek, 24 sierpnia 2009
Swedish, Silesian, Czech, Hungarian, Australian, Finish... everywhere around
I was watching a lot of Czech movies when I came back. As I've said, I had desire for everything that has anything to do with Czech Republic. When there was railway catastrophe of Polish train in Czech I had impression I caused it by too much thinking about that country, too much negative thinking as well. The movie I recommend you especially is not Czech however, it's Danish, although it's about Czech Republic, about Prague (and it's called "Prague", directed by Ole Christian Madsen). Jan comes from Prague. It contains gay motive as well which makes it even more connected to Jan. But I don't recommend it because of that connection. I do because it's quite good, interesting movie. It's about everlasting love that has pity consequences for others, that hurts people involved. It's about death of old love and birth of a new one, about loneliness, finding way leading to others, finding the purpose, trying to understand ourselves, seeking for a goal... Subjects old but still fresh and pleasing if shown in interesting way. But it's also about beautiful city which is contaminated with postcommunist heritage and full of customs that have to seem very exotic for outsiders.
Czech and Scandinavian cinematography is well known for its quality but both are very different. It's interesting to see mix of those differences. And I want to warn you not to watch the trailer. It's very misleading, it announce the romantic story which the movie is not at all.
I watched another Czech movie few days ago - "The Country Teacher" by Bohdan Sláma. I'm not sure how comprehensible it may be for western Europeans but for me, as eastern one, it's very true, very close to life. That's something rare in the cinema and ironically that's something that cinema is all about - to portrait life possibly accurately even if it contains poetic scenes like the one on the balcony which is, by the way, ended with very interesting from formal point of view transition to the next one.
The movie brought Hana on my mind, surprisingly Jan less. What unvaryingly reminds me of him is Tibet and Tibetan issues. I will explain one day why.
I remember the things related to Tibetan issue occurred with great intensity at that time because of Olympic Games taking place in Peking then. Review of Buddhist movies, the Dalai Lama visit in European Parliament and so on. I made use of Tibetan wallpaper and I didn't take it off of my computer so far. It brings Jan on my mind not less than any Czech matter.
I've got also another wallpaper for you:
The European Parliament is in the left upper corner.
Suddenly I started noticed everywhere not only Tibetan and Czech matters but also the ones related to Hungary, Sweden, Finland, Silesia (the region where Marta comes from), Australia which Kathrin is more crazy about than me about Germany and that's why I associate Australia with Kathrin much more than her homeland, Germany.
It's utill today like that, less intensive but still. Connections all around. I watched for the nth time "Star Trek First Contact" few days ago. Let me show you fragment of it. Girls will understand what it is all about. ;-)
As I said, I encounter those associations everywhere. Those are small things sometimes. Like expression hearing somewhere which meaning Kathrin explained me once. The whole situation is recalling then... One asks themselves in situation like that – Do those things occur to me more frequently or frequency didn't change but my attitude did and I notice them more easily.
What was interesting there were moments that I started to miss my German friends, the ones I've met 6 years ago, even more than the Belgian ones. Especially Birgit, my wonderful, wise Birgit who taught me so much. The rules of love influence your memory. When you experience strong feelings to group of people you develop feelings to the others as well. Old true, isn't it?
Live long and prosper!
Czech and Scandinavian cinematography is well known for its quality but both are very different. It's interesting to see mix of those differences. And I want to warn you not to watch the trailer. It's very misleading, it announce the romantic story which the movie is not at all.
I watched another Czech movie few days ago - "The Country Teacher" by Bohdan Sláma. I'm not sure how comprehensible it may be for western Europeans but for me, as eastern one, it's very true, very close to life. That's something rare in the cinema and ironically that's something that cinema is all about - to portrait life possibly accurately even if it contains poetic scenes like the one on the balcony which is, by the way, ended with very interesting from formal point of view transition to the next one.
The movie brought Hana on my mind, surprisingly Jan less. What unvaryingly reminds me of him is Tibet and Tibetan issues. I will explain one day why.
I remember the things related to Tibetan issue occurred with great intensity at that time because of Olympic Games taking place in Peking then. Review of Buddhist movies, the Dalai Lama visit in European Parliament and so on. I made use of Tibetan wallpaper and I didn't take it off of my computer so far. It brings Jan on my mind not less than any Czech matter.
