HEADS UP FESTIVAL 2019

My initial plans to include Heads Up festival within the future culture post changed after seeing NOW IS TIME TO SAY NOTHING. I really want to tell you the multilayered story of how the installation made me feel and what impact the festival has on people.

NOW IT IS TIME TO SAY NOTHING by Caroline Williams and Reem Karssli is a 60 minute long interactive video installation, that also requires viewers participation.

Reem Karssli is a Syrian film-maker who witnessed Syrian conflict living in Damascus. Caroline suggests to connect with a group of young Londoners via Skype and talk about her life and work. It turns into a four year long collaboration and the end product is a powerful 60 minute long experience. There are no words that I could type here to give justice to the work, it is something to be experienced.

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The idea behind the installation is to question and challenge the armchair passivity. The installation starts with a circle of comfortable armchairs and a small, old fashioned television in front of each chair. The viewer puts on headphones and delve into the armchair for the unknown.

Throughout the installation there are various stages where you are asked to get up and get together with other viewers. Again to challenge a perception of emotional safe space that you save for yourself when most vulnerable.

 

Over the years I have seen a few contemporary art installations, exhibitions, cultural experiences, but never before I felt speechless and emotionally shattered at the end. I needed a few moments to be able to look up and discuss what I have seen, but as soon as the words crossed my lips, tears started choking my throat.

The moment during installation where your hand was inches away from the screen and you felt the static nipping your fingers was the only thing I could imagine visually as a photograph.
The rest was an experience to be felt with every inch of your body, every brain cell.

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My mind was in a state of confusion. The most powerful part was the young niece expressing her hopelessness, interviewed by Reem. I wished at that very moment that I could show that part of footage to the evil that is behind the Syrian conflict. Tie him/her/group of to the chair and make him/her/them watch it over and over again until he/her/they can’t see the screen and hear a word. I was upset and angry.  The other moment that I will not forget was the falling snow and dancing in a circle with myself. I embraced the moment and it took me to my own experiences in the past. It was beautiful and sad at the same time.

Over the following days I felt an urge to discuss the installation with others, I wanted to know if others had the same impact. On Saturday before another Heads Up event I met up with Michelle Dee, the writer and freelance journalist who reviews all the shows. The fact that she was also feeling similar was comforting. In her review she wrote:

“I’m tearing up even now recalling the image of a young girl, Reem’s sister I think, carefully folding and refolding a red shirt, packing it away into a suitcase in a cramped bedroom. She is clearly traumatised, she breaks down, her words escaping her mouth faster and faster, until becoming a cry of despair. She says that she would rather die than face the daily, monotonous torture of being trapped inside by the threat of the bombs falling outside.

What can one person do about a war that is happening thousands of miles away? The pillars of democracy in the west are about as stable and secure as the crumbling remains of the bombed buildings in Syria. Now is Not the time to say nothing. ”

You can read the full review and the other Heads Up reviews via link below:
Michelle Dee Review Now Is Time To Say Nothing

 

Today nearly a week after of seeing the installation nothing has changed in my life. I still watch television occasionally from my sofa or bed, I hear news, watch documentaries and allow everything pass quietly as I am too busy to live my own reality. But there is this lingering shame and feeling of helplessness that I am not part of the global concern about the conflicts that happen around the world or social issues in my own community/city.  I question if small actions and good causes can make up for the ignorance? Or if everything is just too big to grasp and I need to focus on my own life and family?

I can definitely say that Now It Is Time To Say Nothing is the most important contemporary art I have ever seen.

Heads Up festival is a very special festival – a mixture of theatre, contemporary art and installations that makes you think, question, imagine and explore. For the third time I had the honours to photograph the events and I am so thankful for the opportunity.
Thanks to E52 team and artists involved for amazing feedback.

 

Here are the highlights from heads Up 2019

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IS HE ON THE LINE..? by British artist Jez Dolan and Icelandic composer Ingibjorg Yr Skarphethinsdottir
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Dean Wilson: East Coast Fever A short film by Dave Lee
Dave Lee The Orchidian
The Orchidian, a monologue written and directed by Dave Lee
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RACE CARDS by Selina Thompson
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THE LAND’S HEAR IS GREATER THAN ITS MAP by Olivia Furber, Ramzi Maqdisi, 9t Antiope and Hannah Mason
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THE PAPER CINEMAS MACBETH

 

Did you had a chance to see any of the events? What are your thoughts?

ARTIST TAKEOVER #4 – QUEENS HOUSE SHOWCASE

Same time this week I was rushing around and getting ready for the opening night for the fourth Artist Takeover at Queens House Showcase  run by ENRG Hull.
It clearly has been a challenging experience, since it has taken me a full week to man up and write the blog post about the exhibition and opening night.

Over the past year I’ve been building a bond with Creative ENRG Hull. family. It started as few artist workshop photography assignments, ENRG Hull  ambassador filming with Fly girl Films and being interviewed myself for few times as one of the people who had help setting up a creative business.

Over several months in 2018 Queens House Showcase featured in my monthly blogs of culture wonders in Hull with exhibitions and other ARTIST TAKEOVERS.

It was a slow but steady friendship and as the result I was asked to be part of the last ARTIST TAKEOVER of the programme.

We were asked to exhibit work around Landscape and from that point on the whole experience took a twist that I was not exactly ready for.

I am known for certain work – Hull based, bright, happy, celebratory and creative events, festivals, client work and so on.. and to show to a very public eye a slice HOME GLORY series felt strange. Even today when it has been a week and I am already planning activities throughout exhibition it feels out of the character.

There was uncertainty of how people will embrace the work I’m exhibiting and the story I am trying to tell.

The work exhibited focuses on Latvia in the 21st Century and the derelict landscape across the countryside due to migration to cities and abroad. I say “focuses” because I found that the landscape my eye can catch is different to a standard scenery landscape.
Every time I visit Latvia, especially past three years, I feel the urge to bring my professional gear and eye and capture the home land. It varies from silly set ups, to portraits with photogenic friends, to travels and explorations, often focus is close to my family members and family home/land. It is a another dimension of thought process that I don’t often get chance to use in the UK and the imagery has got special place in my photographic collection.

