HELLO AND WELCOME ON THE WEEK 26th OF HULL CITY OF CULTURE 2017.
Traditionally as I do on Mondays, I am sat writing and reflecting on last week. And it was a big one. Not only the work was interesting, culture was as wonderful as ever.
First – THE TRAIN TRACK AND THE BASKET @HULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE
Funny story actually – this has been on my wishlist for a while, but as 12 o’clock station visit is not something I do I kept leaving it. And last week was the last week for the installation to be on.
I thought that the installation involves lady dressed in 1950’s clothing with a travelling basket getting in and out of trains – a performance. Upon arrival at the station I went to the Hull City Of Culture 2017 Welcome Pod to get the exact info.
When I was told that it is all around me I felt really silly. That’s another lesson in my basket – read the info about events, performances, installations.
So there I was, surrounded by artwork presenting events between 1848 and 1914, when more than 2 million people arrived to Hull by ship from mainland Europe, then left by train for the ports of Liverpool and Southampton. They were on their way to a new life in the USA, Canada and South Africa. The artist Claire Barber used windows shaped like an upturned baskets and after an extensive research created the large scale artworks.
The site for the artwork suggests both beginnings and endings. Station can be a place for a long goodbye and a warm welcome. I have been there, we all have at some point.
Apart from the disappointment [which is really my own fault], I thought it brightens up the place. I am not sure if the general public have spotted it, because the artwork blends in their busy daily lives….
The day was incredibly rainy, so the station was an escape for some and as a rare visitor I was quite happy to be part of the scene.
On Thursday I was finally in town in the right time on the right date for the (In)visible Dancing.
I was waiting for it for a week and on the day I was ready for it a half an hour early.
Whilst waiting I got chatting with a lovely Hull City Of Culture 2017 volunteer. He was a right character in the most beautiful way.
And he as well as made my day, ruined it for me. He told me about the PAPER CITY opening earlier in the morning which sounded like a visual/photographic wonderland to my ears. I knew that it opens on that day, but was not aware of the extravaganza of the opening – flying paper “things”. OHHHHH MIGHTY DUCK. Lesson nr. 2 that week – KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS OPEN AT ALL TIMES.
He kindly gave me a copy of a tiny book telling the story and I was feeling the pain. But definitely on my list for the 27th week of #getcultured.
BACK TO THE (IN)VISIBLE DANCING.
I went to one of the last dance performances building up to the Finale on the 1st of July and I was impatiently excited whilst waiting for the familiar figures to appear on the Jameson Street.
The award winning dance theatre company Protein was joined by local musicians and dancers. The info flyer states that the performance will sweep you away from your daily cares and shopping with an entertaining and unusual street show.
And it was just that and a bit more.
Whilst snapping the fast paced and ever changing scenes, one of the directors of the performance approached me and asked if we can have a chat after the show. It was rather lovely to know that they appreciate local photographers taking time and willing to share the photos with them. That’s the plan.
There was so many highlights – a guy just continuing his veg shopping surrounded by dancers and members of public filming the dancers …
An elderly lady doing the same, not even close to being aware of what is going on around her …
And the “sister” of the street dancers joined in the dance. Serious commitment and really made everyone think she is part of the crew. well done!!!
AMAZING. AMAZING. REALLY BRIGHTENED UP MY DAY!! HORRAAY!
I bet the Finale was even more spectacular!!
On Saturday I was trying to stay work free, but I heard rumours about something happening @Zebedee’s Yard. So I headed there with a hope that it is something worth the walk.
RAY LEE: RING OUT as part of PRS FOUNDATION’S NEW MUSIC BIENNIAL.
The sound installation from sound artist and composer Ray Lee, renowned for creating music for public places with generated bell sounds.
Going back to the culture lesson nr. 2 – did not know the timings, so turned up when it was just finished. ahhggrr.
But the bells themselves, surrounded by metal structures looked spectacular. The sun was out so there was two good reasons for this to be on my blog.
Also I had a little sneak at the Memorial piece at the end of the Zebedee’s Yard and took some photos as a reminder.
There is so much going on, so difficult to keep up and find time to be everywhere…
This weeks list:
- PAPER CITY
- STATES OF PLAY @HUMBER STREET GALLERY
- HULL FISHING HERITAGE ART EXHIBITION
My annual Latvia visit is fast approaching and I am going to miss out on two weeks of culture – not sure how I will live with that…..
HAVE A GREAT WEEK, MONKEYS.
ANETE SOODA PHOTO 