I've got also another wallpaper for you:
The European Parliament is in the left upper corner.
Suddenly I started noticed everywhere not only Tibetan and Czech matters but also the ones related to Hungary, Sweden, Finland, Silesia (the region where Marta comes from), Australia which Kathrin is more crazy about than me about Germany and that's why I associate Australia with Kathrin much more than her homeland, Germany.
It's utill today like that, less intensive but still. Connections all around. I watched for the nth time "Star Trek First Contact" few days ago. Let me show you fragment of it. Girls will understand what it is all about. ;-)
As I said, I encounter those associations everywhere. Those are small things sometimes. Like expression hearing somewhere which meaning Kathrin explained me once. The whole situation is recalling then... One asks themselves in situation like that – Do those things occur to me more frequently or frequency didn't change but my attitude did and I notice them more easily.
What was interesting there were moments that I started to miss my German friends, the ones I've met 6 years ago, even more than the Belgian ones. Especially Birgit, my wonderful, wise Birgit who taught me so much. The rules of love influence your memory. When you experience strong feelings to group of people you develop feelings to the others as well. Old true, isn't it?
Live long and prosper!
niedziela, 23 sierpnia 2009
The Centre of Contemporary Art
The only thing that helped me to survive here was new museum. It was opened for the first time when I was in Brussels. I went there for Czech movie evening the first day I came back. I had desire for everything that had anything to do with Czech Republic at that time. I was afraid of meeting there some of my friends. I knew it was more than I could take. But my desire showed up to be stronger than my fears. I've met them indeed but fortunately managed that. That's me, great actor when it comes to situation like that. It's not even that I have to play someone being in great mood. The mask sticks to my face itself. In spite of everything what I was feeling at that time smile came out on my face. I didn't need to attempt even, it occurred without control, against my intentions actually. Besides I was of course happy to see them. And I was happy when I could go home alone.
sobota, 22 sierpnia 2009
Cultural desert
Cultural desert. That's what my city seemed to be for me after my arrival. And you should know it's considered as very cultural by Poles. Oh, it was hard too. I came back from place when even on holidays one could visit more than 20 exhibitions or one of four movie theaters showing noncommercial artistic movies. The next day after my arrival I learnt that the only movie theater playing such movies in Toruń was closed down two days earlier.
No interesting, beautiful people, no movies nor cultural life in general, no recreation. Do you see any reason to keep living here?
I was keeping trace of cultural events in Brussels. I still do! Klarafestival was (and is) coming at the end of August. Last year Il Giardino Armonico had its concert on that festival. I love them, I've never had opportunity to listen to their music live.
The concert of Ornette Coleman was announced to take place in October. I wanted to get to know about it one of my friends who is big fun of him but I've never done it. I was so out of live. That friend of mine couldn't probably go for the concert anyway since it would be too big expense but if he stayed at my friends and found some cheap flight maybe he would. I'll never know. It doesn't matter now. What matters I couldn't let the past go and I still can't.
Keith Jarrett will give a concert this year. He's also jazz of international renown musician but I have CD with his performance of Bach's sonatas for viola da gamba and cembalo.
No interesting, beautiful people, no movies nor cultural life in general, no recreation. Do you see any reason to keep living here?
I was keeping trace of cultural events in Brussels. I still do! Klarafestival was (and is) coming at the end of August. Last year Il Giardino Armonico had its concert on that festival. I love them, I've never had opportunity to listen to their music live.
The concert of Ornette Coleman was announced to take place in October. I wanted to get to know about it one of my friends who is big fun of him but I've never done it. I was so out of live. That friend of mine couldn't probably go for the concert anyway since it would be too big expense but if he stayed at my friends and found some cheap flight maybe he would. I'll never know. It doesn't matter now. What matters I couldn't let the past go and I still can't.