The exhibition includes five photographs and installation that aims to engage on more than one level with the viewers. The installation includes a special diary that my sister wrote me whilst living in one of the remote regions of Latvia and a newspaper article from 1992 that my grandmother passed on to me few years ago.

 

The other two artists exhibiting are Nigel Walker and Pierino Hristov.

Nigel Walker

Photographer Nigel Walker lives in East Yorkshire and has been making photographs for over fifty years. Most recently he has been concerned with why he takes them and how they are used. He supports the postulation that meaningful photography should comprise of geography, autobiography and metaphor.For Artist Takeover #4 he presents a new body of work, ‘Say Something’, which considers the distance between current generations and seeks to encourage a reconciliation through communication. The East Coast signals a border and semaphore a way of telling – a concept, an idea and a cipher as much as a means. At 17 years old, the model, Olivia, is on the cusp of moving into the responsibilities of adulthood. How will she choose to make her world and negotiate with others who have made it? How will she and her generation change it, preserve it and mould it for themselves? This collection of works explores this challenge …Nigel will be in the gallery on Wednesday 13th February, join us for refreshments and cake & chat to Nigel about his work. He’ll also be giving an in depth talk about ‘Say Something’ and other projects at 6 pm on Wednesday 20th February – see you there!

Pierino Hristov

A Bulgarian artist now resident in Hull, Pierino uses a vibrant palette to combine traditional and contemporary motifs in celebration of enduring heritages and landscapes. Using digital approaches and inspired by the flower filled terrains of northern Bulgaria, his complex arrangements of florals, colours and patterns echo shared traditions of quilting & stitching. Producing a fresh and contemporary fusion of familiar forms, his carefully constructed arrangements reflect the changing seasons and their moods. Influenced by David Hockney’s digital palettes, works are conceived to bring joyful and uplifting affects into everyday experience.

Source: ENRG website

Before I am getting into the opening night, I want to say massive thank you to Christoper Hopkins and Gill Hobson. Both pushed me to dive deep and helped to make the most of the opportunity.

Massive shout out to Ditto 4 Design Printing – they are the best printing company I worked with across the board. They saved my day twice and the delivery of images was super quick.

On the day of the opening I was still finishing up the display that involved searching for rubble, polishing up the artwork and figuring out what to expect.

With no major expectations and excitement to meet the other two artist the night began on a really positive note.

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It made me very happy to see faces of John Gilbert, Oliver Fisher+familiar faces. Thank you to previous artists exhibiting Emma Garness and Lucy Kelly. Thank you for coming and making me feel happy.

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In the following weeks I will be present at the gallery come and say hello!

  • 22nd February – THAT FRIDAY FEELING – free photo booth and chat with me
  • 28th February – HOME GLORY in conversation with me
  • 7th March – FREE PHOTO BOOTH AND WE WILL BE DOING A SOCIAL EXPERIMENT OR SEARCH FOR YOUR TOUCHSTONES AND TALISMANS – I invite all my friends and family to come along and take part!
  • 14th March – last day of the exhibition – come in, say hello and tell us what you thought of the exhibition.

 

Also if you would like to read my contribution to the Creative ENRG and ENRG Hull project, click here:

In Conversation with Anete Sooda Photo

 

 

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – SEPTEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER WAS BONKERS IN ALL KINDS OF MATTERS. END OF BUSY SUMMER SEASON WITH FREEDOM FESTIVAL 2018, CAMPAIGNS I PHOTOGRAPHED, HEADS UP FESTIVAL, MUM VISITING, ME BEING SUPER ILL AND SUPER TIRED, AND TRYING TO CATCH UP WITH THE WORKLOAD FOR A TEAM OF HUNDRED [FOR JUST MYSELF TO DO].

IN THE IDEAL WORLD I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE SEPARATE BLOG POSTS FOR EACH FESTIVAL AND CULTURE WONDERS, BUT EVERYTHING SEEMS LIKE A ONE BIG BOWL OF CULTURE/ART/PERFORMANCE.

FREEDOM FESTIVAL 2018 WAS AMAZING. AMAZING THREE [NEARLY FOUR] DAYS CELEBRATING EQUALITY, LOVE, CULTURE, ART, COMMUNITY, PERFORMANCE AND OF COURSE HULL. THANK YOU TO FESTIVAL FAMILY TO HAVE ME ON BOARD ONCE MORE.

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Hull University My Plastic Pledge Beach Hub created by Drunk Animal Creative Studios
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Substratum Aerial Theatre 
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Modern day Slavery Exhibition

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Kaleider Pig 
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The Print Shop:Rise[up]!
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Hull Freedom Chorus at L’HOMME DEBOUT RISE!
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Crowds watching L’HOMME DEBOUT RISE!
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APUS PRODUCTIONS: THE CURE ACT II KLANKOPHONEUM
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APUS PRODUCTIONS: THE CURE ACT II KLANKOPHONEUM
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Freedom Festival Volunteers

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GRAVITY&OTHER MYTHS A SIMPLE SPACE
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GRAVITY&OTHER MYTHS A SIMPLE SPACE

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Beats Bus

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The Print Shop:Rise[up]!
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The Print Shop:Rise[up]!

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London Astrobeat Orchestra Talking Heads
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Beats Bus
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The Print Shop:Rise[up]!
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Kaleider Pig 
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FREEDOM TALKS #4: Modern Day Slavery and Culpability with Annie Kelly

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NOFIT STATE CIRCUS AND MOTIONHOUSE BLOCK
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NOFIT STATE CIRCUS AND MOTIONHOUSE BLOCK
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Hull International Carnival 2018
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Hull International Carnival 2018
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Hull International Carnival 2018
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Hull International Carnival 2018
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Street Performers
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Hull International Carnival 2018
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FAR FROM THE NORM: H.O.H
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GANDINI JUGGLING SMASHED
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GANDINI JUGGLING SMASHED
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JO ASHBRIDGE & TAMAR DRAPER: UNSEEN BEINGS
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MUSEUM OF THE MOON by LUKE JERRAM
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CHIEDU ORAKA
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CHIEDU ORAKA
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CHIEDU ORAKA
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CHIEDU ORAKA
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MUSEUM OF THE MOON by LUKE JERRAM
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VANESSA GRASSE: MESH

 

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The Print Shop:Rise[up]!
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ACTIC: URBAN SAFARI
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CAROUSEL by SOUTHPAW DANCE COMPANY
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CAROUSEL by SOUTHPAW DANCE COMPANY
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Daft Punk Orchestra
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L’HOMME DEBOUT RISE!
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L’HOMME DEBOUT RISE!
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L’HOMME DEBOUT RISE!
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L’HOMME DEBOUT RISE!
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People enjoying L’HOMME DEBOUT RISE!
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L’HOMME DEBOUT RISE!

