Photos: Gawain Hewitt

Portuguese party starters Buraka Som Sistema are perhaps one of the most hyped up musical endeavors to hit our shores in recent years. They launched onto the stage at cargo and turned the lackluster Tuesday night, tired from work, crowd into a bunch of whooping partygoers.

Buraka's set up onstage is a little out of the ordinary, but it works. Essentially it's a DJ and MC set up, but with some added percussion in the form of a guy on bongos and a drummer. I can’t help but always get excited by the addition of bongos to live show; everyone loves bongo players.

The only problem with tonight's gig may be that people don't know an awful lot of their stuff, having not released their album yet. They get round this though by breaking out their own interpretations of Around The World by Daft Punk and Thunderstruck by AC/DC. These seem to have quite an effect in rousing the crowd. Some people were actually shaking their booty so much that my friend had to move out of their way - honestly; some people just have no manners.

My favourite track of the night was Luanda Lisboa, a track that genuinely gives me the jitters if I listen to it very loud. I've only heard the instrumental version of it before now, but live the MCs managed to get the crowd particularly on side, even though the vast majority had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.

What seemed to get the crowd most excited was Sound Of Kuduro, which has been thrown into popularity largely because it features M.I.A on vocals, and it has really good video. Live it was brought to life by the female MC they have live.

I've seen DJ sets by these guys before, but the live show is a much more engrossing experience. I was left blown away by their show, though what really excited me about them is their production skills - which is so often the case with electronic music.

Warm and jubilant and wholesome. That’s how a Tilly and the Wall gig will leave you - and the title to their debut album in 2004, Wild Like Children, is an indicator as to how. Add to this Slow Club, who when I saw several months ago in a weekly slot at The Enterprise in Camden, had brought along home-baked goods to pass round, and you’re wholly rejuvenated.

The ULU played host to this delectable recipe on Saturday, and they do compliment each other incredibly. Dulcet boy/girl harmonies, songs that pay homage to the bliss of youth and spontaneity, and full sounding percussion that is hard to put your finger on until you see it; The Slow Club often bang their drumsticks on chairs, and the percussion for Tilly is tap-dancer Jamie on a mic’ed up wooden box (they used to steal road-signs for the purpose but have since become more legit).

Tilly’s latest release, “o” was produced by acclaimed producer, Mike Mogis. Their kaleidoscopic sound has gotten bigger and fuller, but maintaining to the familiarity of Tilly ingredients. “I feel like I know them”, I heard someone say, and when the encore brought them back on stage with Charles and Rebecca from the Slow Club in tow, tambourines in hand, it felt like we all did. Clapping and stamping along, I thought the experience perhaps drew a thin line next to what I’d imagine an evangelist Sunday session to be like, only without strings attached, a drink in hand, and prophets that chant out about first loves, recklessness and “life that is so wonderful it shines like fire” (Let it Rain - Tilly); put that in your wine glass and sip it.

Monday 27th October
Camden Arts Centre, ‘Wallace Berman’: Untl 23rd November
Arkwright Road, London NW3 6DG
Considered as a major mover and shaker in the beat generation in the late 50s and 60s, Wallace Berman’s (1926-1976) jazz record covers, art publications are all on display. Also his 16mm film ‘aleph’ is screened as well as posters, book covers and postcards. Most people recognise his portrait on the cover of The Beatles’ ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ but he’s got plenty of other art to have a gander over.

Wednesday 29th October:
V&A Museum of Childhood, Tom Hunter’: until 9th November
Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA
Exploring the changing face of the East End, Hunter’s photographs focus on people, places and community in and around the area.

Thursday 30th October:
Stephen Friedman Gallery, ‘Catherine Opie’: Until 15thNovember
25-28 Old Burlington Street
London W1S 3AN
The exhibition title, 'The Blue of Distance', is inspired by Rebecca Solnit, a writer on photography and landscape. Here, Opie continues her investigation with two new series of work capturing the remote beauty of the Alaskan landscape.

Friday 31st October:
Whitecross Gallery, ‘Girlie’: Daphne Plessner: Until 21 November
122 Whitecross St, London EC1Y 8PU
Whitecross Gallery welcomes you to ‘Girlie’, an exciting and thought provoking solo exhibition of luscious new paintings by talented artist Daphne Plessner.
Her work combines uncompromising social critique with colourful, elaborate surface decoration, and beautifully crafted, exquisite attention to detail.

Saturday 1st November:
ICA, ‘Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’ Retrospective: Until 23rd November
The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH
In tandem with Under Scan on Trafalgar Square, a retrospective of Lozano-Hemmer's moving-image works, via a series of documentaries, spanning the past decade of his career. Lozano-Hemmer has been commissioned for events such as the millennium celebrations in Mexico City, the Cultural Capital of Europe in Rotterdam (2001), the United Nations World Summit of Cities in Lyon (2003), the opening of the Yamaguchi Centre for Art and Media in Japan (2003) and the expansion of the European Union in Dublin (2004).

