This is the first exhibition of the designs of John Soane (1753-1837), one of England’s greatest architects, especially known for the incredibly eccentric house at No.13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, which he bequeathed to the nation in 1833. He also designed the Bank of England – later demolished and replaced in the 1920s – and the [...]
Archive for February, 2009
Sir John Soane
February 26, 2009Art of the Sixties
February 22, 2009If you want to know who to blame for the endless video installations that confront you at every contemporary art exhibition, then here’s a chance to see where it all started. ‘Art of the Sixties’ is an examination of the work of Fluxus artists Arman, Christo, Jones, Vostell and Nam June Paik, the pioneers of [...]
Oscar D’Leon
February 20, 2009Possibly the most recognised Venezuelan artist outside of his own country, idolised salsa singer Oscar D’Leon is an extraordinary showman who quickly takes charge of the stage before singing a note. From humble origins in Caracas, D’Leon synthesises influences from the great Cuban ‘soneros’ such as Beny Moré and the 1960s New York sound of [...]
Visiting Skagen
February 15, 2009Our visit to Skagen, the northernmost tip of Justland was very pleasant . We watched the CNN weather reports for many days for Arhus and the forecast always seemed to be cloudy or rainy. When we neared Skagen the clouds disappeared and the locals told us that the weather there is nearly always clearer than [...]
Crazy Sean’s Freaky Low-Budget Side Show
February 14, 2009In the potentially constrictive confines of the Winston Hotel, sit back and squirm to the piercing of eyes, nose and penis, and the eating of glass, worms and beetles. With the vibe being joyfully interactive, prepare yourself to lance a few at the human dartboard. Remember that marijuana is powerful anti-nausea agent. Or alternatively, bring [...]
Pre-Raphaelite Paintings
February 8, 2009England’s Manchester City Art Gallery, renowned for its stunning collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, has loaned a good few of its Victorian beauties to this prestigious gallery on the 42nd floor of the Yasuda insurance building. Paintings on display include Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s images of Elizabeth Siddal, the wavy-haired red-head who obsessed him before he subsequently [...]
Tasmanian Paradise
February 5, 2009Of all Tassie’s wilds, the wilderness of Southwest National Park is vastest and most unexplored. From the sparkling waters of lakes Gordon and Pedder, the hills and forests of the park stretch to the shore of the southern ocean. The park’s unpaved roads are most accessible during the southern summer, from December to March. Remote [...]
The American Century: Art and Culture 1900-1950
February 3, 2009For its ambition alone, the Whitney’s attempt to create a visual record of American cultural history in the first half of the century is well worth at least a half-day visit. Of course, much of the America we know today was fashioned in the post-war years, but no matter. You’ll see everything from vacuum cleaners [...]
Love Snorkeling
February 2, 2009La Tête dans les Nuages
February 1, 2009The king of Paris video arcades is clean, bright, spacious and English-speaking. It prides itself on being a family entertainment centre, keen to attract as many grandparents as grandchildren – come lunchtime you’ll find suited businessmen wielding lime-green plastic bazookas as they take on purple, three-eyed aliens. Top games include the Daytona driving simulator, where [...]