HEADS UP FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 2018

I have been photographing this festival twice and second time round I came to a conclusion that it is a real privilege to work and enjoy meaningful events that feed your brain with high quality theatre and events.

PALE BLUE DOT

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WHAT IS? COLLECTIVE –  WHAT IS.. EARTH?

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The event was really special. The location and the views just blew away everyone present and the light coming through the skyline windows was magic. The content of the event was refreshing, I certainly felt the irony of the human kind living on the Earth.

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“A What Is? event typically features visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, mysterious sound and lighting and a leap into the unknown.

What is … Earth? To you? For this What Is? we will be taken on a breathtaking and inspiring tour to an exhibition in a secret location that will put you in the perfect position to contemplate this awesome question. The cross-discipline artists of What is? collective have been asking themselves the question and working together to create an experience for you. All art is specially created for the event and location, in response to the theme. The location in unexpected, intimate and we look forward to a fun evening.

A unique experience is guaranteed. Part exhibition, part performance, here’s something that you may never have experienced before. Artists are paired. One creates, one responds. Both reflect on the chosen theme and go on their own journey of self-inquiry and reflection.”

Source: Heads Up Festival website

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UNSEEN BEINGS @NORTH POINT SHOPPING CENTRE

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GROUND CONTROL

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FOREIGN RADICAL by THEATRE CONSPIRACY

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Throughout the month I was working on other photo clients, including Drunk Animal Creative Studios at the British Science Festival, some comedy and CHCP, so it got hot.

I really struggled to find time to go out and shoot some photos for the September culture review, but there was odd moments of inspiration to find time.

There was a moment where I managed to walk through half of the Bankside Gallery down Bankside, which felt like a forbidden walk through the derelict industrial state.

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The image below comes with a story.
Whilst framing the shot, car pulls aside and girl pokes her head out of the car: “THIS IS MY GRAFFITI”. Really made my journey worthwhile.

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On the last day of the month I was heading to Humber Street Gallery for the last day of the exhibition MEASURES OF LIFE and as I was driving past the Old Mill building site/old grounds and there it was – End Of Summer Jam with many, many graffiti artists making the newly fitted walls graffiti-beautiful. I stopped, because I thought its a sign.

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The great, great thing about the event is that it brings wide range of artist together.
I spotted Emma Garness there and it was so lovely to find out more about why she is taking part and what does the collective wall creation means to her.

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The last stop was Humber Street Gallery  MEASURES OF LIFE.

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Humber Street Gallery is reliable to showcase art that will make you think. It can be controversial, but also can be education, often raising awareness of social gunk happening around us, or most of the time making culture experiences exciting!

The exhibition is set on three floors each having interaction with the robots and technologies. There are eight different international artists showcasing multisensory work, exploring our place in the world and the digital footprints we leave.
All artists are runners up or winners of the Lumen Prize for Digital Art.

GROUND FLOOR

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FIRST FLOOR

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SECOND FLOOR

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On the second floor I felt like stepping into someone’s other reality. Especially the bedroom setting, where I found myself a little bit angry with the current obsession of exposing yourself on various social media platforms. As I brought a eleven-year-old girl, who’s becoming a teenager too early, I really felt the damage that social media can do.
It was interesting to watch how Melanija received two messages at the same time – development of technologies and ability to create a bridge between a device and real life objects, and messages spread across the bedroom set.
I don’t think the art can change people’s minds about the social media and technologies, but it certainly will stay in our brains as a possibility….if that makes sense…

 

This month it was work-culture or graffiti, but I still think I did well. I wish to have more and more spare time to be part of the culture scene in Hull, but as the winter is approaching, I hope to have more time to cosy up in galleries.

In October I hope to see the Hull International Photography Festival, new exhibition at Artlink [collaboration with Ground Gallery] and graffiti inspired trip down Preston Road derelict housing for more wall art.

 

HAPPY CULTURE PEOPLE!!
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MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – JUNE 2018

It’s a bit an alien moment to type in the “MY CITY OF CULTURE…” as I feel like its been ages since I wrote about culture.

June was a month that barely existed in the means of culture engagement.
Half of it I worked my arse off and half of it I spent away in Latvia. There was very little time to get cultured. Plus, here we are again – late [3rd July]

There was two highlights, plus one that’s has no art culture, but still a social culture.

Humber Street Gallery  IT TAKES A VILLAGE

53 DEGREES MUSIC ORGANISED GIG AT ZEBEDEE’S YARD SLAVES AND DREAM WIFE

JANE TOMLINSON RUN FOR ALL ASDA FOUNDATION HULL 10K

Therefore I will short and sweet.

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE is something very pleasant for the eye, but difficult at times to digest for the mind. Right – I don’t mind sarcasm, consumerism concerned slogans and taking the piss out of stupidity and our generation problems, but can we have something new for a change.

The displays are full of professional skill and technical abilities, beautiful light installations and textile masterpieces and clever use of space. But deep inside I wish there was art about dreams, aims, goals, unicorns and pink flamingos. I laugh at our century, our society is a bit of a mind fuck to understand, so can I have something that we all have hidden deep inside – hope that everything will be fine, hard work pays of kind of message, dream big-reach your goals kind of theme.

I seriously need some cheese in my life or a faith in humanity. So the experience of the exhibition is divided.

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53 DEGREES MUSIC in co-operation with The Warren Youth Project organised a amazing gig with DREAM WIFE and SLAVES headlining. I actually won the tickets via their competition and that sent me off as the happiest person ever. I was torn between enjoying myself [drinks’n that] and running the JANE TOMLINSON RUN FOR ALL ASDA FOUNDATION HULL 10K the next day, but you can have it all, I enjoyed both to the fullest.

There was no official permission for me to take photos, but of course I couldn’t resist to have few snaps with SLAVES.

