Tag: DISCOVER HULL

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – MARCH 2018

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on 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!

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – FEBRUARY

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on 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

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – JANUARY

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on 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?

Hull City Of Culture 2017

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

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on 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

 

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 51

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 51

You may well wonder of why I am not making Christmas happening, instead writing weekly culture…

Life sometimes is full of lemons, I certainly have bucket full of lemons for past week and for Christmas. Culture and Hull 17 events have actually dragged me out of the misery this week. Having a focus on happy things has saved me.

At the beginning of last week I made a wishlist and I was very lucky to tick two points from the list:

But first.

HULL BEERMAT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL and the beer mats where found. At Larkins Bar Hull down Newland Avenue.

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Still sulking a little bit, but the material they are made from means they won’t last forever and we may need another competition in few years time.

 

Second. I was trying to Christmas shop this week and the madness, greed and consumerism wasn’t really a surprise. These photographs were taken way before it was appropriate to talk Christmas, but few weeks on and I think its worth sharing Princess Quay decorations.

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During the week I had some time to walk down Newland Avenue on my way to Brynmore Jones Library and PAINTING POWER: THE ART OF TERENCE CUNEO and aww, it was so lovely to see how local community is celebrating this wonderful time. Well done and thank you for a big smile on my face.

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The way to the university was one of those where I was purely focused on culture. That feeling and the photos after was missed a little bit in the past few months, so that’s worth mentioning._Z1A0345WEEK51 b

The viewing experience was pretty cool and will last in my memory for a long time. Mainly because of the volunteers and how that change my experience.

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First circle around the exhibition was my usual self – instead of seeing the whole picture, I pay attention to details – frames, lighting, detail in artwork. And sometimes it is very brief. Like I am there, but not there.

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I was already leaving when approached by a volunteer. She asked me what I thought about the paintings and have I seen Hull and the Queen, have I seen the mice… Half an hour later I was inlove with Cuneo. 

We – the ordinary people sometimes need help to see the art. I have a lot of cultural background, I have seen a lot and even did a degree in arts. But I still need help and guidance. Or someones passion for art.
And I am so thankful for the conversation, knowledge and passion to the lovely volunteer.

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The same applies to volunteers at Where Do We Go From Here. They deserve a medal for what they do, I even told them I love them. Haha.

Hull on the night is full of character when the time is right and even the few drunk lads did not spoil it for me.

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I finally had the chance to see the robots.

First I headed to Trinity Square.

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They are rising the question of where do we go from here after this year, but I really have to use my imagination to believe in that. But Where Do We Go From Here are fascinating light and machinery installations. The robots make me feel alive in the 2017 being aware of the changing technologies and times. Being aware that humans can’t be fed with the same things, we need something striking to make us think and pay notice.

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The robots are way cool, that is undeniable, but do they pay justice to the year we had?

 

Last but not least. I had a tripod. I haven’t used tripod since I left university. I was excited like a little child getting a unicorn for a birthday. For that reason I went to the Queen Victoria Square and Queens Gardens to photograph Christmas lights and few other low light actions.

First I was very impressed by the building opposite to Queens Gardens that is home to The Warren.

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And here I am. Week away from the end. THE END. THE END.

It is so bizarre to think that whole photo challenge started as an idea. The weekly photo wonders have literally turned my year around by 360 degrees. Amazing. Wonderful. I am proud and thankful.

52 weeks of people, places, jobs, opportunities, surprises, disappointments and love for Hull.

I wish everyone who’s been part of my journey, or reading my blog a very Merry Christmas and unforgettable 2018.
Love
Anete Sooda

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 50

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WELCOME TO CULTURE WEEK 50!!!!!!!!_Z1A0064WEEK 50 b

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!!

 

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MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 49

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on 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!

 

 

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 48

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on 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.

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 47

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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.

 

 

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 46

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ON THE WEEK WHEN HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ARRIVED TO HULL I CONTINUED TO PHOTOGRAPH HULL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017 AND WIZ AROUND HULL FOR CULTURE.

BUT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT HIGHLIGHT IN MY WEEK – I MET THE GREAT BRITISH PHOTOGRAPHER MARTIN PARR, WHO I DEARLY ADMIRE. SINCE INTRODUCED TO HIM WHILST STUDYING A DEGREE IN PHOTOGRAPHY [A DISSERTATION ON MARTIN PARR AND KITSCH LATER..] I HAVE NEVER STOPPED LOVED HIS WORK. MARTIN PARR’S WORK HAS A MASSIVE INFLUENCE ON MANY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS AND OF COURSE ME.

MARTIN PARR WAS PART OF THE HULL BEERMAT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL AND HE CHOOSE THE BEST OUT OF THE SHORTLIST CURATED BY GRAEME OXBY. AND ON WEDNESDAY HE WAS IN HULL, KARDOMAH 94 TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS AND TALK ABOUT HIS LIFE AND WORK.