Keith Jarrett will give a concert this year. He's also jazz of international renown musician but I have CD with his performance of Bach's sonatas for viola da gamba and cembalo.
wtorek, 18 sierpnia 2009
Small phenomena
Small phenomena that Jaana shared with me. She was trying to reach higher level. She was reading, she was watching, she was listening to, trying to understand things, making afford to meet others.
poniedziałek, 17 sierpnia 2009
Question
Polish media make so big deal of Madonna performing for the first time in Poland. Explain me, please, why they don't care about Orchestre des Champs Elysees conducted by Philippe Herreweghe performing for the first time too.
czwartek, 13 sierpnia 2009
EU officials' art reception
Exhibition catalogue was not my only purchase from Strasbourg. I've bought also Mark Rothko's Taschen portfolio (collection of posters), Jimmy Paulette Taboo! In the bathroom by Nan Goldin on a postcard and an extra postcard for Jan.
I gave one of Rothko's reproductions to Jaana and placed other one in our office. I wonder if it's still there.
I gave one of Rothko's reproductions to Jaana and placed other one in our office. I wonder if it's still there.
I have to admit I had hard time to give away the postcard that I bought for Jan. It was exceptional, really beautiful. I don't remember anymore what it showed exactly (some male nude) but I remember it was stunning. I regret now I gave it to him. Not that I'm so selfish and I would prefer to keep it for myself. It's just that giving it seems now to be profanation of art. He didn't mention it which indicates he probably didn't appreciate the artistic value of it. He was apparently not prepared to get it. Offering objects of art to the people who are not capable of or willing to appreciate it is always a great sin to me. And people who admire art are responsible for recognizing if someone has the sensibility to art. Isn't it like that? My fault then.
I bought also a postcard for myself as I already mentioned. I was bewitched by it. It was not only impressing but it was showing me. You see?
Nan Goldin Jimmy Paulette Taboo! In the bathroom (N.Y.C. 1991)So feminine, so open, courageous, almost obstreperous, and having some desire (not necessarily sexual) for attractive guys. I placed it over my desk and ask my colleagues if they recognized me on that photo. No one did. Maybe I'm wrong but I believe most of my Polish friends would do, without any hesitation. It was funny when I asked Jan because he approached that photo to give it closer look. He apparently thought I meant it was really me, literally. ;-) Raphaelle was the only one who understood the idea of the guy on the photo being my counterpart. I liked it very much. French people, they have sensibility to art in their blood. :-) Generally that whole experience made me realized the distance between those people there and me, all the differences – of aspirations, needs, values... You know what Rothko once said when he was asked to decorate one of New York fancy restaurants with his paintings?
I don't think it's so simple, it's only about money but it's like that. However, I don't want you to keep impression that all people there are insensible to art, that they are some kind of savages when it comes to higher needs. It's not like that. But the general tendency exists and it would be hard to deny. Still, I've met there few people that were very open on art. Jaana for example was extremely sensible of art, she was simply made of various ideas, art ideas included. Agnes had some education in that area since her father was professional art critic. And Marta was an amateur artist herself, she painted beautiful scenes. Somehow I was still alone with all my artistic raptures. Fortunately I was not alone with my admiration to humane beauty, male beauty being more specific. ;-)
By the way, I had the pleasure to meet Michał vel. Czapel, polish guy (very important official) whose one of responsibilities was art in EP, art objects there. He told me some funny stories about receiving and and refusing art objects. Contrary to what he claimed that he didn't have much idea about the art I believe he was the right man for the job considering the selection and arrangement of art objects in EP is hardly disputable in my opinion. Go there, check yourself and let me know about your opinion. :-)
wtorek, 11 sierpnia 2009
Notes from the museum
My visit in the museum was marked by photography which was kind of bizarre considering I've never been very much into photography, I definitely prefer other forms of art. However, it's always nice to discover new fascinations, new interests, curiosity for things that we already know. It proofs we are still alive, isn't it?
Apart from permanent collection there were naturally some forms of art other than photos that drew my attention. I've written some titles down but I'm realizing now these titles don't tell me much, don't help to recall the paintings. I should probably start making photos instead of carrying on written archives. On the other hand what is Flickr for? You can find there almost every photo you wish.
Paul-Armand Gette De part et d'autre du fleuve
CESAR Compression (1960)
Arman Homage to Cubism
A.R. Penck I can't recall the tile but I remember the idea of the art object. It was many paintings lying on the floor, leaning against the wall. They were turned to the wall with the face side so visitors couldn't see them, only backs were visible. It provoked quite interesting emotions and reflections involving art recipients' desires, reception of contemporary art, its condition. Quite nice.
