MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 52 – THE FINAL?!

HELLO AND GOODBYE?!

I HAD A CHOICE BETWEEN FINISHING THE YEAR WITH A BANG OR LOOK BACK ON 2017 IN PEACE AND APPRECIATION.

AND WAS THERE A PUBLIC BANG TO SAY GOODBYE TO 2017 AND HULL 17 CELEBRATIONS? HAVE I MISSED IT?

On the last day of the year I have chosen to stay in in my safe place, my home, with family and rub my hands in excitement for next year.

Just a few things that made my year a success:

  • HULL 2017 AND BEING PART OF THAT
  • NEW FRIENDS
  • HULL 10K
  • TWO MAGIC HOLIDAYS TO CRETE AND LANZAROTE
  • THREE VISITS TO LATVIA
  • MUSTANG DRIVE
  • NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES

and so on….

 

The year however didn’t end on a high note in some lemon tasting life aspects, but I am still moving forward, because that’s what we sometimes have to.

Week 52 sadly was culture-less in Hull. First few days I spent in a Christmas spirit, from Tuesday I was gone – I was in Latvia pretending that my other life in the UK don’t exist and on the 31st December I was back.

Today the only thing I had the energy for was Pearson Park and the Whispering Sweet Nothings – A Tree Sculpture

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Being surrounded by amazing culture all year round, I feel like this is sweet nothing, but I am glad the sculpture was there. My only outdoor adventure on the last day of the year, so thankful for the little things.

 

I am repeating myself most of the weeks, but 2017 has been incredible. Every drop of culture in the bucket made my life so much better.

 

Highlights?

Made in Hull

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Humber Street Sesh 2017

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ReRooted Festival

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7 Alleys

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Freedom Festival 2017

A MERRY URBAN MESS LES VERNISSEURS FREEDOM FESTIVAL 2017

 

and so on…..

In 365ish days I have taken over 1000 photographs, some are just factual recordings, but some I will milk for a very long time. Some of my favourites:

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PAPER CITY MADE THOUGHT THE FABRIC OF HULL

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You are probably wondering what is next…
We have been promised that the Hull 17 legacy will live on for a bit, so the expectation is high, we demand culture, we have been spoilt all year…

 

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL will live on a monthly basis [someone has to keep an eye on it, huh?] and I will continue my love affair with Hull.

 

Maybe one day the year long photo journey will be more than just a digital memory, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.

 

THANK YOU TO EVERY SINGLE FOLLOWER, READER AND “KIND OF HEARD ABOUT ANETE SOODA” FOR MAKING THIS MEANINGFUL.

 

I WISH EVERYONE HAPPY 2018. MAKE IT COUNT!!

 

LOVE

ANETE SOODA

 

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 49

HOW CLOSE ARE WE UNTIL FINISH LINE FOR 2017, HUH?

THIS WEEK WAS A BIT OF A STRUGGLE AS I WAS RETURNING FROM SUNNY HOLIDAY MID-WEEK AND CATCHING UP WITH WORK.

AT LEAST THE WEEK WAS NOT ONE OF THOSE WHERE I HAD TO SCRAP FOR CULTURE, BECAUSE THERE WAS QUITE A FEW THINGS GOING ON. WEEKEND DELIVERED THE STUNNING FLOE: A CELEBRATION OF THE DEEP AND THE BEAUTY OF SEA.

First however I did some day time catching up with culture. In town an interesting taxi appeared right in time for my culture wonders, which  brightened up my morning.

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My main mission was to visit Hull Streetlife Museum for Lady Chesterfield’s sleigh.

Little that I knew that I’ve seen it before, its been there for ages and Hull 17 was just reminding us of the existing exhibits in Hull. This unique artefact from Hull City Council’s collection is believed to be of Russian origin, dating back to 1810. The front of the passenger’s carriage is painted silver and gold and is shaped like a mythical unicorn.

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And then there was the WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE robots in the gardens.

I’ve heard some feedback from other Hull patriots, culture seekers that it is not as great as expected, but I am leaving it for this week to find out my own thoughts.

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On Sunday, despite my mild hangover and workload, I visited the FLOE: A CELEBRATION OF THE DEEP AND THE BEAUTY OF SEA.

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I had high expectations, considering how amazing the first week of this year kicked off with sound/light installations Made in Hull.

It was nearly as good as Made in Hull, there was little something missing, but I can’t point out what.

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The cold and almost snow added that little bit of magic to the experience.

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Everything is a little celebratory and festive, offices lit up, families gathering – just lovely.

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I am hoping for some more culture this week, something exciting, festive, colourful and maybe magic, but the reality might hit me when the workload is too much.