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The energy was amazing. Thank you for giving the opportunity 53 DEGREES MUSIC

 

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Above actual proof that everything is possible. With my friends we cheer and celebrate at the JANE TOMLINSON RUN FOR ALL ASDA FOUNDATION HULL 10K
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Just as the finishing touch for the June culture wonders. The street art/graffiti/mural culture that is peaking in recent year is really making me smile. I keep spotting cool wall art and noting down to take photos of those.
This one is located in Fruit Market area. I have few spotted down Holderness Road and Beverley Road which I need to visit this month.

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Keep the culture going people!

 

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – MAY 2018

HELLO CULTURE LOVERS AND FOLLOWERS

I AM JUST GONNA PRETEND IT IS NOT THE 8th JUNE …. OK, I AM 8 DAYS LATE TO PUBLISH MY HULL CULTURE STORIES.

GOOD NEWS IS – I HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY BUSY PHOTOGRAPHING AWESOME THINGS. MY PHOTOGRAPHERS LIFE IS AS MANIC AS I WANT IT TO BE, LOVE THOSE “OFFICE” DAYS WHEN MY “DESK” IS NEAR SEASIDE OR WITH INSPIRING MUMS IN HULL, OR WITH AMAZING PEOPLE FROM ESKIMOSOUP DRIVING AROUND EAST YORKSHIRE.. LOVE ALL THAT.

OK, CULTURE BUSINESS. MAY WAS LIVELY, ESPECIALLY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH WHEN MOST OF MY CONTENT WAS CREATED.

FERENS ART GALLERY – MASTERPIECES IN FOCUS FROM THE ROYAL COLLECTION

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20% INSPIRED BY INSTAGRAM FAVOURITE STEFAN DRASCHAN

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P.S. I USED TO DO THAT A LITTLE BIT ANYWAYS, BUT NOW THAT IS AN OFFICIAL FOCUS POINT.

FERENS ART GALLERY CLANGERS, BAGBUSS&CO

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THIS WAS AN EXHIBITION OF CONFUSION ALTHOUGH LOVELY CONTENT. I HAVE NO SENTIMENTAL ATTACHMENT TO “Bagpuss, see the Soup Dragon and behold Noggin the Nog. Oliver Postgate’s voice and Peter Firmin’s puppets shaped the childhood memories of millions since they started collaborating in the 1950s. As well as telling the story of Bagpuss and The Clangers, the exhibition goes behind the scenes of their other creations; Pogles Wood, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine.Discover original puppets, sets and filming equipment. See how characters developed, and learn how Oliver and Peter developed their stop-frame animation techniques alongside a selection of toys and puppets from Hull Museum’s permanent collection.”

SOURCE: HULL17 WEBSITE

 

BUT I SAW SOME LOVELY SMILES, FEEDBACK AND GENERAL SENTIMENT AROUND THE PUPPETS AND SETS.

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REALLY IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHT OF MINE – HULL COLLEGE STRIKES WITH UCU HULL

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FOR THOSE WHO KNOW ME WILL UNDERSTAND MY ANGER. MY CAREER STARTED THERE, HULL SCHOOL OF ART&DESIGN WERE PART OF MY JOURNEY IN BECOMING A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER AND BEING ABLE TO WORK AS ONE IS A LIFE CHANGING THING TO HAVE AS LEGACY OF EDUCATION. SO I WROTE TO EMMA HARDY, I WROTE TO HULL DAILY MAIL MY VIEWS ON JOB CUTS AND COURSE REMOVALS.

HERE IS A BIT OF THAT:

“I am taking the time to write because I feel incredibly let down by Hull College Chief Executive Michelle Swithenbank, who has announced plans to cut 231 jobs as part of a five year reconstruction plan to make the organisation financially self-sufficient.
Reconstruction implies that something is broken and needs to be made whole again. That is not my experience at HSAD at all. My course provided me with everything I needed: knowledgeable and experienced tutors, well equipped facilities and a varied curriculum that included studio photography, use of film cameras, printmaking, filmmaking and business skills. It was a life changing three years that gave me an opportunity to build important foundations that I needed in order to work as a photographer in the real world. I spent three years surrounded by experienced, clever and intelligent photographers and artists who made me believe that anything was possible. They pushed me to achieve my goals and challenged negative and small thinking, opening my eyes to what I could achieve.
I understand the need for the college to be financially solvent and am appalled to hear that college leaders have allowed a £10m deficit to be racked up and that an additional £1m plus deficit is forecast (as reported in the Hull Daily Mail, 8 May 2018). However I do not feel that full consideration has been given to alternative money saving or money making measures. Innovative ideas like broadcasting live tutorials in photography, film-making and computer game design would put Hull where it deserves to be – at the forefront of creative education. Opening up facilities to the public and local businesses would also generate additional income. Can Michelle Swithenbank really tell us that job cuts is the only way out of the mess?”

I ALSO DID MY PART AND WENT DOWN TO ONE OF THE STRIKES TO TAKE SOME PHOTOS.

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THIS MIGHT NOT SEEM LIKE A VERY CULTURAL TOPIC, BUT IN FACT IT IS, BECAUSE HULL SCHOOL OF ART&DESIGN IS PART OF CREATING A NEW GENERATION OF ARTISTS.

IT WAS ALL A BIT DAUNTING, BUT THE SUN WAS OUT AND EVERYONE UNITED FOR ONE IDEA. AND THIS WILL BE THE CHANGING POINT FOR FUTURE, BECAUSE PEOPLE WHO CARE, WILL NEVER LET THINGS GO EASY. WELL DONE TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART.

 

CULTURE/ART AT QUEENS HOUSE SHOWCASE RUN BY CREATIVE ENRG ON TWO OCCASIONS:
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ABOVE CHRISSY COLLINSON SITES UNSEEN

BELOW ILLUSTRATOR MIKE WARLEY AND HIS WONDERFUL CREATIONS.

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I ALSO WENT DOWN TO THE HULL TAPESTRY AT THE GUILDHALL

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IT WAS ON MY LIST FOR MONTHS AND I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. IN A NUTSHELL – FIFTEEN YEARS IN THE MAKING, THE HULL TAPESTRY ILLUSTRATES, IN COLOURFUL AND VARIED STITCH, THE HISTORY AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CITY OF KINGSTON UPON HULL OVER PAST 700 YEARS.  DEPICTING HULL’S DIVERSE HISTORY AND PIONEERING SPIRIT, THE HULL TAPESTRY GROUP HAS FASHIONED A BREATHTAKING MONTAGE OF HULL LIFE THROUGH THE AGES.