Victor Brauner Chimere (1939)
Georges Braque Nature morte
Apart from permanent collection there were naturally some forms of art other than photos that drew my attention. I've written some titles down but I'm realizing now these titles don't tell me much, don't help to recall the paintings. I should probably start making photos instead of carrying on written archives. On the other hand what is Flickr for? You can find there almost every photo you wish.
Paul-Armand Gette De part et d'autre du fleuve
CESAR Compression (1960)
Arman Homage to Cubism
A.R. Penck I can't recall the tile but I remember the idea of the art object. It was many paintings lying on the floor, leaning against the wall. They were turned to the wall with the face side so visitors couldn't see them, only backs were visible. It provoked quite interesting emotions and reflections involving art recipients' desires, reception of contemporary art, its condition. Quite nice.
Victor Brauner Chimere (1939)
Georges Braque Nature morte
poniedziałek, 10 sierpnia 2009
Some Burkhard's photos
Animals:
Bear, 1996
Elephant, 1996Human body:
Seville, 2007
Feet, 1980Cities:
Los Angeles, 1999
Chicago, 1994Nature:
Rio Negro, 2002
Rio Negro, 2002Documentary/people:
Cuba, 2005 And this is Helsinki (1999). It brought Jaana on my mind. I really enjoyed it being exposed at the exhibition. Thanks to it I felt connection with her. It felt warm. And cold at the same time given that it's so snowy scenery.
And now compare this photo...
Arm, 1980-82
(...) with Mapplethorpe's one:
Aren't they alike? It's like Mapplethorpe's "Fish on a paper" and Rafael's one which I was writing about two entries below. Similarities. Similarities all around. Isn't this kind of coincidences puzzling? Art is like collection of limited number of elements and makes them fresh and desirable again and again by putting them in new contexts and presenting in new ways. The same schemes, the same ideas, still new and delightful over the centuries. It's fascinating. It proves Volcans has chosen their basic philosophical motto accurately: Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.
By the way, I watched "Star Trek - The Original Series" for the first time recently. It took me about twenty years of maturing to get ready to watch it without any aversion, to watch it not only as memento of its times but really enjoy it.
And you know, the Arm presented above... It was remarkable! I liked it very much. It was huge, probably the biggest picture I've ever seen. The entire wall was covered with it and it was really beautiful.
That's it for today. Live long and prosper, my friends (and all trekkies all over the world)!
niedziela, 9 sierpnia 2009
The visit in Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Strasbourg
I mentioned my visit in The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Strasbourg two entries below. It was my second visit there and it was outstanding. The first one took place in 2003 during my EVS (European Voluntary Service). I went there with Laia then.
They have great permanent collection that contains few works of my beloved Kandinsky, Miró and Klee among others and both times I went there they were presenting marvelous temporary exhibitions. It's also worth to mention that there are always really handsome, attractive guys among visitors who are worth to look at not less than the pieces of art hanging on the walls. The atmosphere there attracts, as I believe, people who enjoy calmness and peaceful atmosphere. It's very calm there, very silent, never too many visitors. It's nothing like museums in Paris. One can attain very intimate relation with the art thanks to it. I loved that.
There were two temporary exhibitions that draw my attention particularly. The first one was called "Instant anonymes" - the collection of photography from random, ordinary people's albums. It was real treat for someone like me who loves observing people around. The second one's title was "Balthasar Burkhard – Reconnaissances 1969-2007" and it's obviously not hard to guess it was the monography of works of Balthasar Burkhard, the photographer. I felt in love with it.
The three main topics that can be single out when looking on his pictures are: animals, cities & nature, and human body, parts of human bodies, being more precise. He does also some documentaries, kind of tourist photos but focused on people I would say.
He seems to try to excerpt magic from cities and nature. He achieves that by taking pictures special way, from special perspective. Cities are usually photographed from long distances, in large perspective. However, since the format of photos is very large one can also see details if he wishes so. And the nature photos present relatively small pieces of it, like waterfalls, forest glade or so. But Burkhard shows always very special parts of it, the ones that look strange, unusual and he photographs them exceptional way, using long exposition or making use of other tricks. The photos evokes magic, maybe even disturbance in audience, they seem to be out of this world.
