Part of the fun of attending a big exhibition is the opportunity to people-watch. I’ve noticed that visitors often wear extravagant, eye-catching outfits and jewellery to this event. Whether they’re wannabe Trendies, art critics, fashionistas, or plain old exhibitionists I have no idea. I doubt very much that they’re artists. The days of flamboyant artists – think Salvador Dali with his sharp suits, hats and waxed moustache, – are over. My artist friends usually adopt the casual/scruffy/work clothes style. They’re way too busy working in their studios to be messing around with fashion statements.
Some people are working, and having a chat during a rare quiet moment.
Others are also standing around, but stuck on the wall:
I spotted Mondrian socks. I want some!
Delightful Minnie Mouse bows:
And stunning jewellery. Or is it wearable art?
I don’t recall seeing any hats other than these ones on the wall:
I was admiring the pin-striped suited gent’s textured pink socks when I realised the painting on the opposite wall offered a mirror image, with the pensive woman in an almost identical, abstracted posture.
I
Next I saw this man, working on an exhibition stand – he presented an almost ecclesiastical image, don’t you agree? I think it was the thin white rim of tee-shirt at his neck, together with is clothing, lanyards around the neck, monkish haircut, and clasped hands that reminded me of a cleric.
Then I discovered this quirky series of pics, a sort of strange amalgam of botanical illustrations and old sepia portraits by Alida Rodrigues “The Secret History of Plants.”
I was blown away by a wonderful black and white series of figures, executed by Sungi Mlengeya. The brilliant use of negative space was dazzling.
Tucked away in a corner I spotted these this lovely little blue retro radio. I particularly liked the knitting needle antennae – or are they ears? I’ve been a radio fan all my life, so I was enchanted by this exhibit. I have a feeling the little radio’s name is probably Max. Whatever it is, top marks for inanimate personality!
The next photo is a marvelous study in movement by Manuel Braun Alexandria on Stage II.
Lastly I loved this quiet photograph of an offering of two walnuts, it exuded generosity and dignity.
WATCH THIS SPACE, I’M NOT DONE YET! MORE TO FOLLOW .It was a very big art exhibition and I was clicking away merrily.
P.S. If I haven’t mentioned the artists names in some of the pics above, its because I didn’t have the presence of mind to take a pic of the display card alongside the work; in some cases I looked but couldn’t find the card.
MOTHER YOGESH’s APOLOGY TO TECHNOLOGY
This year I officially made no new year rezzes but I did have a few half-formed promises lurking in my mind. Promises to myself, you understand. One of them was to spend less time on social media, and more time meeting more friends face to face.
With this in mind, this morning I came across the following apposite poem written by the most delightful, saintly old yogi it has ever been my privilege to meet :
With Apology to Technology
It seems to be the modern trend
That with one’s family or friend
Communicating heart to heart
Has been completely split apart
As iPhones take away the space
Of relating face to face.
Fascinating they may be
But do they recognize or see
The truth revealed within the eyes,
Anxiety, or stifled cries?
When the heart is tightly sealed
There’s no chance of being healed.
Technology and technicality
Should not remove us from reality.
Mother Yogesh has a talent for writing verse, and her latest collection – see cover below – if full of charming little verses, some devotional, others not, often sparkling with that quiet little nugget of humour. If you’re interested in learning more about Mother Yogesh, or getting hold of her collection of poems, the Ashram website is http://www.anandakutir.org.za. Emails to: info@anandakutir.org.za
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Tagged as Ananda Kutir Ashram, Mother Yogeshwari, New Year's Resolutions, poetry, social media, technology