Most of us pat ourselves on the back at the thought of having 'done our bit', whether it's recycling or bringing a load of old clothes to a charity shop. Robert Bradford, in that case, deserves a rather large pat on the back. Not only did he 'do his bit', but also got rather creative doing it.

Whilst staring at his children's box of discarded toys, a beam of light shun down from the heavens, a choir of angels sung and everything was still. Well, perhaps inspiration doesn't happen like that in real life, but Bradford defiantly had a light bulb moment. Instead of taking the toys to local charity shop, Bradford decided to make sculptures out of them. Bradford assembles the toys into kaleidoscopic life-size dogs and people. Since his foray into toys, Bradford has also transformed other would-be discarded items. Crushed Coca-cola cans, combs, pegs and washing up brushes have also been made into extra family members and man's best friend. Using what most would describe as rubbish, Bradford is one artist who wouldn't mind his work being so called. It says so on his website.

Images courtesy of Robert Bradford

Monday 27th October

Connan Mockasin and Drop The Lime - Durr at The End, London
Noah & The Whale - Academy 3, Manchester
Jesus & Mary Chain, Black Box Recorder and British Sea Power - The Forum, London
Mystery Jets - Glee Club, Birmingham

Tuesday 28th October

Alphabeat, Das Pop and Pandering and The Golddiggers - Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Fleet Foxes - Waterfront, Norwich
Smokers Die Younger, Wild Beasts, Stricken City, Cats In Paris, Tender Maulings DJs - The Deaf Institute, Manchester
George Pringle and No Bra - The Social, London

Wednesday 29th October

Yo Majesty - Pure Groove Records, London
Lords - The Portland Arms, Cambridge
Ipso Facto, S.C.U.M and Kasms - The Roundhouse, London
The Presets and Micachu - The Royal, Derby
Neon Neon and Yo Majesty - Koko, London

Thursday 30th October

Black Kids and Ladyhawke - Astoria, London
Hot Chip - Corn Exchange, Cambridge
Florence and The Machine and The Big Pink - Bush Hall, London
Anthony and The Johnsons with London Symphony
Orchestra - Barbican Centre, London
Primal Scream - UEA, Norwich
Wave Machines and Micachu and The Shapes - hush at Royal Albert Hall, London

Friday 31st October

Release The Bats - Shellac, Les Savy Fav, Lightning Bolt, Om, Wooden Shjips and Pissed Jeans - The Forum London
El Guincho, The XX, The Big Pink and A Grave With No Name - No Pain In Pop at Goldsmith's Tavern, London
Peggy Sue and The Pirates, Alessi's Ark and Derek Meins - The Windmill, London
Pete and The Pirates - The Fly, London
Underworld and Autokratz - Brixton Academy, London
Metronomy - ULU, London

Saturday 1st November

ddd - Barfly, London
The Metros and Lion Club - Push at Astoria 2, London
The Week That Was and The Ruby Suns - Crawdaddy, Dublin
Grammatics - Forum, Tunbridge Wells

Sunday 2nd November

Does It Offend You, Yeah?, The Joy Formidable, The Operators and Young Fathers - 229, London
Ned Collette Band, Lawrence Arabia and The Boat People - The Windmill, London
Good Books, Polka Party and The Molotovs - Proud Galleries, London

On entering a Georgian house in Kennington, Emma and I wondered if this was really the address of man&eve gallery for the Michael Whittle exhibition. After all with the fireplaces, high ceiling and garden, it seemed more like a cosy home. I must admit that viewing his work online made me really puzzled as the artists delicate sketches obviously had an intellectual basis but what this basis was I wasn’t sure. Similarly, Emma was there to meet and interview the man behind the images for issue 10 of the mag (out in December fingers crossed).

‘Dark Ages’ concerns itself with the dialogue between the mind and nature. This is not immediately obvious yet there is a religious, solemn feel in all the images- as if they have been carefully drawn by monks. His attention to detail together with his alchemical style is astonishing. Your brain almost cannot take in that much detail, and your eyes boggle, not properly registering the image fully. Such detail stems from his interest in science and ‘the tension between our hopes and aspirations towards knowledge, with which we can take action, and on the one hand, our despairs and disappointments in our thwarted efforts that eventually lead us to find peace with our dim wisdom.’

Within each piece there is an imbedded symmetry, which hints at anatomy, neurology, archaeology and geography. His drawings made me think of those detailed horticultural books with delicate pencil sketches of plants made fifty or so years ago. The works seem to make a nod to a simpler time where drawing was the main mode of documenting. Such drawings were linked to gaining knowledge at how a plant or ecosystem worked. And it is perhaps commentary on how powerful Whittle is, that despite the basic pencil and paper medium, his work still remains current. As long as he continues to challenge our age-old need to attain knowledge and the limits of this, he will never go out of date.

emma obviously absorbed in the artwork

emma hanging out in the garden

If, like me, you’ve entered the nether regions of the year sans appropriate footwear, and you’re sick of trawling the high street for look- alike boots and shoes that will go out of fashion before you’ve even worn them in, then despair not - I have comforting news. I can tell you where to get individual and affordable shoes, and guess what? They’re all from the same place!