Animals are photographed as in anatomy textbooks. I'm sure you saw sometimes the flashes from dog shows on TV. The dogs there assume all those strange poses when they appear in front of jury. Those poses are the most neutral for them, allow them to be shown at their best. But on the other hand they seem to be completely unnatural for animals, we never see them like that. Burkhard does the same thing with all other species. Bears, elephants, ostriches... You name it. Because of the way they are presented on his photos they also seem to come from outer space. They seem to be alien life forms to me. They are like perfect specimens of their species, prototypes.
And human bodies. Perfection and beauty itself. Perfection and beauty indeed. Those qualities of human body can be perceived and appreciated more easily and thoroughly since only parts of body are shown on the pictures. It's like pointing out certain elements of our bodies with aim of making audience admiring them separately, one by one and fully appreciating their beauty. It's like Burkhard would try to avoid any distraction in audience, any superficial in watching what photos presents. He seems to make in order to revel in watching those bodies. That's my guess. I didn't read abut his work yet.
He's defiantly worth to be recommended. With remark, however, that maybe not recommended to people with great temper. But what do I know? Maybe it's not contemplative art at all.
They have great permanent collection that contains few works of my beloved Kandinsky, Miró and Klee among others and both times I went there they were presenting marvelous temporary exhibitions. It's also worth to mention that there are always really handsome, attractive guys among visitors who are worth to look at not less than the pieces of art hanging on the walls. The atmosphere there attracts, as I believe, people who enjoy calmness and peaceful atmosphere. It's very calm there, very silent, never too many visitors. It's nothing like museums in Paris. One can attain very intimate relation with the art thanks to it. I loved that.
There were two temporary exhibitions that draw my attention particularly. The first one was called "Instant anonymes" - the collection of photography from random, ordinary people's albums. It was real treat for someone like me who loves observing people around. The second one's title was "Balthasar Burkhard – Reconnaissances 1969-2007" and it's obviously not hard to guess it was the monography of works of Balthasar Burkhard, the photographer. I felt in love with it.
The three main topics that can be single out when looking on his pictures are: animals, cities & nature, and human body, parts of human bodies, being more precise. He does also some documentaries, kind of tourist photos but focused on people I would say.
He seems to try to excerpt magic from cities and nature. He achieves that by taking pictures special way, from special perspective. Cities are usually photographed from long distances, in large perspective. However, since the format of photos is very large one can also see details if he wishes so. And the nature photos present relatively small pieces of it, like waterfalls, forest glade or so. But Burkhard shows always very special parts of it, the ones that look strange, unusual and he photographs them exceptional way, using long exposition or making use of other tricks. The photos evokes magic, maybe even disturbance in audience, they seem to be out of this world.
Animals are photographed as in anatomy textbooks. I'm sure you saw sometimes the flashes from dog shows on TV. The dogs there assume all those strange poses when they appear in front of jury. Those poses are the most neutral for them, allow them to be shown at their best. But on the other hand they seem to be completely unnatural for animals, we never see them like that. Burkhard does the same thing with all other species. Bears, elephants, ostriches... You name it. Because of the way they are presented on his photos they also seem to come from outer space. They seem to be alien life forms to me. They are like perfect specimens of their species, prototypes.
And human bodies. Perfection and beauty itself. Perfection and beauty indeed. Those qualities of human body can be perceived and appreciated more easily and thoroughly since only parts of body are shown on the pictures. It's like pointing out certain elements of our bodies with aim of making audience admiring them separately, one by one and fully appreciating their beauty. It's like Burkhard would try to avoid any distraction in audience, any superficial in watching what photos presents. He seems to make in order to revel in watching those bodies. That's my guess. I didn't read abut his work yet.
He's defiantly worth to be recommended. With remark, however, that maybe not recommended to people with great temper. But what do I know? Maybe it's not contemplative art at all.
sobota, 8 sierpnia 2009
More photos of Mapplethorpe
Guys:
Flowers:
Females:
Portraits:
Self Portraits:
Something extra for the final:
Friend of mine called Rafael, who does amateur photography, took once a photo quite similar to this one:
I like his works very much in general but I grew a big critic on this one, made a lot of fun of it. It was the essence of pretentiousness and a form deprived of any content to me. That's why I found really cool Mapplethorpe carried out the project based on the same idea some years before Rafael.
You can watch even more of Mapplethorpe's works here. And here you can find Rafael's photos.
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