Tag: #documentaryphotography

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 27

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 27

WELCOME TO THE 27th WEEK OF HULL CITY OF CULTURE

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT I HAVE MANAGED TO BE CONSISTENT FOR 27 WEEKS IN A ROW. AFTER THE FIRST WEEK AND THE SPECTACULAR OPENING FOR MADE IN HULL I TOOK ON THIS CHALLENGE NOT THINKING MUCH ABOUT ITS IMPACT ON MY LIFE.

I AM THANKFUL TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND FREEDOM TO TAKE PHOTOS OF 2017 IN HULL. YAAY.

This week I had strict plan. And despite some fall backs, I have gone through the plan and it feels GOOD.

HIGHLIGHTS:

AND LITTLE EXTRA VISIT TO A VERY CULTURAL TWO GINGERS COFFEE SHOP

I was very excited for the PAPER CITY for so many good reasons – I absolutely love G.F Smith paper and products, I love the feel, look and smell of paper in general and the locations are the culture hot spots that are pleasure to visit.
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“Ten days celebrating colour and the freedom to play – installations by some of the most exciting creative minds from the worlds of contemporary art, design and architecture – using the specialist coloured paper, Colorplan, from Hull company G . F Smith.

The creatives participating in Paper City are Adam Holloway, Max Lamb, Lazerian, Made Thought, Jacqui Poncelet, Joanna Sands,  Bethan Laura Wood and Richard Woods, all of whom have been invited to play with the most fundamental creative material – paper.”

Source: Hull City Of Culture 2017

 

_Z1A1089WEEK27 b_Z1A1084WEEK27 b_Z1A1080WEEK27 bPAPER CITY MAX LAMB 35,000 gsm

I am so glad that such large scale company as G.F Smith share their passion for paper and we can appreciate the amazing produce they create.

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The artwork is pretty spectacular and the space collaborates with its scale. Amazing.

_Z1A1107WEEK27 bPAPER CITY LAZERIAN LOCAL FISH

The paper fish by Lazerian was the most talked about so was the main point of interest. As spectacular as it was, I was more fascinated and amused by the artist and his little workshop van in the same space.

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I watched him for a couple of minutes and could not resist to become his ONE POUND FISH CUSTOMER.
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Plus there is no chance I can get photos of him without buying something, that would be way rude.
I got a full set of paper fish&chips in the box, plus a double sided fish cut out artwork….

PAPER CITY LAZERIAN LOCAL FISH FISH N CHIP FOLDER

I promised him not to discuss the price of my delights in the blog, so cccsssssstt, but it was well worth every penny.

_Z1A1128WEEK27 bPAPER CITY LAZERIAN LOCAL FISH

He really reminded me of a very silly Zach Galifianakis, the American actor from Hangover and other films. As he is artist, his personality is a bit of a mystery, character overload and guessing game, I really really enjoyed my five minutes with him.

_Z1A1145WEEK27 bPAPER CITY JOANNA SANDS UNTITELED_Z1A1157-PanoWEEK27 b_Z1A1161WEEK27 bPAPER CITY HULL C4DIPAPER CITY

C4DI hosted the artwork of  Adam Holloway and Joanna Sands.

It was about the space, size and the feel of it [without touching].

_Z1A1190-PanoWEEK27 bPAPER CITY HULL PAPER STAR DISPLAY JACQUELINE PONCELET ISLAND LIFE_Z1A1182WEEK27 b_Z1A1194WEEK27 bPAPER CITY HULL BETHAN LAURA WOOD SEAWEED KITESPAPER CITY HULL SMOKEHOUSE

PAPER HEAVEN IN THE CITY.
COLOURFUL | WONDERFUL | BEAUTIFUL MADNESS.

 

SATURDAY MORNING STARTED WITH A CHURCH [ST. JOHNS BAPTIST CHURCH]. DRESSED INCREDIBLY INAPPROPRIATE BUT KEEN TO SEE THE HULL FISHING HERITAGE ART EXHIBITION WAS WAY TOO IMPORTANT.

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The exhibition was as wonderful as the people working in the church [coffee and tea, biscuits and warm welcomes]. The lady from church told me that as soon as the community recognized the opportunity to share their story, they collected the art and people connected to the such an important and big part of Hull, once upon a time.

It was touching to see the Lord Landline building at St. Andrews Dock as it was many years ago. I was also hearing stories from people who remember to be it just like that back in the day and how they feel about the loss of industry.

 

 

On Thursday I was in the new Two Gingers Coffee Shop for a quick meet up and OH MIGHTY DUCK. COFFEE TO DIE FOR AND CUTE LIL’ INTERIOR THOUGHT THROUGH IN EVERY INCH. LOVED IT.

TWO GINGERS COFFEE SHOP HULL

One of the “two gingers” was there on the day and he is as lovely as ever, pleasure to have some coffee time there. The coffee to die for part definitely applies to one of the most expensive coffee beans ever bought, but smell [and taste] wonderful. So again – forth it.