Terra Plana is the logical answer to an omnipresent question: how to be simultaneously stylish, individual and ethical all in one go? Their website is stuffed full of brilliant footwear, from boots to shoes and men’s to women’s, bright and colourful to demure and conservative. Their production philosophy is simple – give back to Mother Nature what you take away, and try not to take away very much in the first place!

Their contribution back to the environment is matched by their attitude to our feet. While they admit that in an ideal world we would all be running around shoe-less, the guys at Terra Plana have understood that in order to avoid regular tetanus and discomfort, shoes are really a must. With this in mind they have applied a host of funky features to bring us as close to the no-shoe experience as possible, while still technically being fully clothed. Among their most inspired ideas is the use of memory foam – the stuff they make the best mattresses and the inside of space suits with – to cushion and proportion weight effectively. Bed for my feet? Amazing! Then there’s the Vivo Barefoot design, which employs a durable and thin fabric that allows all the freedom of a bare foot with none of the previously mentioned tetanus. Brilliant!

All this and the products actually look great! Top of my list is the Romero bag, made of recycled seat belts (a safe buy, then) and just the thing for a shopping trip or long-haul train journey. Then there’s the Juniper shoe – a delightful little court number with a high wooden heel and a charming round toe that would look brilliant with skinny jeans or a full, feminine skirt. And then the boots, which are so much more to look at than anything I’ve seen in stores. Lauren, with its chic heel and muted palette is a sure-fire hit from autumn to spring and comes in a variety of prints and leathers.
There are loads for the boys too. The Bike shoe – made partially from recycled bike tyres – is a wonderful alternative to the over-exposed high street designs, and Derida looks as though it would be the sort of shoe he would never need to take off. My trainer-obsessed male friends went a bit dewy eyed when they laid eyes on the Nova Ski high-top trainer, which could have come straight out of 1980s America, and even my perennially casual boyfriend had to admit that he loved the Saturn veg tanned leather boot. Neither too bulky, nor too feminine, it is the perfect accompaniment to a pair of skinnies.

Lauren

Juniper

All of these little gems sit happily alongside a range of woolly boots, sensible flats, outlandish heels and fabulous fabrics. What the modern ethical shopper can’t find at Terra Plana isn’t worth having.

A quick word, then, about my absolute favourite thing, not just from Terra Plana, but possibly this entire year. Po-Zu. Not only fun to say in your head (or out-loud when among friends) this coconut cream cleans your shoes. Then when you’ve finished cleaning your shoes you can pop a bit on your hair in place of a conditioner. While this is soaking in, why not dip in a finger and have yourself a wee snack? That’s right – it’s a shoe cream AND a tasty morsel. At only £5 it’s cheaper than a store-bought sandwich. Happy lunchtimes here we come! Perhaps strange looks in the street here we come as well.

Far from being of the Bono school of preachy self-awareness, Terra Plana go about their business quietly, making lovely footwear as responsibly as they can. They are affordable and ethical, stylish and individual and may well be finding themselves under several of my good friends’ Christmas trees.

Maple

Instores are odd. The glare of shop lighting, the looming displays of point-of-sale puts something as transcendental as music into its blatant retail context where no matter how tight, how on–it the band are, it's hard to dispel the hard sell of this environment and invoke the magic of their sound.

No Age
Photos: Maddie Woodcock

No Age look a little bleary-eyed. And of course it being three o’clock on a Sunday afternoon they bloody well have the right to be. What’s more, the LA duo has the affable US college slacker demeanour of men who may well know a great deal of Pavement B-sides. Amidst the racks of Moshi Moshi sleeve displays this is like watching the guys from High Fidelity playing in their own shop. No Age are fine, at their most average a compendium of the best bits of an impeccable set of influences. The moments they truly excel are when the psychedelic oceanic shimmer of the guitar/drumfest merges into crystallized shapes with prime melodic slacker fuzz to create something as untouchably airborn as early Jane’s Addiction.

No Age

Next we head to Beyond Retro, which has the distinct advantage of not being a record shop and therefore feeling less like a personalized free voucher. Framed in an enclave in Cheshire Street’s slightly overpriced warehouse (go to East End Thrift Store down Whitechapel for the same stuff at a much cheaper price!), Times New Viking look like crazy kids playing in a giant dressing up cupboard. I should really discuss the music here, but I have to say that Beth Murphy is the coolest and damnest most attractive front woman I have seen in ages, a vision of cool, geeky sex with perfect hair. She leads her merry pranksters through a brittle mess of slightly cutesy shambolic discordance.

Times New Viking

Times New Viking

Finally we make it to Rough Trade East, passed some kids selling stolen bikes who tell me to get a haircut, to see Cardiff’s Los Campesinos. The exposed naiveties that occasionally grate on their debut, We are Beautiful, We are Doomed, here in a live context add up to the band’s many qualities. Los Campesinos could have never existed in another period of time. The way that out of the murk of the early part of the decade – the post rock of Godspeed and even the self pitying of a countless number of arse cleavaged Emos can mutate into something as buoyant, as upliftingly trivial/epic is, like the energy flash of Rolo Tomassi, a victory sign that kids will constantly and more often than not unselfconsciously find ways to rewire and mutate, finding life in even the drabbest of situations.