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I ALSO HAD A STROLL THROUGH HULL ONE DAY WHEN THE SUN WAS OUT AND REVISITED THE SOLAR GATE ‘N QUEENS GARDENS.

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FIRST TIME VISITED THE DAZZLING EVENTS FOOD AND ARTISAN MARKET AT THE LAWNS COTTINGHAM.

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ON TOP OF THAT I TOOK PHOTO OF A NEW SCULPTURE ARRIVAL IN TOWN: RESEARCH STILL GOING ON WHAT THAT WAS, GOOGLE AT THE MOMENT IS NOT HELPING,SO IF ANYONE KNOWS – EDUCATE ME.

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ALREADY MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY – I WILL BE ONE OF THE PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR THE  ILLUMINATE PROJECT: LEGACY

WE HAD OUR FIRST MEETING LAST WEEK AND IT IS STILL EARLY DAYS. AS SIMILAR AS THE LEGACY SEARCH TOPICS ARE BETWEEN US, WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT PHOTOGRAPHERS AND WILL PRODUCE VERY INTERESTING PHOTOS. THAT’S THE PLAN. AS A START UP I AM LISTING AND REVISITING ARTISTS FROM 2017 THAT INSPIRED ME TO WRITE ABOUT THEM AND FIRST ONE WAS MARK WIGAN. HE KINDLY OFFERED ME TO GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT HIS WORKSHOP, BUT DUE TO WORK COMMITMENTS I WAS UNABLE TO JOINT, SO WORK IN PROGRESS.

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SO THESE ARE SNAPS FROM HIS THE TRANSGLOBAL ART OF MARK WIGAN EXHIBITION, JUST AS I CONVINCED HIM TO BE PART OF MY SEARCH FOR CITY OF CULTURE 2017 LEGACY:

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

WAS TAKING PHOTOS OF INCREDIBLY TALENTED ILLUSTRATOR CALVIN INNES IN THE NEWEST BANKSIDE GALLERY.

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I CAME ACROSS THE BEAUTY OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN THE AREA. IT WAS A BIT OF A EMOTIONAL CONNECTION MOMENT AS I FOUND THE SITES AND SCENES DISTURBING AND BEAUTIFUL AT THE SAME TIME.

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I AM OK NOW. I AM EXCITED FOR THE SUMMER AND EVENTS, EXHIBITIONS AND PROJECTS COMING UP REALLY MAKE ME FEEL ALIVE.

STILL RE BRANDING AND HOPELESSLY TRYING TO MULTITASK, BUT EXCITING TIMES AHEAD.

NEXT MONTH I’LL BE HALF HERE, HALF IN LATVIA, SO JUNE 2018 CONTENT STILL TO BE DISCUSSED.

HAPPY CULTURE PEOPLE.

 

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – MARCH 2018

HAPPY EASTER, HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY[yesterday], HAPPY DAY TO BE ALIVE.

HAPPY.
AND WELCOME TO THE MARCH EDITION OF MY CULTURE IN HULL 2018.

I must admit that it is hard to write and focus on work today, I am in a 100% long weekend mood.  So I will try.. and if by accident I publish it only on the 2nd April [today], you’ll know that I gave in on chocolate eggs. And a nap.

 

March brought some lovely culture experiences and quite a tense works schedule at times. I have been in and out of “busy” and running low on fuel reserves from winter season. We are ready for spring!

Culture highlights:

#1 HEADS UP FESTIVAL 2018

#2 ARTLINK JASON WILSHER-MILLS UNEXPECTED ENGAGEMENT ARTIST TALK

#3  GROUND GALLERY HULL PRESENTS BLUEBEANY’S ARTIST TALK

#4 TRINITY MARKET EXPLORATION NR. 1

Since 2018 unfolded as the year after an amazing year of 2017, I can easily make my own rules of how I will culture myself, I feel no pressure. Everything is in a relaxed manner. So in March I tried to combine personal interests with must-see’s and bit of good old Hull walks with camera. That applies to the need to witness the change and progress and see where do we go from 2017.

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Collecting photographs and stories in March has been the easy part. Writing can get tricky.

I try to have some one-to-one time with the city, get on the road geared up with camera and in March I soaked up one day of spring in an hour long walk through derelict area of Hull [kind of].
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Some of the “edgelands” is up for a development soon, so maybe it is worth catching few photographs of the land, before it changes.

The best experience in March was the HEADS UP FESTIVAL 2018

I was invited to be their photographer this year and that rolled me straight into a number of cultural events. Hull based company E52, in conjunction with renowned venue and producer Battersea Arts Centre, presents some of the most exciting contemporary British and international theatre at venues throughout the city of Hull.
The festival takes place twice a year, with Spring and Autumn seasons, and also includes locally-curated and produced work, workshops, new productions, networking events, talks, art events, school projects, and exhibitions.

 

First one was UGLY CHIEF – artist and performer Victoria Melody teams up with her dad, TV antique dealer Mike Melody, for her most ambitious show yet. Ugly Chief is a comedy based on true-life events, performed by a real-life father and daughter. As I can create any spoilers  – it is about setting up a funeral by Victoria for her dad, who was falsely diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and given five years to live. In the show, they preform two funerals – one that Victoria wanted for her dad, and second funeral that dad wanted to have for himself.

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The show was wonderful, witty, clever and emotional at times. And the fact that it was another take on taboo subject such as death, funerals really made it my cup of tea.
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Two of the events took place in Kardomah94 across the week.
Heads Up Introducing with Lyn Acton, singer with Pearls Cab Ride and Bill Drummond Daffodils&Death

Both brought me some new knowledge about different art forms, I got to know Lyn Acton and Pearls Cab Ride , not just as one of the bands playing at Freedom Festival, but as culturally important figure in Hull and jazz music scene in Yorkshire.

She laughed, cried, shared and cherished her stories and musical influences and favourites.

