‘Tonight I am an Owl’ showcases a selection of Hannah Waldron‘s illustrations which transport you to her bitter sweet dream world.
You will discover sleepy creatures peering out at you, cialis 40mg find wispy floating landscapes and an assortment of other pensive musings.
Strolling into the Old Shoreditch Station from a rather rainy Shoreditch day, I felt I should be drinking a cup of coco. And so I did.
The illustrations are formed from myriads of sinuous lines and frillings of little wedges and diamonds that allude to introvert reveries.
It’s all rather pleasant-and being pleasant is a bold thing for an artist to do, as opposed to making a straight dive for the-shudder-’gritty’. More importantly in this case it’s a pleasantness that had been well executed. There’s something endearingly absent-minded and honest about it all.
About a week ago I received an email from the V&A detailing what was hot in the art world. At the end of the email was a quick summery of ‘Some Trace of her’ showing at the National theatre described as a hybrid film/ theatre collaboration. After a spot of googling I found out that the play was inspired by Dostoevsky‘s 1868 novel, purchase ‘The Idiot‘ and was directed by the progressive Kate Mitchell (who adapted Virginia Woolf‘s novel, ‘The Waves‘).
To be honest, even after reading a selection of reviews about ‘Some Trace of Her’ I was still left puzzled. A mix of film and theatre where they film live, a plot that consisted of two men falling in love with a tragic femme fatale, all the members of the play swapping roles; surely this sounded more like a performance art installation? Arriving with only a vague idea and sat in a central position I soon let the theatrical elements of dimmed lights transport me to an unknown world.
What emerged was a stage where three cameras sat documenting different scenes, which were then projected onto a large screen above. As the actors bustled away at recording, acting, speaking voice over’s, setting up scenes, we were urged to watch the screen which in comparison, flowed effortlessly. This tension at once startled the audience who finally clocked on to the fact that everything was filmed live.
Once I had gotten over the live element, I easily slunk into an atmospheric environment. Black and white scenes filled with characters smoking and flowing stream of consciousness dialogue signalled an age old world where angst, torment, unrequited love ruled. Elongated shadows, close ups of faces and nervous hand jestures twiddling cigarettes created an uneasy feel, where the characters stood on the brink of emotional collapse.
photos by Stephen Cummisky
As I found out afterwards, the idea of image is central to the play. As described in the brochure, ‘the novel is analysed, dissected, fragmented and re-imagined as a series of discrete filmic shots and sound effects’ (Leo Warner). This introduces the concept of external image, of memory as a series of symbolic references, of the mind as a skewed reworking of words, images, that are continually dislodged; all of which is alluded to through the play’s fragmented scenes, split screens and voiceovers.
What the play does so effectively is to allow you to delve into the constructed world of three characters all riddled with problems. From Prince Myshkin (Ben Whishaw) who is magnetically drawn to the abused girl, Natasha Filippova who holds herself in contempt, to the jealous and obsessive admirer Rogozhin-all the characters are doomed. However there is always the hope of redemption, as alluded to in the shots of trees, the only natural imagery in the play. Yet this happiness as noted by Myshin, ‘You know, I can’t understand how one can pass by a tree and not be happy about the sight of it. Think how many beautiful things there are at every step, things even the most wretched man cannot but find beautiful’ is as erratic and fleeting as his epileptic fits.
photos by Stephen Cummisky
The performances from Whishaw as the angsty Prince Myshkin is both mesmerising and striking whilst the beautiful Natasha and Rogozhin bounce well off of Myskin. The play’s exploration of surface and what goes on behind the image, is also impressive. As with the hallucinatory image of the doll being bathed in dirt to signify Natasha’s status as fallen woman who can never be cleansed, all the figures are soon soiled by individual experiences. Their predicament as voiced through Emily Dickinson‘s acute line, ‘I could not feel to feel’ leaves each character psychologically fractured.
Through innovative film and sound devices, Kate Mitchell presents a play that is both complex yet effortlessly executed. The play touches on each character’s tumultuous inner minds where anger, terror, hope at redemption, masochism and doom rein rampant. But perhaps the most significant impact is the play’s imaginative response of the tension of the image, compared with the mechanisms of psychology; which forces you to confront the idea that an apparent perfect image is not as perfect or calm as it initially seems.
Roll up, cheap roll up, viagra dosage it’s that time of year again darlings. Between the 14th and 19th September, it’s time to dust off your LBD’s and head down to London Fashion Week, where over 50 designers will present their collections on the catwalk for the SS09 season.
Sadly this year there’ll be no Gareth Pugh who is busy selling his soul to the Parisian fashion mafia (and who can blame him). On the plus side, British Heroine Vivienne Westwood is back again to show her Red Label collection which will no doubt be a highlight. Regulars (and friends of Amelia’s Magazine) including Christopher Kane and Erdem should continue to provide exciting new looks and old dears Paul Smith, Betty Jackson and John Rocha should also come up trumps.
Betty Jackson
If you’re not fortunate enough to catch any of the shows this year (and who is, let’s face it) there’s still plenty to get involved in. For starters there’s the LFW exhibiton based outside the Natural History Museum (the epicentre of Fashion Week). Here, there’ll be a host of innovative feasts, over 200 designers, and the unmissable estethica which raises awareness of ethically minded, ecosustainable fashion. Sponsored by high street retailer Monsoon, designers with a conscience are celebrated in this unique exhibition, each using organic or recycled materials, operating internationally under ethical guidelines, or those who stick a finger up to mass-produced garbage and work alongside master craftsmen to keep local traditions and techniques alive. Designers to look out for are Mark Liu, Deborah Lindquist (celebrity darling and master of environmentally friendly materials) and Revamp (in association with Cancer Research) using CR’s stock to produce new and innovative pieces. A sure winner.