Los Campesinos

Los Campesino

I received an email from an excited blog writer who is interested in Chinese culture about a new project by Common Ground. Their online showcase of digital art on the theme of the Environment allows a community of Chinese and American artists to focus on ecology whilst also raising money for projects too.

With a touring art exhibition coming up in Beijing, China at the Huan Tie Art Museum on 8th November the public will get a chance to eye ball over some leafy creations. Being a non-for-profit organization, they hope to raise the profile for sustainable projects around the world. With art works from more than 40 countries and 20 gifted Chinese artists as well as films focussed on the environment, the exhibition promises to stimulate whilst raising questions. A worthy project indeed.

Photo: CJ Foeckler

If there is a band that offer a more alluring live show, I've yet to see them. For a band to pull off costume changes and conceptual dance routines, at a less than stadium sized venue seems ridiculous. That’s what they are though, ridiculous - but in the most charming way possible.

Their live show mimics their songs in this aspect though. If of Montreal had any kind of staple philosophy to their music, it’s pretty much trying to make something absurd, but somehow make it catchier than The Muppet’s singing Mahnahmahna. They boast perhaps one of the best songwriter of the last five years, teamed with a super tight rhythm section (why does the use of two drummer always seem to work so well?). That’s not to discredit the rest of the band; they’re all just super talented.

For a band who tour endlessly, you could almost forgive them looking jaded on stage, but their show is as fresh as it could possibly have ever been. Understandably they run through a big chunk of the tracks from their new album, which is fine by me because I don’t think there is a bad song on it. It’s not like those who are yet to hear it would be left with a moment to be bored though. There’s so much going on around the band you hardly know where to look. The high point of this for me was during Gallery Piece. Every time lead singer Kevin Barnes say what he wants to do, the small group of performance artists act out a different metaphorical representation.

The only thing that detracted from my enjoyment was where we ended up having to watch the show from. A late arrival (for once not actually my fault) meant that we ended up scaling the labyrinth that is Koko looking for a decent spot. We settled on a spot right near the back, resigning to the idea that the best view we would get would be on a screen, and with a few stolen glimpses of the stage. It’s a testament to how good they were though to have still be thrilled by the entire show, even if it was probably viewable through some type of special sky+ pack.

They leave the stage to screams of adoration, before cheekily reappearing for an encore. During which they do a cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit, which strikes me as more than odd. To begin with I assume it’s going to lead into one of their own songs, but it just doesn’t. In fact, it’s just a pretty much bog standard cover of it. The best thing however was the girl we were standing by for it. She had been fairly unphased by most of the gig, but as the opening chords were banged out she started jumping like crazy and swinging her ponytail at the nearby couples that seemed to be having quite a pleasant evening. Although it was undoubtedly a fantastic show, the crazy girl was probably the most interesting thing I saw.

Monday 20th October

No Age, Los Campesinos and Times New Viking - Shred Yr Face at Electric Ballroom, London
Mystery Jets - Cockpit, Leeds
Horse Feathers - The Fly, London
Kaiser Chiefs and Esser - The Forum, London
Tilly And The Wall - Brook, Southampton
The Stranglers - Guildhall, Portsmouth
Jeremy Warmsley and Jay Jay Pistolet - Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
Bombay Bicycle Club and Flashguns - Barfly, London

Tuesday 21st October

Sky Larkin - Pure Groove Records, London
Johnny Flynn - Bar Academy, Oxford
Buraka Som Sistema, Bass Clef and Soundspecies - Cargo, London
Esser - Central Station & Yales, Wrexham
Port O'Brien and Orphans And Vandals - ICA, London
Hatcham Social and Silhouette - White Heat at Madame Jo Jo's, London

Wednesday 22nd October

Stricken City, Exlovers, La Shark and Dallas - Oh, Inverted World at Madame Jo Jo's, London
M83 - The Scala, London
The Last Shadow Puppets - Carling Academy, Glasgow
Burt Bacharach and the BBC Concert Orchestra - BBC Electric Proms at The Roundhouse, London
XX Teens and Wild Beasts - BBC Electric Proms at Freedom Studio at The Roundhouse, London

Thursday 23rd October

Ed Harcourt, Jeremy Warmsley, Munch Munch and Three Trapped Tigers - Buffalo Bar, London
Hot Chip - Guildhall, Portsmouth
Friends of the Bride, Alexander Muertos and Joe Rybicki - The Lock Tavern, London
Primal Scream - Academy, Bristol
Mystery Jets - Astoria, London
The Streets w/ The Heritage Orchestra and Santogold - The Roundhouse, London