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Bill Drummond Daffodils&Death was just a bit random. Enjoyable random.
But my favourite new knowledge was that Bill once was in a band called The KLF and had hell of a performance at 1992 BRIT Award Ceremony.

And to back up that it really happened in 1992, Bill Drummond, between he’s shows came to the sound desk and said  “I can’t wait for this to be over, so I can have a proper drink”

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Third one was SPONGE by Turned On Its Head

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That was ultimate kids show using sponges in various shapes, forms, colours and sizes, that will be stuck in my memory as a nightmare light change to capture in photographs.
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The last event of the festival, I was taking photos of was the DARK WINTER by David Mark.

I was present at the last of the dress rehearsals and only stayed for 30 min. And in that short time I witnessed some serious theatre. Set in Hull and based on the thrilling crime novel by bestselling author David Mark, E 52 bring Aector McAvoy’s first case to the stage in a stunning adaptation by award winning writers Richard Vergette.

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And hell yeah, it was mind blowing. The level of acting and theatre performance was high standard and having Hull as main characteristics made it to be my favourites. The sound and light was to match the high standards of performance. One word – gutted not seen the full performance.

Photos above: Production team, E52 crew and stage manager.

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Million thanks to Heads Up team for having me on board. Great pleasure, great pleasure.

 

In March there was an important note in my diary – to see Jason Whilsher-Mills with my own eyes in his artist talk about currently displayed Unexpected Engagement at Artlink. I rarely get to see artist gatherings and talks, as I am working evenings, so this was real treat for my brain on Saturday, 13th March.

Jason Wilsher-Mills is Square Peg’s artist-in-residence for 2017.

Square Peg, the user-led diversity and disability arts programme from Artlink has teamed up with Jason to bring the stories of diverse communities in Hull to everyone’s attention.

New technologies have helped Jason give life to his ideas on disability, childhood memory and popular culture, creating new narratives. We met to discuss this and his upcoming exhibition Unexpected Engagement at Artlink.

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More than anything, I took away Jason’s story of how he embraced digital technology, instead of sticking to what he was used to. He stepped out his comfort zone, embraced the change and it took him to the highs of a success. And for someone like me it is the best lesson to learn. Change is scary,but change is good.

The talk itself was wonderful, I really liked Jason’s sense of humour, honesty and the event was a great experience to see his other work.

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At the end of it, I joined the rest for a second look at the exhibition and helped others to get their heads around the 3D experience with sculptures and tablet.

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The end of the month got a bit distracting and I kind of ditched the culture for a bit. I had few little culture things on my mind, but instead I went for a nosy at newly refurbished Trinity Market and have the famous Cone Queen – Cone Pizza.

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The space is very “fresh” at the moment, but I could already see the potential and Hull’s own stamp on the units available. Hull people have turned in proper foodies  and I am really liking it.

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During the last days of March, I also wanted to make it to BLUEBEANY’S talk at GROUND GALLERY HULL
Ground Gallery is one of my favourite discoveries in 2017 and Anna Bean with her exhibition is definitely a very good news to have for the gallery.

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I was very late [cos of work], so I had no hopes of seeing the talk and I kind of made it to the very end. Just as I got to the gallery, I realised that it is fully packed with people and that brought a big grim on my face – for Anna Bean and for the Ground.

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The last few days of the month of course went a bit mad – Easter, all the excitement of nationally long Bank Holiday weekend and unfinished business.
But I had to see one last thing – Artist Take Over at Queens House Showcase last day with cakes, tea and artists themselves.
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The space gives a good ground start to artist to exhibit, have the experience of sharing their work and running workshops and in the future we are about to see more work exhibited.

So… the more the spring, summer is mentioned, the more culture we are going to see – good news for me and exciting times for Hull.
Hull Street Food Nights are back in April, Humber Street Gallery has some exciting exhibitions already on display, Studio Eleven is providing us with some high end and super quality sculpture-work and so on…

I have some of the above on the menu,  Auschwitz and work in April. Yaass!

Happy Culture!

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – FEBRUARY

Welcome to February 2018 culture review. I am sure you are busy dealing with the “beast from the East” as we all do, very distracted myself with the snow,making snowman’s, but duty calls.

I would like to say that culture journeys in February has been out of old habit, but that has changed since last month. Although being really sentimental about last years weekly reviews and stories, this month I have really realised how much time for “actual” work I have. There is no doubt that finding cultural things is a bit of a challenge in the quite months of the year, knowing that Hull City Of Culture 2017  is gone on a “break”.

I have been lucky to have Ferens Open Exhibition 2018 at Ferens Art Gallery, Artist Take Over at Queens House Showcase, Hounds Of Hull opening at KAG,  and random protest regards regime in Middle East, plus some precious early morning Hull moments.

Let’s start off with the two most random things of this month:

First – one area of Hull’s city centre has been adjusted – famous for having homeless people gathering and sleeping, being a bit naughty. Area has been transformed into a colourful message, development opportunity advert. And then the disco-granny-electric piano-madness guy is there playing his tunes. Only in Hull?

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During that week I went to the first Artist Take Over at Queens House Showcase where artist Lauren Saunders thought the ways of knowing – or making art followed by you feelings.. (?) Her primary tool is drawing, but the exploration extends to psychologies of perception.

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Artist Take Over at Queens House Showcase is a collective exhibition of four local artists with various styles, techniques and dimensions.
The best part of the exhibition is that most of the days artists themselves are live-creating their art, having the space for their own development and are up for a cup of tea and a chat.

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Clarissa Dixon is another artist present at the Queens House Showcase. She is experimental with materials and processes. From what I had a chance to see so far – her table is a beautiful mess with textures, colours and heavy patterns.

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Annemarie Tickle was running a The Shibori workshop and I went to take some snaps of that too. I am far from understanding what that means, but it was all about fabric, dye and textures.

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Queens House Showcase is run by Creative ENRG. Just to say that Creative ENRG is giving a massive platform for artists to work and develop their skill, confidence and network with other artists, members of public.

They have helped me in my “setting-up” business journey, but I have made a lot of business friends, artists and clients through being part of the hub. That’s if you ever question how important networking is….

Just to shift few steps down from art art, I had a morning with crisp air and early sunlight in Marina and Fruit Market. It is rare opportunity to have time that early to photograph Hull and I really want to share few beautiful captures – just to celebrate ever so beautiful Hull landmarks.

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These new arrivals on Fruit Market walls was the cherry topping to my morning wonders.

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Back to art art and  Ferens Open Exhibition 2018 at Ferens Art Gallery. This year for the second year running I got a photograph in, so I was determined to have the full experience of the opening night. First thing – the welcome speech, announcements and prize give away. I did  not know that such thing happens on the opening night and it was great to be part of that.

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There was an interesting fact I found out during the speech is that Ferens Art Gallery one of the few galleries left in the UK to have free entry at all times. And I mean a gallery that hosts “proper” high end art, such as Mueck [recent experiences], Freud and other special and valuable collections. Turner Prize is a good indicator of the importance of the Ferens Art Gallery.

During the opening night I had a quick run through the galleries, spotted a few favourites, mingled with old tutors and looked at my photograph and frame all together[disappointment].

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That same nigh I made it to the Hounds Of Hull opening at KAG. Missed the dogs, but had a great opportunity tho see the art work, meet the artist behind it Verity Adriana, have a chat with artist/tutor Jane Jones and my fave Anna Bean/ Bluebeany.
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+see the rest of the KAG for the last time [due to closure of half of the space]
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At some point another random thing happened – I went from A to B and spotted some action going on in Queen Victoria Square. From the distance it looked like people are waving Stalin’s flag, but when approached the crowd, it turned out to be a protest for regime in the Middle East. It was about demanding freedom to Abdullah Ocalan and other political prisoners in Turkey.

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Last week I went back to  Artist Take Over at Queens House Showcase to take some promotional shots of Annemarie Tickle and work she is developing. She stunned me with bold and brave colours and a lovely chat. Strongly suggest to visit Queens House Showcase website for opening times and artist present, because it is worth your while.

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Last but not least – had a second visit to Ferens Open Exhibition 2018 to have a good look at the selection of artworks this year. There was some definite favourites, good and interesting concepts, but there was an equal amount of “rubish”. As for usual.

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As I mentioned previously, work I submitted was a risk. The photograph in combination of the frame was a big risk. It is not bad, but it did not met the expectations I had for myself, so I am a bit disappointed. But risks have to be taken and learn from the experience if it doesn’t work out. Boom.

This month I was a bit pushed for time, so two things on my list are not here:

 

 

I have to start thinking about what March will bring to my culture experiences, already planning in progress.

Excited to be working on a project that I will be shouting about in the near future, excited to be taking photographs for Heads Up Festival for the next two weeks and work with Drunk Animal with their projects and clients. And everything in between. Exciting! That’s all I am gonna say.

Have a great March, get some culture in your system and drive carefully through the 15 cm of snow [eeekkk!!]

Love
Anete Sooda

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – JANUARY

HELLO AND WELCOME BACK TO MY CULTURE VENTURES IN 2018

 

The year of Hull City Of Culture 2017 finished on a high note for me. I really lived up to my challenge, being part of the story all year, week by week [except tiny two weeks] and I had the most wonderful time. It was the big celebration for me.

At the beginning of the month I was very lost – for the first time in a year I was not obligated to follow culture and it was weir. On the other hand – it was a relief – no Sunday/Monday panic about writing a blog post and wondering if I have done enough, if I’ve done well.

Throughout the year I knew I need to continue the work for me and for the promised legacy, for Hull. Out of habit on the first week I already found myself in culture indulgence.
And it felt good.

First, I managed to catch the robots part of Where Do We Go From Here.
I had to take my family to see the magnificent robots and have the last look.

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I was still seeking for the connection with culture, Hull and the question it raises. Technically brilliant pieces of machinery, creating a cosmic atmosphere and making the dark hours of Hull light up. But I am asking a question – could artist applied any other question to the artwork, linked with anything else? I am sure that is a possibility and Hull is just another translation to the existence of robots.

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Never the less – Hull still embraced the installation, as we do with everything.

Hull embraced a lot of things in 2017, we have changed our mindset regards culture and art, we are more educated and don’t mind abstract elements scattered around the city. Like the Solar Gate in Queens Gardens. Why not?
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Mid month I was SUPER excited for the new arrivals at Humber Street Gallery.
Just to note how wonderful it is to have a gallery of this kind, Humber Street Gallery has been the key venue for so many great exhibitions and they need a shout out!!!!!
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The exhibitions, all there are about everything celebrating Hull City Of Culture 2017 Volunteers. Work created purely to say thank you for your hard work, purely to celebrate each individual for making the year possible.
Gallery 1
BIG PICTURE: WITH LEO FRANCIS IN ASSOCIATION WITH CHRIS FENTON

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Photographer Lee Francis has very specific style and it is reflected in the works. They are bright and unmistakably unique.
I was so professionally jealous, because that would be every professionals dream to work on a project like this. In fact, this type of photographs should be the only reason why this medium exist – celebrate people and life in a beautiful way, that is missed by a naked eye.

The collage with volunteers and their belongings, their lives is equally fantastic.
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The team behind the project and Hull City Of Culture 2017 put a lot of thought, love and effort into creating this and wanted to know more about volunteers.
When asked to the volunteers present at the exhibition, the same feelings are expressed.

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And we ourselves enjoyed the little insight into this project

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Gallery 2

GRAINS OF SCANDALOUS BLUE: JULIA VOGL

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Another mind tickling satisfaction of culture experience. First impressions are very good, the space is transformed into a full on colour experience, surrounding visitors with bold colours, numbers and takes you on a journey.
When I got over the wow factor, I made my way through the facts and facts about volunteers worked out in percentage.
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We also played a game of calculating the percentages of what volunteers have as their occupation:
88% are either in full time education, employed or retired and the rest – unicorn keepers. That’s mine and Oliver’s conclusion.
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The whole experience is extended with an opportunity to try on volunteers kit and having your photo taken[optional?]
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And then – my favourite part – have a gab with volunteers and take a lovely photo of them.

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Gallery 3

GRAINS OF SCANDALOUS BLUE: JULIA VOGL

The jar and grain experience

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Again – very impressive first impressions. The colours, light, placement of the jars and factual info on the walls. Fantastic.