Desperate to have the second visit to LIMITLESS
It closes on the 13th December and I am really hoping I can get in. The place promised creative change in space and after all the workshops, the change could be impressive.

Fingers crossed.

Happy culture!

 

 

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 48

HULL CITY OF CULTURE 2017 WEEK 48 IS ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE WHEN I AM HALF IN HULL AND OTHER HALF AWAY. THIS TIME IN LANZAROTE, SPAIN.

TUESDAY WAS MY ONLY DAY TO INDULGE IN CULTURE. I STARTED OFF WITH A SNEAK PEAK INTO A DEMOLITION SITE ON THE BACK AT THE FRUIT MARKET. MAKES ME VERY EXCITED OF WHAT THEY WILL BUILD THERE IN THE FUTURE.

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LIMITLESS

THIS WORKSHOP SPACE HAS BEEN ON MY RADAR FOR THE PAST WEEK. AND I WAS VERY EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE SPACE IN EARLY STAGES. AS SPEAKING TO VOLUNTEERS THE SPACE WILL CHANGE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. SO I’LL BE ABLE TO SEE THE CHANGE IN LATER STAGES.

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THIS IS MY KIND OF CULTURE, BECAUSE IT FOLLOWS YEAR LONG CELEBRATION THROUGH WORKSHOPS/CHALLENGES WITH HULL SCHOOLS AND CHILDREN. LIMITLESS IS SIMILAR TO MY JOURNEY AND THE VISIT MADE ME RALLY HAPPY.

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A FESTIVAL WITHOUT RULES. CURATED BY AN UNSTOPPABLE GENERATION. 

THE SPACE EXPLORES DIFFERENT  WAYS OF LEARNING – THE WORLD IS CHANGING AND WE NEED TO CHANGE THE WAY WE EDUCATE.

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I LOOK FORWARD TO COME BACK TO THIS IN DECEMBER.

 

HULL INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL 2017

I HAVE A SWEET SPOT FOR CREATIVE&CULTURAL COMPANY AND HIP PHOTO FESTIVAL AND I PURPOSELY LEFT THE VISIT TO 2017 FESTIVAL TO LAST MINUTE.

FIRST OF ALL ALL GALLERIES ARE RUN BY VOLUNTEERS AND THEY NEED A BIG HAPPY SHOUT OUT. TODAY I WAS CHATTING WITH ONE OF THE VOLUNTEERS AND HE HAD A  BROWNIE BOX CAMERA AND I HAD THE HONOURS TO HOLD IT FOR A BIT.

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I ALSO FOUND MY NEXT MUST-HAVE – LOMOGRAPHY FISHEYE FILM CAMERA.

JUST TO NOTE – HULL HAS BECOME THE LOMOGRAPHY EMBASSY BECAUSE THERE WAS A FEW VERY PASSIONATE PEOPLE [LIKE ALAN RAW] WHO SHARED THE LOVE FOR FILM AND ANOLOG PHOTOGRAPHY.

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THROUGH OUT ALL EXHIBITION SPACES THE WORK IS PRETTY EXCELLENT. MY FAVOURITE OF COURSE WAS PETER DENCH. I HAVE HAD SOME INCREDIBLE SURPRISES WITH HIM AS A PHOTOGRAPHER AND I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT AND ADMIRATION FOR HIS BRAVE CONTENT.

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THIS YEAR PETER DENCH EXHIBITS HIS SERIES DENCH DOES DALLAS. 

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90% OF THE WORK IS EXCELLENT, 10% IS WITH TOO MUCH TO TAKE IN – TOO MANY SIGNALS FOR A BRAIN SWEEP OF CURRENT POLITICS, ECONOMICS, SOCIAL ISSUES. CAN’T HAVE THE BRAIN SPACE FOR THAT.

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ALL THE OTHER EXHIBITIONS ARE INTERESTING AND BOLD. SOME OF THEM MORE THAN OTHERS, BUT OVERALL – GREAT FESTIVAL THIS YEAR!

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THE LAST PHOTOGRAPH WAS MY FAVOURITE PART OF THE VISIT. MARGARET THATCHER WAS SUCH A WELL KNOWN FIGURE BACK IN THE DAY – LOVED OR HATED. AND THE HER PORTRAIT IN THE GALLERY JUST REMINDED ME OF HER AND I SUDDENLY HAD QUESTION – IS SHE STILL ALIVE? AND THE ANSWER IS NO, SHE DIED 8th APRIL 2013. OH WELL…

 

EXCITED OF COURSE FOR THE WHOLE OF DECEMBER, ARE YOU? AND NOT BECAUSE OF CHRISTMAS AND EXCESSIVE EATING? THE YEAR OF GREAT MOMENTS, LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES IS COMING TO AN END…..

 

HAPPY CULTURE.

 

P.S. I AM GOING TO CONTINUE TO EXPLORE THE LAND OF LANZAROTE IN THE MEANTIME.

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 41

HAPPY CULTURE WEEK 41

Week 41 – oh mighty cow – has been culture overload with highlights, lowlights and random discoveries. Last week was probably one of the most cultural in terms of variety. So the usual writing and reflecting is a danger to turn this photo based blog into a book.
Therefore sweet and short <3

Most of the weeks wonders are spontaneously found on the route that was planned ahead. Turner Prize at Ferens Art Gallery is the only culture visit I properly predicted to appear on this weeks photo challenge.

On Monday I visited HSAD and Brodrick Gallery that currently is hosting an exhibition for architecture. What a lovely place, with sweet memories and appreciativeness.

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It is hard to see the space as an exhibition space, it is more about learning of being an artist exhibiting in whatever way is your way. The space is surrounded by that feeling of first steps and unless spectacular exhibition held, I am not feeling it.

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Same day the route home involved passing POST OFFICE and I found the treasures of Freedom Festival 2017 [which by the way will be on the blog at some point, just because it is over a month ago since it took place].

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DAY TWO ROUTE: SPRING BANK – HULL FAIR/WALTON STREET – HULL EYE HOSPITAL AKA HULL ROYAL – GOODWIN DEVELOPMENT TRUST BUILDING ANLABY ROAD – PARAGON STATION – HULL 17 POD

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NOTE TO THE LAST IMAGE: First thing I asked the van driver was if he’s sober. Because his eyes, body language stated otherwise. He confirmed that he is sober.
Overall, what an experience walking through Hull Fair 2017 when everyone is starting to wake up.
There is a life behind the rides, a family business, a family. Walk through the West Park with all the mobile homes parked closely to each other is something to experience.
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HULL EYE HOSPITAL AND A SIGHT TO BEHOLD

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GOODWIN TRUST DEVELOPMENT BUILDING COVERED WITH HEADSCARF REVOLUTIONARIES MURAL 

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HULL PARAGON INTERCHANGEFLY TO FREEDOM

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and bits….

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In between I went down to the HULL 17 POD to have a chat with the volunteers [as you do] and soak up more info, make sure I am on track with the culture and of course aware of upcoming wonderful things.

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TURNER PRIZE

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On Sunday I visited the TURNER PRIZE for the second time. And there will be a third time for definite. It feels like the exhibition and the honours of having it in Hull is worth three trips and actually a necessity.

First time round I was focused on people engaging with the art, which is the fun part, but I felt the need to see it with my own naked eyes. Second time I was getting involved and got to know the artists via videos. Third time will be for the films and last questions.

 

THIS WAS THE FULL STOP FOR THE WEEK. BUT THEN SOMETHING HAPPENED.

The following story is true and quite sad. Thursday night around 6:20 PM whilst at work duties I accidentally opened INSTAGRAM and a fellow photographer was sharing a love story between him and world famous, admired MARTIN PARR [AHA, YES MARTIN PARR HIMSELF AT THE HUMBER STREET GALLERY]. MY HEART STOPPED FOR A FEW SECONDS. AND THEN IT CLICKED – HIS SERIES PORTRAIT OF A CITY THAT I CLEARLY KNEW ABOUT HAVE BEEN EXHIBITED AND HE IS AT THE OPENING NIGHT. AND I WAS CRYING INSIDE OUT.
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LONG STORY SHORT – I FUCKED UP. The thought that I could’ve seen him in person, shook his hand and told him he has shaped my photographers being and that I am grateful for his work and its existence. Plus other million compliments, few sick belly butterflies and the beautiful photographs he has taken in Hull.
I am a believer that things happen for a reason, but this one is just stupid and I can’t see a reason. By the time I arrived, he was gone. GONE.

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Every single photograph is the beauty of Martin Parr and his talent, he’s undeniable style of capturing stills that are more alive than a breathing human being. Thank you for coming to Hull, the Hull is now on the Martin Parr’s map and I hope there will be a book.

The exhibition is strongly suggestive, I will definitely be going back again and again.

P.S. The other w/f photographer Olivia Arthur is part of it too, just haven’t seen that yet.

SULKING AND WONDERING HOW MY LIFE HAS GOT SO SAD, I wandered to the THE SIXTEEN THOUSAND at the C4DI BLOCK C

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HERE IS MY STORY MY WEEK MY CULTURE. THIS WEEK SHOULD BE THE SAME – CULTURE BURSTING HAPPY ENDING PHOTO CHALLENGING. HAPPY CULTURE