Friday 24th October

James Murphy and Pat Mahoney's Special Disco Version, The Juan Maclean, Yacht, Planningtorock and Prinzhorn Dance School - Matter, London
Autokratz and Joe And Will Ask? - Koko, London
Lets Wrestle and 4 Or 5 Magicians - White Light at The Lexington, London
Blood Red Shoes and Rolo Tomassi - Astoria 2, London
Mogwai, Fuck Buttons and Errors - Hammersmith Apollo, London
Graffiti Island, An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump and Conmungos - Old Blue Last, London
Errors - Pure Groove Records, London

Saturday 25th October

Vessels, Cats In Paris and Cats And Cats And Cats - The Windmill, London
Cypress Hill, Iglu And Hartley, Sway, thecocknbullkid and The Ghost Frequency - Battersea Power Station, London
Coldcut - The BBC Radiophonic Workshop at Freedom Studio, The roundhouse, London
Tilly And The Wall and Slow Club - ULU, London

Sunday 26th October

Cornershop and Lowker - BBC Electric Proms at Barfly, London
Pete and The Pirates, Chew Lips and more - Proud Galleries, London
Paul Hawkins and Thee Awkward Silences, Li'l Lost Lou, Wolfpack Of One and more - The Good Ship, London
The Last Shadow Puppets and Ipso Facto - Hammersmith Apollo, London

Having a minor obsession with denim, and more specifically, 7 For All Mankind, I couldn’t be more enthused to see what 28-year-old, pop artist, Stuart Semple has created using my favorite brand, along with others including, Levi’s and J brand, as the canvas for his latest exhibition, Cult of Denim.

©Emily Mann, courtesy Stuart Semple Industries

©Emily Mann, courtesy Stuart Semple Industries

Last Thursday evening, I strolled into Selfridges for the quite impressive opening. I was expecting the usual, small, crowded room filled with art and free drinks along with a bit of live entertainment if we’re lucky, but this far surpassed my assumptions, as we were graciously ushered from one floor to the next to tour Semple’s work displayed throughout the store. Using mixed-media, his contemporary images can be found on square, denim canvases as well as directly on pairs of jeans. Giving off a street-art vibe, he explores the exponential influence denim has, not only in the fashion industry, but in everyday culture, as he considers jeans a “ perfect second skin for billions of people worldwide.”

©Ellis Scott Jeans, courtesy Stuart Semple Industries

It was quite impossible to get bored throughout the night, as we were served a variety of beverages and had an interesting line-up of musicians including an acoustic set by Zac Harris, and ending the evening with a lively performance by the Subliminal Girls, who have worked with Stuart Semple on projects in the past including a music video for their Hungry Like the Wolf remix.

Zac Harris

Subliminal Girls

Subliminal Girls

The Cult of Denim will be on display in Selfridges from October 17 through November 15, so be sure to head down to Oxford Street to check it out. If interested in making any purchases, the limited edition prints and apparel are for sale, with 20% of the proceeds going to Refuge, a charity campaign to stop domestic violence.

Monday 20th October
Design Museum, Alan Aldridge: Until Jan 25th
28 Butlers Wharf, Shad Thames
Retrospective of Aldridge, an illustrator and graphic designer whose work includes album covers such as the Who and Elton John.

Tuesday 21st
Rich Gallery, ‘Reflect Refract’: Pilita Garcia, Daniel Medina, Esperanza Mayobre, Eduardo Padilha, Lucia Pizzani, Dafna Talmor: Until 30th October
111 Mount Street, London W1K 2TT
Bringing emerging Brazilian, Chilean and Venezulan artists to the forefront, with photos, drawings and objects focusing on the themes on reflection and refraction, spaces and urban environments.

Wednesday 22nd
Jaguar Shoes, ‘Something for nothing’: 7pm onwards
What it says on the poster:

Thursday 23rd
Beyond Retro, ‘Rob Flowers Vs East End Lights’ at beyond Retro: 6-8pm
100-112 Cheshire St, E2 6EJ
The opening of the new East End Lights exhibition promises Halloweeny frocks, tricks and drinks as well as macabre illustrations and films by Flowers. His influences include Victorian sideshows, seaside images, owls and circus posters.

Friday 24th
b Store, 24a Saville Row, ‘ONGALOO’: Yamataka EYE, Paperback Magazine and Magical Artroom: Until 13th November
24a Saville Row, W1S 3PR
PAPERBACK magazine, b store and Magical Artroom present the first London exhibition of artworks by Yamataka EYE.

Conway Hall, 'Small Publishers Fair 08':Fri 24th-Sat 25th 11am-7pm: Admission Free
Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
Celebrating books by contemporary artists, poets, writers, composers, book designers and their publishers, together with a programme of readings and talks. Keep an eye out for 'Pick and mix' press publications.

Saturday 25th
ICA, ‘Incredibly Strange Comics’: Until 26th Nov
The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH
The world’s weirdest comics: Amputee Love! Hansi, The Girl Who Loved The Swastika! Trucker Fags in Denial! My Friend Dahmer! Mod Love! are all here for your viewing pleasure. American presidents as musclebound superheroes, warnings about the perils of smoking, communism and the A-bomb and promotions for popsicles, prunes and poultry feed.