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Visually impressive, sense of individuality despite the fact it’s meant to look “uniform” like. I assume the jars where chosen by volunteers themselves and again, its like a little insight of their lives.
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However the lazy art and culture consumer in me thinks its too much information to take in before you understand the idea. If your brain is not gifted with maths [like mine], I struggled to understand the patterns and reasons for each of the jar being filled. ahh. Could this be taken out of Hull City Of Culture 2017 content and displayed elsewhere? Would this be just one for the Hull?

World should know more about our experience this year and BIG PICTURE AND GRAINS OF SCANDALOUS BLUE PART 1 is definitely there to show off to the next CITY OF CULTURE and other cities in the UK.

Overall rating 9/10 from me. The visit made my week and I was left very happy and satisfied.

BANKSY IN HULL

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26th of January will be marked as the day when world famous Banksy left his mark in Hull.

Woken up by the BBC News on Friday morning and hearing Hull’s name being called out for positive reason was just the perfect breakfast for my mind.

On Saturday I made my way to see it for myself. Of course I was not the only one there seeing the rustic bridge marked with someone famous and controversial as Banksy only for that reason. It became a trend, a hot spot.
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And then to hear the news on Monday about someone going totally bonkers and ruining the graffiti and then be saved by very own Hull’s windows cleaner becoming a hero… The drama and the reason to talk was there and as they say… every publicity is good.

So yes. Here is my first month of 2018, my first report on culture in 2018.
I could have done more, but I am busy working on something amazing. Hopefully I will have more content this month.

Are you feeling the Legacy of City of Culture in 2018? What are your expectations?

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 50

 

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Photo above well describes my poor week with the culture.

My highlights were supposed to be the end of LIMITLESS and bringing home Christmas tree to start of the festive part of Hull 17 +bits of festive culture along the way.

But like those pigeons, I was crumbled down in the corner when it came to indulge in the culture.
Last week was not bad, but there was too much of everything else, I just couldn’t cope.

On the bright side – I made an extra effort to visit LIMITLESS on one of the last days.

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I wish they could leave the place open as permanent creative space for everyone, it was inspiring to be surrounded by the culture-everything from the new generation.

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As I visited on its last hour of opening after 8 PM, it was quiet and empty. The noise, laughter and busyness was gone and it was just the space.

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The change was not as dramatic as I expected after the visit on the very first day it opened, however I noticed new features and amazing work kids have done with Debi Keable

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Be Kind was part of the Worlds Kindness Day and the workshop took place in LIMITLESS as well as in libraries across the city while ago.

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And then a little Christmas decorations, because we are in that time of the year.

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I will dearly miss LIMITLESS and I hope we can have annual celebrations of new generation in one place.

The Christmas tree event isn’t really a culture thing, but I wanted to make it part of my week, as it was my birthday too and it is my own tradition to get the tree on my birthday.
Unfortunately my other half was too busy to be part of that, so I have no Christmas tree [not yet] therefore no Christmas magic photos.

The week was difficult, I was working every day of the week on different clients, so when reflecting on week – how did I manage to get any culture photos?

Just to note – the end of the year is fast approaching and I feel like I have to really dig deep for culture…and I am not liking this at all.
This week is pre-Christmas panic – post processing and more photo work to be done, but I have made a wish list:

 

+Massive congratulations to Coventry being named as UK City Of Culture 2021

You are in for an amazing experience!!

 

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 47

ON THE WEEK WHEN I WAS LOOSING THE PLOT COS BUSY…

SERIOUSLY SCRAPING FOR CULTURE THIS WEEK, WHY? YEAR IS COMING TO A CLOSE AND THINGS REALLY SLOWING DOWN?!

 

LIST FOR THIS WEEK:

I was in town, I went back to the WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? by JASON BRUGES STUDIO  to get a better angle, because these giant mystery units might change or disappear in next few days.

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I can’t wait until they reveal the “magic”.

 

The same day I was a witness to the preparations to CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON PREP which is a massive attraction to everyone in Hull. the word Christmas now is on everyone’s vocabulary and of course the event is expected to be AMAZING, cos Hull 17.

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I loved how taken from a specific angle, I was able to imagine that Ferens Art Gallery is moved to rich and green woodlands.

Event organisers and workforce was running like little bee’s and I felt a bit sad that I will miss the light switch-on.

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People, however most of the time minded their own daily business.

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On Thursday I had a meeting in QUEENS HOUSE SHOWCASE and I was lucky to see the CLAIRE HOLDSTOCK’S RUIN VALUE.

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THESE ARE NOT COLOURED PORK SCRATCHINGS – JUST IN CASE YOU WONDERED.

The artwork is very pleasant – in and out of context. I really want to find out more about the artwork and I might attend one of the many drop-in sessions at the Queens House Showcase on the 7th December.

On Saturday the big hype about the COCA- COLA TRUCK TOUR UK – KINGSTON UPON HULL was very obvious – the traffic in town and masses of people in general and quite honestly I was not sure I can be asked. It wasn’t really about the culture, it was very cold and do I really want to ruin my childhood vision about the Coca-Cola Christmas adverts, Santa Claus and the magic truck???

But I happened to be in the area, so eeehhh – why not.

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Quite honestly – there was no feeling of Christmas spirit and there was no chance that I would wait 30 min to get a SMALL can of ice cold Coca-Cola.

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But there was a lot of people making the most of it and that is always worth celebrating.

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Last but not least – all week I have been hopelessly making visits to Princess Quay for the CENTRE OF ATTENTION 

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Twice I visited and the shutters were hiding potentially one of the most interesting exhibits this season.
On Friday, I found out it is open from the 24-26th November. Lovely. But this is a lesson to learn for the future.

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After a quick sneak around I thought – I don’t have enough, I want more of this creative madness. The brave people who are wearing prosthetics are worth celebrating anyway, they have moved on and making the most of their lives. But this is the next level awesomeness. I would definitely like to see more of this. And not just in the galleries – on the streets [although probably not very practical] and definitely in the fashion magazines, fashion shows, runways. Amazing!!!!!!

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NEXT WEEK AND FOR THE FUTURE I HAVE A TO DO LIST, THE MOST EXCITING THINGS ARE PROBABLY THE LIMITLESS AND LOOK UP: FLOE – HEINRICH AND PALMER

 

HAPPY CULTURE PEOPLE.