Good to see other parts of the city changing and adding good places to be on the list.

TWO GINGERS COFFEE SHOP BITS AND BOBS PANORAMA_Z1A1052WEEK27 b_Z1A1060WEEK27 bTWO GINGERS COFFEE BOOKS_Z1A1067WEEK27 b_Z1A1062WEEK27 bTWO GINGERS COFFEE SHOP OWNERTWO GINGERS COFFEE SHOP OWNER

 
THE WEEK OF THE CULTURE JOYS HAS ENDED SUCCESSFULLY. WEEK 28th IS A MYSTERY JET, AS I AM PRE-HOLIDAY PANICKING AND WORKING A LOT THIS WEEK.

DEFINITELY WILL KEEP SOMETHING UNDER MY SLEEVE FOR THE TWO WEEKS AWAY FROM HULL.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK  AND GET OUT FOR SOME DOSE OF CULTURE!!!!!

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 26

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 26

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.
HULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE CLAIRE BARBER THE BASKET AND THE TRAIN TRACK ART INSTALLATION

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.
HULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE CLAIRE BARBER THE BASKET AND THE TRAIN TRACK ART INSTALLATION CLOSE UPHULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE CCTV

HULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE CLAIRE BARBER THE BASKET AND THE TRAIN TRACK ART INSTALLATION CLOSE UP NR 2

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.

HULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE FLAMINGOHULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE UMBRELLAHULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE DOORS

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.

HULL CITY OF CULTURE VOLUNTEER SMILEY AS EVER

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.

PAPER CITY BOOKLET

 

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.

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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.

(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE HALIFAX BANK_Z1A0292WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE JAMESON STREET_Z1A0328WEEK26 b_Z1A0386WEEK26 b_Z1A0358WEEK26 b_Z1A0366WEEK26 b_Z1A0378WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE FLASHMOB_Z1A0411WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE AIR KISS_Z1A0399WEEK26 b_Z1A0420WEEK26 b_Z1A0423WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE DANCE DANCE DANCE_Z1A0441WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE SURPRISE_Z1A0464WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE CASH MACHINE(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE PERFORMER(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE BANANAS_Z1A0512WEEK26 b_Z1A0514WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE SELFIE_Z1A0520WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE DRUMS_Z1A0621WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE_Z1A0557WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE HULL_Z1A0611WEEK26 b

There was so many highlights – a guy just continuing his veg shopping surrounded by dancers and members of public filming the dancers …

(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE HULL RANDOM SHOO

An elderly lady doing the same, not even close to being aware of what is going on around her …

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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!!!
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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 Zebedee's Yard Giant Bells

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.

Ray Lee; Ring Out Zebedee's Yard

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.

Zebedee's Yard Memorial Kingston Upon Hull

There is so much going on, so difficult to keep up and find time to be everywhere…
This weeks list:

 

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.

 

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 24

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 24

HAPPY 30+ MONDAY.

THE HEAT IS KILLING ME SOFTLY, I AM MELTING AND ACHING AFTER YESTERDAYS HULL 10K. [yes, I ran my first ever Jane Tomlinson’s Hull 10K]

BUT THE WORK WAITS, SO LETS GET STARTED.

 

LAST WEEK WAS BUSY AS LATELY THAT IS ALL I GET, SO I DIDN’T DO AS MUCH CULTURE AS PLANNED.

On Tuesday I photographed a little cultural community accent near Octagon centre in West Hull [ish]. I was in the area doing some serious business and these highly flammable hay “things” have been to my attention for a while. Community around is showing that growing greens, strawberries and things down local street is very much OK. And I agree cos it looks fantastic.

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Plus the area is showing off its own take on Hull City Of Culture 2017 – everyone every were can be part of the #GETCULTUREDMOVEMENT

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ON THURSDAY I WENT DOWN TO HULL STREET FOOD NIGHTS @ZEBEDEE’S YARD/PRINCESS DOCK STREET.

Everything I do most of the time comes with a “but”. This time it was the fact that I only went to the end of the event, because was working and that was the only option. Better late than never, huh?

For a while it has been on my radar, as the HULL STREET FOOD NIGHTS is one of those happy things about Hull and its people. We like our food, drinks and gathering.

Because I went after 8 pm, crowds have eased off and entertainment finished.
I took a stroll through the food stalls, chatted with armed police and enjoyed the rainbow with everyone.

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The images shows just what I was saying before and I am glad I went even though there was possibility that all the food and people will be gone!

If any interest to you – I took home a chicken&bacon&leek pie from THE HULL PIE.

 

GET CULTURED, GET INVOLVED!!! SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!

Hull City Of Culture 2017, Uncategorized

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 22

by anetesooda1 Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 22

Hull City Of Culture 2017 and the photo challenge has become part of my life. Sneaked up on me at the beginning of the year and now I can’t imagine my week without the random visits, walks, places and people. Random – this week has been one of those. Every Sunday or Monday I sit down, panic about the deadline and look through the photos taken. Although this week has been work-crazy, I have managed to photograph two different [completely] cultural things.
CASTING ON HUMBER: Castaway Act on Sobriety.