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I HAVE TO SAY MASSIVE THANK YOU TO KARDOMAH 94 FOR HAVING ME THERE AS THEIR GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER [BASICALLY AN EXCUSE TO SEE MARTIN PARR] AS I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE TICKET AND I WAS NOT PART OF THE LUCKY 20 WINNERS.

ON MY ARRIVAL I SAW MARTIN PARR MUNCHING ON SOME PASTA, PAST HIM GIGGLING MY WAY THROUGH. I REALLY FELT LIKE AN OBSESSED FAN TO JUSTIN BIEBER. LONG STORY SHORT – I HAD TWO CONVERSATIONS WITH MARTIN PARR. FIRST ONE WHERE I CALLED HIM MY MADONNA AND MADE HIM FEEL AWKWARD BY SAYING THESE LOVELY THINGS ABOUT HIM – EMBARRASSING!!!! SECOND – BIT MORE ADULT AND PROFESSIONAL – ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY AND COMPETITION.

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HE IS SO CHILLED AND DOWN TO EARTH – OR AS HE LIKES TO DESCRIBE HIMSELF AS VERY MUCH MIDDLE CLASS. OH, WELL. HE IS DEFINITELY MY IDOL IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND I WAS HONOURED TO BE IN THE SAME ROOM AS HIM.

HE ALSO IS GIFTED WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR AND HE USED THAT TO TALK ABOUT HIS RECENT PHOTO PROJECT HULL, PORTRAIT OF A CITY: OLIVIA ARTHUR AND MARTIN PARR – HUMBER STREET GALLERY.

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THE HULL BEERMAT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL WAS AN INTERESTING PROJECT WITH A CREATIVE IDEA BEHIND – PEOPLE HAVE THEIR SAY ON CELEBRATING HULL THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY PEOPLE – NOT PROFESSIONALS [WHICH IS WHY I MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN SELECTED HA] AND BRINGING THE 20 PHOTOGRAPHS TO HULL PUBS – ON BEERMATS.

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THIS WAS A VERY HAPPY HOUR IN MY LIFE. AND JUST TO END THIS CHAPTER – MARTIN PARR REVEALED THAT HE ALWAYS HAD TO DO COMMERCIAL WORK TO SUPPORT HIS STRANGE PROJECTS. WHICH MAKES SENSE, BUT IT WAS ANOTHER REMINDER OF THE STRUGGLES OF BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER, TRYING TO MAKE LIVING AND KEEPING THE DIGNITY, CREATIVITY AND ORIGINALITY.

 

 

Last week was super busy as the week was full-on comedy gigs night after night, plus other jobs, so I had to be smart with the culture I was looking for and taking photos. Basically I had two hours on Thursday.

First – whilst doing my research of what is going on, I tried to look for the less mainstream events/exhibitions and came across a small display at Hull&East Riding Museum – EXPLORING ISLAMIC COLLECTIONS. Small just because I’ve seen it and it is small. But still interesting.

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Hull&East Riding Museum is one of those that remind me of the dreadful school trips to the boring history museums. But as a grown up I have learned that I don’t have to be interested in everything displayed. And to appreciate the classics and at least attempt loving the history is already a thumbs up.
And I really appreciated the massive mammoth and ancient PC. Kind of made my day by looking at these silly reminders of humanity.

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..because there was mammoths in East Yorkshire once upon a time..

 

On my way there, I was also appreciating Hull. I was rushing, but I still find time to stop and watch Hull and people. This time I followed a group of tourists getting some Hull themed walks with a guide.

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Also finally took a photo of the newly refurbished Beverley Gate… kind of… it is very flat. This might be one of those subjects that only make sense with people in the scene..to be continued._Z1A4739WEEK 46 b_Z1A4730WEEK 46 b

 

Same day, same two hour slot I spotted and took photographs of the new roboty light installation things. WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? by JASON BRUGES STUDIO is currently being installed in at Beverley Gate, Trinity Square and the Museum Quarter in advance of the artwork’s grand opening on Friday 1st December.

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To finish of the culture surprises I happened to see Hull Maritime Museum and Ferens Art Gallery lit up with stars. No tripod to hold the steady shot meant just a quick snap. I am sure that there will be more light installation surprises and I might get a tripod out for these special occasions.

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+ AS MENTIONED BEFORE HULL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017 WAS IN FULL SPIN SO I PHOTOGRAPHED FIVE FANTASTIC NIGHTS OF COMEDY. ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WAS THE BEST OF ‘ULL WITH AN AMAZING LOCAL LINE UP AND  MY FAVES THE KAGOOLS.

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NEXT FEW WEEKS ARE AGAIN BUSY BUSY, SO I WILL BE SUPER HAPPY IF I CAN FIND TIME FOR SOME CULTURE. ANY GOOD SUGGESTIONS?