How to enjoy art like a pro

Article: The insiders' guide to the art

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2010/oct/17/insider-guide-to-arts

 

The way to enjoy art is simple. The less you know, the better your experience.

Are you one of those people who walk into an art gallery or a museum wanting to appreciate art but got nothing in the end? If your answer is Yes, this article is for you. Many people are interested in art but are afraid to admit it because they are intimidated by art. This article is of great help to those who would like to grasp the deepest meaning of great paintings, perceive classical musicals with a playwright's perception and gain insights into the artists' creative process.

The article begins with a few questions that everyone might have asked when they look at an art object or watch an art performance. 'How long should you look at a painting for?' and 'Where are the best seats for ballet?' are common questions that arise in people's mind when they are in an art gallery or a theatre. Knowing that Charlotte Rampling and Richard Eyre are some of those who share their tips in the article has certainly attracted my attention. Most people in the English speaking world know the names of the British-French actress and the English director or are admirers of their works.

It is an excellent way to divide the article into separate parts that focus on specific areas. Each of these paragraphs follows a question that demands an answer. The answer is then, provided by an expert in that particular field with an explanation and sometimes, a sharing of their personal experience.



'Merging heads' from the Love, Loss & Intimacy Exhibition, National Gallery of Victoria, July 2010.
How would you  perceive the meaning of this painting?


I like the answer from Jennifer Higgie when asked what the best way to enjoy an exhibition is. She thinks rain is useful and a rainy weather makes it the perfect day for introspection. Is it a good time to do self-observation and reporting of your conscious inner thoughts, desires and sensations in front of a collection of artefacts on a day with heavy downpour? You may not agree with her idea, but it is a point that worth considering next time when you visit the museum.  

From the optimum way to appreciate architecture to the best way to experience  movies, the article provides useful advice from critics, curators, artists, practitioners and professionals, whose expertise helps in the pursue of the enhancement in the readers' enjoyment of the art.

Other sources:
http://collectionsonline.lacma.org/mweb/ways.asp


Photo courtesy of:
(cartoon) http://www.i-italy.org/15214/how-enjoy-art-pro
Blogger's photo collection ('Merging heads') - taken in the National Gallery of Victoria, July 9, 2010

We are all potential models

Article: He's snapped Gaga and Britney, now he wants you
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/hes-snapped-gaga-and-britney-now-he-wants-you-20101008-16bet.html



One of David LaChappelle's best known shots with Madonna.



We have seen the shot of Madonna knelt scantily clad in front of a spray-painted dragon, and a naked Kurt Cobain lying dead over his wife Courtney Love. Celebrity photographer , David LaChapelle, who is famous for his extravagant pictures of megastars like Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie and David Beckham, is coming to Australia. You might ask if there is anything to do with you. The answer is Yes. The US fashion snapper is turning his lens towards more ordinary people on his debut visit to Australia.

The writer has drawn the readers' attention in the first paragraph by telling us that LaChapelle is staging his first public shoots in Melbourne and Sydney and is inviting volunteers for it. According to a quote from LaChapelle, he is looking for a diverse group of people ranging from kids to elderly and all people in between. His aim is to find a cross-section of people regardless of their age, body shape and their dressing style. The shooting is part of a Nokia street promotion where LaChapelle will use its latest camera phone to capture the urban society at specially designed outdoor sets in the two cities.

 

David LaChappelle's shoot with Lady Gaga. Do you consider it eye candy?



LaCapelle is famed for his outrageous and somewhat indulgent photos of superstars and celebrities. As seen in the shoots he did for Lady Gaga, his works are interesting, a little bizarre, and extremely creative. Now the controversial artist is urging people to come to the public shoot as they are. In his words, he said he was not expecting people to undress but he would not stop them if they want to. He wants people to be themselves. The article tells us that the shooting will take place in a purpose-built set featuring open doors, windows and peepholes to reveal defining images of each city. That would add a little color to his works but still, the public shoot will have a completely different style compared with his usual works.

The writer has used many quotes to tell the story from LaCapelle's point of view, and concluded by providing a facebook link that will feature the pictures taken. For those who are interested in the shoot (even if they do not take part in it) are encouraged to follow up the story on facebook. This is a good way to engage the readers as social media is by far the most powerful tool to spread ideas and messages across a diverse audience.

Other sources:

http://www.bandt.com.au/news/one-green-bean-wins-nokia-smartphone-brief

Photo courtesy of:

http://www.celebritysmackblog.com/2009/12/21/lady-gagas-david-lachappelle-photo-shoot/

The Hands of Twilight

Article: 'Crazy' Twilight hand model pitches for movie part
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/books/crazy-twilight-hand-model-pitches-for-movie-part-20101005-164sz.html

Almost everyone knows the story of the world famous Twilight series. A human girl met a vampire who was in love with her but thirsted for her blood. The idea of Twilight came to the author in a dream on June 2, 2003 and she immediately transformed the memories of her dream into writing. I found it fascinating. We all dream, but how many of us will put the idea in our dreams into a piece of writing? This is why I always look at the author's biography before I start reading a book. The education background and personal life often affect the choice of topics and shape a writer's writing style.

Kimbra Hickey's famous hands on the Twilight cover.

Here comes a question. Who cares about the book cover? A cover that captures the readers' attention is a good one. What about the story behind the cover image? I doubt if many readers are interested to know. When I first saw this article and the still image of the video, I thought it is all about the books or perhaps the movies. To my surprise, it is about the story on the hand model, Kimbra Hickey, whose digits were featured on the cover of the phenomenally successful Twilight novels.

Hickey's hands are the ones holding a red apple on the mega-bestseller’s cover, which was described by her as 'a major exposure for her hands'. According to Hickey, doing the pose correctly was a big challenge. The article has included direct quotes from Hickey on the brief from the photographer at the Twilight book cover shoot in 2004. Her hands had to look soft, sweet, and death-like all at the same time. It seems that Hickey was not very happy with the $310 she received for her apple-cupping expertise - the industry standard for two hours of work. Hickey has been doing many things to attract public attention on her being the 'hand model'. She carries around a Gala apple in her purse at times so she can recreate the pose for anyone who might know her. She stops anyone she sees reading the book to inform them of her contribution, and what's more,  she is contacting the casting director for the fourth instalment in the Twilight series and try to break into acting.


Kimbra Hickey wants some recognition for her role in the Twilight phenomenon.


Is the shooting of Hickey's hands anything to do with acting? I see no relation between the two. As told by Hickey, she would be happy even if the movie only includes her hands in it. What sort of fame will she gain if her hands have a role in the movie? I have no clue. There are many direct quotes in the article to show Hickey's desire for fame and her frustration on not being known and recognized by her effort. From the things she said, I think she is just crazy. 'Loony' is her name online and it is well put.


I particularly like the headline of this article - 'Crazy' Twilight hand model pitches for movie part’. In a short sentence, the readers get a picture of a crazy act done by crazy woman. The word ‘crazy’ is in quotation marks, meaning that it is solely an opinion of the writer, though I believe it is agreed by most of us.



Other sources:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/twilight-model-kimbra-hickey-wants-hands-on-glory/story-fn3dxity-1225933642093


Photo courtesy of:
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html
http://www.twilightlexicon.com/2009/02/24/interview-with-kimbra-hickey-the-hands-of-twilight/

Dancing the melancholic tango

Article: Anyone for tango?

http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20100901-anyone-for-tango



Street dancers in San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina.



The headline of this article has grabbed my attention in the first place. The question ‘Anyone for tango?’ has lured me into the body text to find out more.  As a tango learner, I was naturally attracted to this article. I will put my cursor over the story whenever I see the word ‘tango’ or a picture of people embracing on the dance floor. Nevertheless, this question headline is not compelling enough to capture the interest of those who know little about tango. A good question headline must do more than simply ask a question. It must be able to make the readers empathize with or eager to read the article for answers. ‘Anyone for tango’ does not promise anything.
 
But the story has not failed. There is a very descriptive picture in the first paragraph – a scene that shows the normal setting of an Argentinean street.  Imagine seeing some old men dealing cards in corner bars while hearing Carlos Gardel’s singing out of a transistor radio. On the other side, a child is playing the bandoneón for tourists in the subway and people are dancing in tango music that comes from a beat-up sound system. Readers experience every detail that draw them in and make them feel as if they are actually living the story. I could hear the songs of Carlos Gardel and the music from the bandoneón while sitting on my couch. I have never been to Argentina, but the scenes arise in my mind unconsciously.
 
 

The video below shows the tango dance scene from the movie Scent Of A Woman (1992). The music is "Por una cabeza" by Carlos Gardel.

Readers are ‘dragged’ into another scene by ‘walking past the Sunday night milonga in San Telmo's Plaza Dorrego’ and ‘seeing eager young travelers putting their first tango lessons to the test’. The milonga is a place where you can find young tourists dancing cheek-to-cheek with experienced partners who are three times their age. Knowing that foreigners are truly entranced by the melancholic tango in this way is more far interesting than reading a boring sentence stating the fact that tourists are enthusiastic in tango.
 

It is these vivid and descriptive sentences that give the readers a truly memorable way to digest the message that the writer tries to convey.  The descriptions and scenes are exciting enough to keep the attention of the readers.

Other sources:

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/history-of-tango-dance-6309.html

Photo courtesy of:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/tango-photos/#/san-telmo-street-dancers_11312_600x450.jpg

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBHhSVJ_S6A&feature=related

Jersey Boys to rock Sydney

Article: Memorable mix transcends the jukebox
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/musicals/memorable-mix-transcends-the-jukebox-20100919-15hsj.html?autostart=1


Living in a city with a vast array of artistic and cultural attractions, knowing that Jersey Boys has come to Sydney was no surprise. The writer has, however, used an interesting way to introduce the performers at the beginning of the article. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are described as caesars of '60s pop who were spawned by the triumvirate of the blacks, the Jews and the Italians. For those who are not familiar with the musical, this gives them a bit of background information of the show and the history of American popular music.


The book itself is described by the writer as having snappy dialogue and bullying one-liners, which has in turned created a number of unique characters with distinct voices. This uniqueness not only appears in the four leads, but also in the supporting cast. Valli's wife, Mary, for instance, possesses a trait of sharp tongue that makes her irreplaceable by anyone else.

Jersey Boys performed in the Princess Theatre, Melbourne.

If some of the acting lags slightly behind, one should devote his attention on the singing, which is how the show is defined. The writer was frank at this point, arguing that a little failing on the acting is not enough to drag the show down. The best hits such as Big Girls Don't Cry and Walk Like a Man were described as bursting onto from the stage with verve, polish and conviction, that adds vividness and colour to the article. This has recalled my experience while watching the show in Melbourne. The charm of the performers and the power of the music and lyrics are still lingering in my mind.


I agree with the writer that the inadequacy of pop songs in the musical does not evade emotional angst and trauma of the audience. I was touched while hearing the Fallen Angel, which describes Valli's feeling after his daughter's drug-overdose death. Some songs are certainly emotionally moving. I like the way the writer concluded the article. 'I'll bet many memorable songs were being sung on the way home by many a smiling face'. Undeniably, I am one of them.


Jersey Boys is now playing in Sydney. The video below shows some of the best hit songs in the musical.




Other sources:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/holiday-deals/jersey-boys-hits-sydney/story-fn561c52-1225927321012

Photo courtesy of:
Blogger's photo collection: Jersey Boys at the Princes Theatre, Melbourne (taken on 30 June, 2010)

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNbu3U-_AAU

Fighting a battle with pirates

Article: Movie pirates not winning the war

http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/movie-pirates-not-winning-the-war-20100812-121a5.html

While there is a general belief that illegal movie downloading is killing the entertainment industry, the article has pointed out an interesting fact that there is a steady rise in the annual box office. As a frequent moviegoer, I do admit that I have downloaded copyrighted movies free from the internet. The answers to this ‘stealing’ act are simple. It is too easy and it is unlikely that you will get into trouble.

Knowing that 30,000 files of Inception had been downloaded on a single day on a week in August, the readers are aware of the seriousness of movie piracy as soon as they start reading the article. Timeliness is shown by citing other newly release films such as Toy Story 3 and the Twilight series, Eclipse, which are also at the top of the pirates' shopping lists.

‘Leeching off’ is a very good description on the way how illegal movie downloading kills the entertainment industry. Leeching, in the context on the use of computer resources, means ‘to download without giving anything in return’ and ‘to suck dry, as a leech would’. It is a vivid depiction on the downloading act, giving a rough account on the consequences of this act to the entertainment industry.

30,000 illegal copies of Inception were downloaded in a day.

The writer has given sufficient figures on the number of movies downloaded illegally by Australians and its subsequent cost to the entertainment industry. It is therefore interesting to know that the movie business is prospering despite all obstacles.

In explaining the reasons for the recent boom of the industry, the writer has cited the views of several authoritative figures in the industry. Mike Baard, chairman and managing director of Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia, said the advance of technology has played a crucial role. Films are now more visually challenging than they used to be. For instance, the 3D effects in films such as Avatar and Toy Story 3 cannot be recorded by a camcorder and replicated into a pirated movie that is found on the internet. The comparative advantage of an authentic movie is further explained by Neil Gane, the executive director of the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft. According to Gane, good-quality movies always outweigh inferior copies, especially at a time when superb viewing experience is being promoted at cinemas and enjoyed by most moviegoers.

The writer has given a general view on the opportunities and threats to the entertainment industry, as well as credible justifications from authoritative figures of the industry. There is a strong argument that ‘authentic is the best’. Contrary to popular belief, the article conveys a message that cinemas will not die in this intense battle.

Other sources:

http://apcmag.com/movie-cammer-walks-free-mpa-disappointed.htm


Photo courtesy of:

http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/movie-pirates-not-winning-the-war-20100812-121a5.html

Bullfighting – an entertainment or a torture?

Article: Bullfighting in Catalonia: The impending death of Barcelona’s ring
http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20100820-bullfighting-in-catalonia-to-ban-or-not-to-ban

Bullfighting will no longer be seen in Catalonia after January 1, 2012.

I have always been a fan of Spain in terms of its culture and traditions. The ardor & energy of Flamenco dancers, the courage of bullfighters, stunning architecture, fantastic beaches and mouth-watering tapas have made Spain a dynamic country with diverse attractions.

When it comes to bullfighting, however, I have somewhat a different view. Affectionately known as a part of local celebrations, the event remains a highly contentious subject both in Spain and around the world. If bullfighting is an art (as described by the writer), the matador is the artist and the fight is a medium of artistic expression.


To a certain extent, bullfighting is a show. The matadors need to impress the crowd and jury with bold and graceful moves towards an aggressive, fighting bull. He has to demonstrate his skills and artistry and make the show dramatic and enjoyable for the audience. If bullfighting is a dance, it is a dance with death. I like the way the writer portrays the event as ‘an evening of blood, courage, nobility and insensate cruelty’. It produces a vivid picture of a sanguinary scene. Though not appealing to everyone, the descriptions have made clear that bullfighting is a dangerous business which involves a high level of violence and brutality. The skillful use of metaphor where the matador is described as ‘being gored and tossed about like a handkerchief by several hundred kilos of bull’ has brought the bullfighting scene to life.

The fighting bull is considered a symbol of Spain.

Nevertheless, the main focus of the article is the debate on the banning of bullfighting in Catalonia. While enough data is given in the article – more than 180,000 signatures were collected by Catalonian citizens in support of the ban (which has far exceeded the parliament’s requirement of 50,000 signatures), the sincerity of the signatories is not questioned. In the article ‘Spain's Catalonia bans bullfighting’ published in the ABC News website on July 28, 2010, the view of Josep Rull, member of parliament for the Catalonian nationalist party, is given. Rull regards bullfighting as ‘the most degrading things’ in Spanish tradition and should be banned.


If the ban of this centuries-old tradition is an issue, the writer should perhaps give a more balanced view of the debate by providing the opinions from both sides of the equation. In ABC News, a renowned bullfighter, Serafin Marin, said bullfighting is not a cruel show but completely the opposite. “It's a show that creates art," he said. If the writer thinks bullfighting is an art, in what ways does it show the qualities of art? It isn’t explained in the BBC article.

Above all, the writer has fulfilled its aim by giving an overview of the bullfighting events in Spain and the subsequent debate on the ban. Relevant links are provided at the end of the article to provide readers with information on bullfighting in Barcelona and the campaigns to end bullfighting.


The video below shows a raging bull charging into the crowd in a bullfighting arena in Northern Spain, injuring 40 people on Aug 18, 2010.





 


Other sources:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/07/28/2967004.htm
http://www.spain-info.com/Culture/bullfighting.htm
http://www.nationalturk.com/en/bullfight-injury-as-matador-gored-through-chin-in-madrid-spain-56646415


Photo courtesy of:
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/2064/bullfight0qd.jpg
blogger's photo collection (the fighting bull) - taken in Sevilla, Spain on July 26, 2009.


Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATqx3cqjbjo&feature=related

It's all for you - the One-On-One theatre experience

Article: A theatre play - all to yourself
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-10661292

Bolshi Theatre, Moscow, Russia

I was attracted to the article by its headline 'A theatre play - all to yourself'. A traditional view of theatre performance is to give a collective experience to the wider public. The solo experience here certainly suggests some oddity.


I like the way the writer uses scenes to take the readers on a journey before introducing the One-On-One Festival. I did imagine myself being greeted by 10-year-old boy outside the theatre on a Saturday night, and then followed him down to a dark alleyway and into a car before meeting the performer.


If the main focus of theatre is on the human being, artists and performers should justify not only their work but also who they are as dynamic human beings. The One-On-One Festival has done a great job in achieving this goal. The writer stresses that audience participation at this festival is at its 'very highest level'. Taking part in the show gives the audience a completely different theatre experience. With just £17.50, you will be the sole audience member in the show where you are catered for and entertained. It's all for you. What's the harm in trying?

Punchdrunk's The Masque of the Red Death

Photo: Tristram Kenton

I'm particularly interested in the writer's idea of 'being intimate with a stranger'. To what extent should the audience be intimate with the performer? That leaves us to find out. Readers are encouraged to face their fears if they are not the type of persons who are comfortable with strangers. This is something i doubt. Is 'facing your fears' the aim behind the festival? Or is it merely a product of human creativity? No source is given in the article to support this.


The article has given a brief account of the 'performance' in the festival, such as The Star of Nurse Knows Best, where the audience is being put to bed and treated as a patient; and an 'adventure' where the audience will enter a wardrobe to find a secret room where an actor will dress him/ her up in odd clothes. Together with a video showing these performance, readers are able to get a glimpse of what actually would happen in the festival, which may help them decide their suitability to attend the show.


I would suggest the writer to include in the article details of similar festivals in other countries for comparison. In an article 'For your eyes only: theatre just for you' published in The Guardian's website, the writer shares his experience with several one-person shows in Toronto. It give readers an insight into the power and popularity of this new art form. Art is something everyone can share and enjoy, and is not limited to physical boundaries.