Good wives and warriors, the multi faceted and creative duo of Louise Chappell and Becky Bolton, have been nominated for the Young Illustrators Award at the Illustrative International in Zurich (that you may have remembered me writing a blog about last week). Their mind bogglingly beautiful pieces have graced previous issues of amelia’s mag and we at amelia’s heart their designs.

The girls first met at the Glasgow School of Art and since their early start they have continued to garner praise. Curating and exhibiting their way around Sweden, Scotland, Belgium, the US and South America has allowed them to amass a cult following. As such, GWW have recently been selected by an international jury to feature in the final 20 for the Young Illustrators Award (YIA) at Illustrative Zurich October 2008.

Illustrative Zurich 08 displays the best of contemporary illustration and graphic arts with more that 400 works and 60 artists. The winning works will present their art separately, representing the best of the latest trends and styles.

For the international exhibition, Louise and Becky are packing their bags and traveling to Zurich to make a large-scale wall drawing to exhibit their work. The winner of the YIA will be commissioned to design a range of watches for Swatch. From all of us here, we wish Good Wives and Warriors a very good luck!

It was to be the first gig TV On The Radio gig in the UK for two years, which was to coincide with the first ever Concrete and Glass festival (a multi-venue art and music event). Everybody was expecting something extra special. After all why had they been avoiding our shores? What the Dickens have they been up to? Why have they returned for this Concrete and Glass festival thing?

The queue outside of Cargo was almost biblical in size. It took us over an hour to get in, but we were safe in the knowledge that it would be well worth it. The crowd inside was pretty ridiculous. The gig had been scheduled to be held in a nearby car park, but had been moved to a smaller venue at the last minute. Cargo's back room was so full once you were in the crowd, getting out just wasn't on the cards.

They appear on stage and receive an almost deafening welcome. They seem almost too relaxed to begin with; I think it's to be expected though. If any band fits the bill of New York cool it's TV On The Radio.

The one thing I was hoping for most about this show was that they wouldn't play a load of tracks from their new album 'Dear Science'. Guess what they did. They played it pretty much in full. Which was kind of great, they played brilliantly and sounded fantastic. The wait for something recognisable in such a cramped, sweaty venue made it kind of hard to enjoy. Though when 'Wolf Like Me' started up you really wouldn't have wanted to be in any other situation. The crowd was literally writhing.

The biggest disappointment was the lack of 'Higher Than The Sun'. Honestly, it was the reason I stuck out the queue for so long. A fantastic rendition of 'Dreams' kind of made up for it, but for a crowd that was obviously of people who had been desperate to see them, it seems a little odd not to play what is obviously their best song.

I walked away almost wondering whether it had been worth it. Frankly they were pretty good, nothing more though. I don't know whether I felt like this because of how much effort it had all been, or if I had just expected too much from them.

Well, we did it. 100 years after the Suffragettes bravely confronted a government that was failing them, we have done the same! Last night was as brilliant as we dreamed it could be. Chanting "Deeds Not Words" almost 1000 people marched up to the gates of parliament and demanded to be let in. Of course we weren't allowed, but we made our presence felt.

The crowds started to gather in Parliament Square from 5pm - with most people, women and men, young and old - having made an admirable effort to dress for the occasion.

young

and old...

Once everyone had donned a red sash we certainly looked a colourful and formidable presence. Tamsin arrived even earlier than expected, having left her MA exam an hour early. I don't know how she could possibly have concentrated anyway!

Tamsin with her mum. Tamsin's mum wears spotty pink socks. She rocks

I came into Westminster on my bike via the Soho Salon, who had kindly been volunteered (by me, cheekily, on our Friday night flyering mission) to construct an Edwardian type updo.

the up-do!

and another sort of up-do! not sure if it's strictly Suffragette but I'm likin it alot

matching red lippy, oh yea

what a couple!!! really too odd for words...

organising the stewards

Jody rocks the Suffragette meets 40s war widow look

Leo Murray from Plane Stupid

Olivia Chessell from Plane Stupid

We started off the proceedings with some music from Mark and Theo Bard (accompanied by a random and somewhat out-of-time bongo player) and then I climbed atop our rickety stage to introduce the four speakers, all of whom gave hugely inspiring speeches.

Mark

Theo. He's not posing, honest.

Just briefly, feminist Rosie Boycott spoke of the importance of women standing up for what they believe in. She was followed by the pink-lipped, pink-suited Joy Greasley of the WI (apparently the Women's Institute has undergone a bit of re-branding where its name is concerned!) I think that it is a real sign of the times that the WI are willing to lend a voice to direct action. And am I sure they approved of all our beautiful cakes.

Rosie Boycott

Joy Greasley

these beautiful creations really put ours to shame!

Solicitor Ismet Rawat spoke of her concerns about our future for the sake of her children and then lastly the wonderful Caroline Lucas took to the podium.