Deborah Lindquist
Also, be sure to check out the NEWGEN exhibition (which sisters estethica) which features prevelant designers supported by Topshop and the BFC’s fabulous sponsorship programme, which helped launch the careers of McQueen, Julien McDonald, and husband and wife duo Suzanne Clements and Inacio Ribeiro. Here you’ll find lust-worthy collections by Poltock and Walsh and Emilio de la Morena, both who have featured in the mag.
Poltock and Walsh
So, catch the exhibition, see a show if you can, raise your glasses and marvel at the madness that will be Fashion Week. Be sure to keep one eye on the blog for updates and show reviews.
I personally have two hopes for fashion week: that SS09 won’t be neon AGAIN, and that I can squeeze into those gold lamé hotpants. See you there!
What do you get when a leading Dutch label of innovative prams and strollers meets an internationally recognized designer known for his colorful and vibrant prints? The fabulous Quinny by Henrik Vibskov limited collection available this October. And Amelia’s crew and friends were there to celebrate at the launch party last Wednesday held at the Vinyl Factory in Soho, what is ed London.
As we entered the venue, more about what looked like an enormous atom model for a chemistry class demonstration was really the set for a new line of strollers, seek prams and accessories. Although we were a little unsure of the relevance of this, I didn’t think it quite mattered because it was so amazingly interesting. The lighting used to illuminate the products created a spotlight to not lose any of its glamour in the midst of the atomic structure that took over the room.
The collaboration of these two artists will turn motherhood into the next best trend, giving parents the urban, modern style they are looking for. Using the imagination of children as his inspiration, Vibskov’s patterns range from polka dots, stripes, triangles and spirals, splashed with every color of the rainbow. Not only are these strollers pleasing to the eye, but Quinny’s innovative technology allows the easiest ways possible to transport a child, from hydraulic technology to three-wheel design for easy maneuvering.
Making our way past the collection we found the bar filled with cocktails just as colorful as Quinny’s designs. With drinks called ‘Miss Bells’ and ‘Rainbow’ what more could you expect? We were also served a variety of treats including popcorn, miniature hamburgers and penguin cookies for dessert-to match the adorable children’s penguin footmuff on display.
As the night came to a close, we were each given a generous press package including our very own rain poncho in Vibskov’s, Mad Print. You can find this limited collection available from October 2008 in select stores worldwide. For more information please visit their website at www.quinnydesign.com.
Monday 8th
Another Roadside Attraction, no rx The Little Artists: Until 12th October
Unit 5.5 Bayford Business Centre, Bayford Street?London E8 3SE
Playful and irreverent work using materials that explore identity, authoriship, branding and consumerism. John Cake and Darren Neave have worked as a partnership since 1996 under the name of The Little Artists, attempting to make their name an artistic brand.
Tuesday 9th
Ted Gate Gallery, ‘Barbs’ hosted by Dutch artist Riedstra in collaboration with UK based artists and fashion designer graduates from Cnetral Saint Martins College of Art and Design: until 25th September
209a Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8RU
Riedstra’s ‘Barb’s Series’ includes her paintings which deals with ‘the distorted image of ideal beauty that is never achievable which is laid on by the world of the media and advertising’. She invites like-minded UK-based artists whose work deals with similar concerns.
Wednesday 10th
Utrophia, ‘Key For Future Door’: Molly Palmer: Until 26th September
136 tanners Hill, Deptford, London SE8 4QD
Preoccupied by the curious, odd and incongruous elements of a dreamlike world, Palmer‘s work focuses on human, inanimate objects and alter egos. Her influences range from Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novels, Twin Peaks and archaeological objects resulting in a varied series of kaleidoscopic work.
Thursday 11th
Apt Gallery, ‘Concrete Dreams’: Dave-Carr-Smith, Fran Cottell, Silke Dettmers and others: curated by Fran Cottell and Liz Harrison
Harold Works, 6 Creekside, London SE8 4SA
In conjunction with Open House London weekend 20/21 September, Concrete Dreams brings together 27 artists, working in different disciplines and motivated by diverse issues such as disire, history, power, wealth and neglect.
Friday 12th
Design Museum, Tim Walker Pictures: Until 28th September
Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD
Cutting edge fashion photography from the London based Tim Walker evokes drama and beauty. Captivating and stunningly set images in lavish locations which juxtapose the ordinary with the fabulous to ensure exuberant and imaginative photos.
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th
SHOREDITCH SHUFFLE, 17 venues and 2 days in and around the Shoreditch Triangle: artichokeltd / Kev Munday / Remi Roughe / etc: This weekend only
(£20 day pass, £30 weekend pass)
Created by Who’s Jack magazine, The Shoreditch Shuffle will boast names from a variety of creative arenas coming together to perform and create for the public. The Shoreditch Shuffle will showcase old, current and new talent across the realms of music, fashion, art, short film, comedy and poetry & literature. Spread throughout more than fifteen different cafes, clubs, bars and galleries in and around ‘the triangle’ of Shoreditch, the Shuffle’s ethos and aim is to give a platform for the rich wealth of creativity in London.
Similar Posts: