Bakary Cafe

Number 47

Church pew, Amnesty International booksale
Church of the Ascension, London SE10.

As usual, I just about managed to make it to an exhibition before the final day.

CREEKSIDE OPEN 2009, at the APT gallery, gives you the opportunity to see works from artists across London. The exhibition I saw was curated by Mark Wallinger.

There were the usual video art works; pieces that make you think… ‘really, this is art?’ and a few works that leave you completely indifferent.

 A couple of works caught my eye however. Untitled (below left) by Hannah Brown for example. It is a fresh idea and it raises a smile. Spilt milk smell (below right) by Mindy Lee is exciting. I like the work that went into this piece. The symphony of colours. The shape of the work.

I don’t know what it is that I liked about Michael Raedecker’s work currently showing at the Camden Arts Centre. The work is clean… for want of a better way to describe it. The simplicity of the lines (fine sketching), and the muted greys and blues… with hints of vivid colours. Very peaceful. Verging on dark. Absorbing. The feel of some works reminds me of Morandi.

On close inspection, you notice that the vivid colours are in fact made of thread and wool.

therapy (above, right) amused  me. What better than tea and cake when you need help! Insignificance, however, hints at destruction (possibly the ‘historical desctruction of Carthage’). There is another piece, in gallery three, which has stayed with me. A large embroided flowery pattern on a darker background. The colours bright. The kind of work you can live with… as long as you have a large room! Raedecker’s work I think is better seem from a distance (up close, I found myself getting too absorbed by the thread work).

Michael Raedecker: line-up is on at the Camden Arts Centre until 28 June 2009. FREE.

NB: The photos above are from the Camden Arts Centre’s free pamphlet about the exhibition.

The tube strike in London last week may well have been the best thing that happened to me in June!

It affected the second part of my commute to work and I was faced with the option of a bus journey right across the centre of London… Dreading it I was. How long would it take?

Nah. Plain sailing.

Took me about the same amount of time to reach my destination. And I saw the early morning sun and a number of sights… rather than the grim faces of my normal tube commuters. Also, because I wasn’t given the opportunity to read the free morning trash paper… I got to read my book!

I’m converted.

Strike or no strike, it will be buses for me from now on!
 
 
 
 

A fascinating insight in the life of one of Iran’s most influential rulers, Shah ‘Abbas.

This exhibition at the British Museum leaves you with the sense of mystery about a man who was full of contradictions… A strong ruler, who thought nothing of killing or maiming opponents and family members to ensure that his rule would not be overthrown; a deeply religious man responsible for the building of Iran’s major shrines; a socialite and a lover and patron of the Arts… to whom we owe Isfahan and a whole new artistic style.

I knew nothing about him before the exhibition… and yet, he’s an influential character who undoubtedly made his mark, not only in his country but also in India and Europe at the time and not only during his lifetime but even now.

Shah ‘Abbas: The Remaking of Iran is on until 14 June, British Museum. Admission fee.