Other sources:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2009/may/08/one-on-one-theatre


Photo courtesy of:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre
http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2009/may/08/one-on-one-theatre

Spending the night with Van Gogh

Article: Last chance to give it a Gogh this starry night
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/last-chance-to-give-it-a-gogh-this-starry-night-20100416-skpq.html

Turning an exhibition into a pyjama party. Gallery director Ron Radford relaxes
in the children’s activity corner which is a model of Van Gogh's bedroom.

Being a big fan of Van Gogh, I was naturally attracted by the article's headline. Enjoy Gogh's work under this starry night. How romantic it is. The writer has brilliantly put the theme of the article and the name of Gogh's masterpiece into one line.

The article began with a man's story of 'spend the night with Van Gogh'. It is true. The chance is very rare. Driving to Canberra takes no less than three hours, but David Wenger, a 46-year-old Sydney lawyer, was more than happy to do it. While articles on exhibitions usually sound dull and boring, this one is a little bit different. Wenger's itinerary on the night surely appeals to exhibition goers. Indulge yourself with a glass of champagne while listening to live music and seeing the pictures at the same time. What is better than that? Wenger even had the luxury of enjoying a dinner with friends before heading to the gallery just before midnight. It leads to a surprising fact that since the Masterpieces from Paris exhibition at the National Gallerye was opened all night on its closing weekend.

The many interesting stories from the staffs of the National Gallery have added color to the article. One planned to wear his pyjamas to events that night as he wanted to celebrate the exhibition 'in a bit of a wacky way'. The Masterpieces from Paris exhibition was no ordinary exhibition.


Other sources:
http://media.theage.com.au/lifestyle/essentials/iconic-van-gogh-restored-1915126.html

Photo courtesy of:
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/last-chance-to-give-it-a-gogh-this-starry-night-20100416-skpq.html

Why marriage is not for everyone?

Article: Argentina approves landmark gay marriage bill
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66E1IH20100715


Everyone deserves their own Hallmark moment.


The article begins with a statement that Argentina has made gay-marriage legal, and it is the first country in South America that lets gay couples marry and adopt children. As a piece of hard news, the article has fulfilled the 5W in the first paragraph. The quote from a leading gay rights activist in Argentina is very useful in reflecting the views of other supporters of the new law. The writers has shown the readers a vivid scene outside the Congress after the vote. The descriptions made me feel as if I was among the supporters who were hugging each other and jumping up and down even when the outside temperature was almost freezing. I could feel the passion in their hearts.

As a Roman Catholic country, Argentina is now at the vanguard of gay rights in the region despite the Church's opposition. The Catholic Church opposes all homosexual activities and regards them as intrinsically disordered and an abuse of our human nature. Legalizing same-sex marriage is then believed to have harmful effects on the society. The article has given the fact that recent opinion polls show most Argentines support gay marriage and the Argentine President, Cristina Fernandez, supports gay marriage on human rights grounds. This is a big step forward towards a democratic society. As said by Fernandez in the article, the law was a "positive step that defends minority rights."

A crowd in front of the Argentine National Congress,
waiting for the result of the debate on same-sex marriage in Argentina. 

To give readers more information on the issue, there is a list in the article that shows the countries that permit same-sex marriage. We knew that homosexual couples can marry in five states and in the capital city, Washington, where different laws apply in different states in the United States. The writer has also given a brief account of the laws in other Latin American countries as to the adoption of children by same-sex couples. The article has covered the key issue in Argentina as well as related issues and facts in other countries. Though it is short, it is a comprehensive and informative piece of writing.

There is also a video beside the article. It includes interviews and scenes of people cheering outside the Congress. It certainly has brought me into the moment and helped me perceive the news in a more visual way. At the end of the article, we also knew that Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, in addition to its fame for its tango culture, is also a "gay friendly" tourist destination.


Photo courtesy of:
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/its-time-to-allow-gay-marriage/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Crowd_in_support_of_Gay_Marriage_2.jpg