Ismet Rawat

Caroline Lucas

Caroline is now leader of the green party, and she spoke of how our government is failing us. How our government is willing to spend a fortune bailing out the banks (who in their folly have been lending money that does not exist) and yet it can't see fit to invest in renewables. A government that pays lip service to Climate Action whilst still planning airport expansion and new coal power stations.

As Caroline finished her speech the crowd began to filter out past the crowd barriers towards the entrance to the Houses of Parliament.

the crowd heads towards Parliament

And we kept right on walking until we were practically at the doors, at which point the police started to play their usual aggressive games.

I was standing right next to Caroline Lucas as they pushed and shoved to the extent that the crash barriers fell, crushing one of my fellow Suffragette's foot. It is now broken in three places and she must take time off work while she recovers. As usual we were there to peacefully protest and the only violence was perpetrated by the police. Caroline was utterly shocked by their brutality. I could see that Tamsin was pinned up against the doors of Parliament and then she vanished from sight - arrested for breaking bail by standing on the steps.

a girl tries to reason with police

Caroline, just before she got jostled by the police

flying the flag for Climate Camp

My interns had carefully boxed up and brought along all the wonderful cakes we made at the weekend, and I hear that they were enjoyed by those who were lucky enough to eat them. Unfortunately I never saw them again!

remnants of tea and cake!

the police get overexcited

and Robbie gets a big old cut under his eye

For an hour we chanted and sung, and demanded that our government listen to us. And the media certainly have - even though they have struggled to pinpoint just who or what Climate Rush is. What they fail to understand is that we are no one thing - Plane Stupid, Climate Camp, Stop Stanstead Expansion, Wise Women, WI members and many other campaign groups took part in this event - for we are all united in our desire to be tackle Climate Change. And we know that direct action is necessary in times of crisis - for as the Suffragettes proved it can influence crucial decisions.

this police officer looks absolutely petrified. I have no idea why, maybe he's scared of his fellow officers. I feel sorry for him, perhaps he should be on our side - after all, we don't condone or practice aggression.

maybe he should hang with this happy fella! although I think that might be a fist raised there.

the FIT team filming us...

cos that's how scary we are!

Many more people will have become radicalised by this event, which is brilliant because we can make a difference before it is too late: before we descend into Climate Chaos.

The protest ended peacefully with a rousing song and a great little speech from Leila. Then we all went to the pub.

what a beautiful sight!

Tuesday 14th October

The Aliens and Sisters Of Transistors - Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London
Beggars - 100 Club, London
Shred Yr Face - No Age, Los Campesinos and Times New Viking - The Portland Arms, Cambridge
The Chap, Barringtone, Nattcu - White Heat at Madame Jo Jo's, London
José Gonzalez, Horse Feathers and Wildbirds and Peacedrums - ULU, London
Cut Off Your Hands, Divisions Of Laura Lee, Sounds Like Violence and When Gravity Falls - Monto Water Rats, London
The Streets - 53 Degrees, Preston
Maps and Atlases and This Town Needs Guns - Barden's Boudoir, London
Jeremy Warmsley - Night and Day Cafe, London
Esser - ICA, London
Dirty Pretty Things - The Roundhouse, London

Wednesday 15th October

Indian Jewelry and Gentle Friendly - The Luminaire, London
Blood Red Shoes - Cockpit, Leeds
Holy Fuck - Bodega Social Club, Nottingham
Styrofoam, Sportsday Megaphone and Artha and Martha - Club Fandango at 229, London
Hot Club De Paris - The Other Rooms, Newcastle
Screaming Tea Party and Collapsing Cities - The Barfly, London

Thursday 16th October

Towers of London and The Pack A.D - ULU, London
Dead Kids, Math Class and Pre - Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London
of Montreal, Eugene McGuinness and Wave Machines - Koko, London
The Rivers, The Situationists and Toy! Toy! - The Fly, London
Foals, Holy Fuck and Dananananaykroyd - Brixton Academy, London

Friday 17th October

Hot Chip, Kate Nash, Tilly and The Wall, Florence and The Machine, James Yuill and Slow Club - Matter, London
Johnny Flynn - Nice N Sleazy's, Glasgow
The Pipettes
Golden Silvers - Bronze Club, London

Saturday 18th October

Selfish Cunt and SCUM - The Enterprise, London
Roots Manuva - Shepherd's Bush Empire, London
The Correspondants, Disappears and Man Like Me - Sassoon Gallery, London
Maths Class, Messengers and The Reunionists - Artful at New Cross Inn, London
Chas & Dave - Broadway Theatre, London

Sunday 19th October

Blood Red Shoes - Cafe Drummond, Aberdeen
James Yorkston - Joiners, Southampton
No Age, Los Campesinos and Times New Viking - Rough Trade East, London

Monday 13th:
Tate Modern, ‘Cildo Meireles’: Until Jan 09
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Cildo Meireles creates mysterious and atmostpheric installations which invite the audience. A new version of Fontes that includes 6,000 carpenter’s rulers hanging from the ceiling, a thousand clocks and thousands of vinyl numbers is included.

Tuesday 14th:
YFBS gallery, Pivot Points: Turkey England Turkey, New Photography by Helen Sheehan: 15th-18th October 08
207 Whitecross St, London, EC1 8QP: 15-18 October, 930-5pm
In ‘Pivot Points’ Sheehan showacases narrative photomontage work which focuses on two individuals James and Zehra. James comes from a well-off background yet his value systems ensure he is involved in campaigning on oil and social justice. Sehra’s family have been persecuted for political reasons in Turkey. Sheehan explores the intensely delicate territory of integration, loyalty, longing, alienations and belonging across two landscapes that shape her subject’s realities.

Wednesday 15th:
Bournemouth, ‘Postcards’: ‘Ishihara’: Emily Draper, Charlie Gates, Rebecca Johnson etc: All day-12pm
An all day exhibition of instillations, video, interactive and
wall-based artwork, accompanied with live elctronica and djs in the evening.
Ishihara is here to feed your eyes, ears and dancing feet with the talent of
current students and recent graduates, as well as music from Bournemouth’s
best kept secrets. Ishihara doesn’t end when the bar closes, with
afterparties and opportunities for all of you to get involved and exhibit in
future Ishihara shows.

The old brewery, ‘NEW SENSATIONS’:
The old Truman brewery, T2 Space, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL: 15th-19th October:11am-6pm
Taking part in the Frieze Week in October are 20 shortlisted artists as well as four finalists chosen by judges in this exhibition showcasing new exciting talent. The four finalists of the competition will be given £1000 bursury to make new work. There will be 2 winners of the new sensations 08 competition- one will be decided by the public and one by the panel of judges. So if you want to check out the latest and newest ‘sensation’ then stroll along for this free show.

Thursday 16th:
Regents Park, ‘FRIEZE ART FAIR’: 16th-19th Octobe
Frieze Art Fair focuses on contemporary living artists with a line up that is packed with talks, artists’ commissions and film projects, many of which are intereactive or performative and encourage visitors to engage with art and artists directly. 11 commisions curated by Neville Wakefield, a New York based curator, critic and editor. With talks including ‘passages of light’ by yoko ono, and ‘the aesthetic responsibility’ by Boris Groys, this is one to write in your diary. Tickets from £21.75

Brown mountain Festival of Performing Arts at Slade Research Centre, ‘Brown Mountain Festival’: the dolly mixtures, goodipal, grand theft impro, emma hart and others: 16th-18th October
Slade Research Centre, Woburn Square, London WC1
Why not indulge in your drama queen tendencies for a bit of performance art action. With collaborations between artists, producers the range of pieces promises satire, wit and optical ingenuity.

Friday 17th:
The Hayward, Robin Rhode: Until 7th December
Southbank Centre, London SE1 8EZ
South African artist Robin Rhode presents inventive performances, photographs and drawings. Charcoal drawings and witty performances as well asanimations makes him a jack of all trades. Animations include two-dimensional representations of everyday objects; he draws a candle and tries to blow it out. His work comments on urban poverty, the politics of leisure and the commodification of youth culture.

Saturday 18th:
V&A,’Cold War Modern’: Until Jan 11
Cromwell Rd, London, SW7 2RL
The Cold War is the cite for inspiration for an exhibition which shows over 300 objects that reflect both the fears of nuclear devestation and the fantasies of space flight (an Apollo Mision suit). All this characterises an anxious era, from brutalist architecture of the Eastern bloc to the futuristic designs of Dierter Rams.

The Climate Rush is tomorrow, Monday 13th October, and the modern day Suffragettes have been busy preparing.

getting ready in Soho Square

Alice in Old Compton Street

discussing tactics outside Les Mis

We flyered the Friday night drinkers in Soho Square, culminating in some chalking outside the Private Eye offices and the offer of a free haircut for Alice from The Soho Salon. I managed to wangle myself a complimentary up-do for my appearance as emcee at the Climate Rush, and a quick look at their website also tells me that they specialise in 'boyzillians' - that's male waxing to you and me! Boyzillions are described as a "must for every discerning man" - so now you know! (or maybe not... what are they talking about?) Anyway, I anticipate a suitably Edwardian pin-tucked hairstyle to go with my not very suitable cobbled together probably a bit too plunging neckline and ruffled petticoat Suffragette get-up.

now who would like a free haircut?!

what kind of haircut would madam require?!

foxy Alice modelling her new do from the Soho Salon (done in remarkably quick time)

On Saturday I frantically tidied up my house in anticipation of a Suffragette beer-swilling bake-off.

Anna mixing up vegan glories

It was a roaring success - we knocked out dozens of colourful fairy cakes, coconut yoghurt cake and vegan banana bread. Expect these lovingly baked delights to be handed out at the rally with a nice cup of tea. With ten suffragettes in the house we also made light work of pinning all the sashes, which are going to look absolutely magical.

messy red food colouring...

Tamsin and I double icing

ooh, look at them colours!

Aside from the odd paranoia dream where hardly anyone