The Sobriety Project in partnership with Castaway Goole received funding for this unique project from Hull UK City of Culture 2017’s Creative Communities programme.

Lady called Sarah Louise Davies was so lovely, she sent me the press release with some more info about the performance.

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The cast are all experienced members of Castaway Music Theatre who work together weekly in Goole with Sarah Davies.

15 members of the group will be joined by additional professional performers, Hull City of Culture volunteers and members of community groups who are participating in workshops in Hull and Goole.

Castaway Music Theatre member Anna said: “We know what we’re doing. But we don’t know what will happen.

Martin Green, Director of Hull 2017, said: “The Creative Communities Programme encourages local groups and performers to think outside the box and this project has certainly done that.”

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It really was something different in the most beautiful way. I went to the very first performance, mid week, early daytime, so I saw the first reaction from the public.
It made me smile, art and culture is for everyone, not just to view, but to be part of. The members of public had the opportunity to become part of the performance and jiggle along. And I have learned to dance whilst on camera duty…

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The second #getculturedmovement activity was something completely different. Other spectrum of the culture. The long hunted Ground Gallery down Beverley Road was hosting a PEACE PARTY.

One culture event leads to another – that is how I got an invite to the party. Martin Berger –  saxafonist and clarnetist from Spain was playing at the Casting On Humber, so he invited me to come along.

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Saturday was an intense day that was measured in 18,000 steps and a lot of fresh air, and  a lot of photos taken. DO I REALLY FEEL LIKE A PEACE PARTY??

But my gut feeling told me to get my camera back on and at least have a nosy. I guess after two attempts to see the gallery – art gem in the middle of quite a culture-quiet area, this was my chance.

I arrived and there was “peace” hippies gathering and I was about to experience a cultural awkwardness…

I am familiar with the culture, back in the day I was hanging out with few and the lifestyle, although not for me, seemed fascinating.

But the shock hit me – all dressed up in Ray Bans, fancy camera, Ombre hair…I was feeling like the capitalist pig [yeah, I’ve got the definition for you to read] and I guess I am a little bit, but that was right in my face.

People there have the community that is based on love and peace, ideology they share and the lifestyle that makes them free spirits. At least the outer shell says that.

There was a lot of friendly and chatty people, it was welcoming, but more than ever I had to convince them that my presence is genuine.

About the gallery – strong vibes of artist PINKYVISION. I have been following the work on social platforms and that made me feel a bit more comfortable.
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Also very strong vibes of the workshops that Ground Gallery  hosts – art is covering nearly every inch of the space, it is like an art hub, the feeling seeing all that is quite special. It is like you are in someone’s world.
So I hope that one day I can go back to the gallery and be part of the art/making of art.

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The space is a magical as I expected, so I am so happy that made sure I am not imagining things.

When it comes to the party itself – there was some poetry, talks, music and jokes. Most of it covered the subject of peace and support of the Campaign Against Arms Trade.
These people care and they came together to celebrate that…

Thank you guys for answering my very straight questions, letting me be part of it and sorry if I need more time to feel comfortable around you.

The galley at the moment is on and off with the wokshops, so if you subscribe to their mailing list, you can be updated with the upcoming events, work shops.

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This week of Hull City Of Culture 2017 has been full of amazing things, so I’ve heard..I wish I could be at more than on place at the time, have more time on my hands…

Let’s see where the 23rd week takes me.

LOVE
Anete Sooda

Uncategorized

GREECE – CRETE – MARCH 2017

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on GREECE – CRETE – MARCH 2017

WE WORK TO LIVE NOT LIVE TO WORK.

THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT THAT MONEY CAN BUY IS TO GET OUT THERE AND SEE THE WORLD.

I haven’t been as fortunate to travel loads, but when I was in Crete, I made the most of it.
From the moment we arrived to the moment when we drank the tap water in Xania airport [comes free] before leaving I was completely inlove with the island.

My advice – travel with your gut, off or just before the season, take loads of photos and record small videos of breath taking moments, because when you leave, it all seems like a dream.

Speak to locals, shop locally, drink loads of good vine and eat good food, have early mornings and long walks on a night in the city.

Don’t be afraid to get lost, loose your shoes and leave sand from the beach in your bags and pockets.

Have the craziest car journeys and climb the mountains that you are scared off.

“Baah” with the wild mountain sheep’s and they will “baah” back to you like you are having a conversation, stroke every stray cat/dog and feed your rooster leftovers to the cafe owners dog.

 

Crete was perfect. Four days of perfection. I will never forget the time spent there.

P.S.
The gallery layout is a bit cheesy – sorry. I turned into a soft cheese myself whilst editing and writing this post.

 

Hull City Of Culture 2017, Uncategorized

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 7

by anetesooda1 Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 7

At the start of the week 7 of the City Of Culture 2017 I was thinking of taking it steady – stay at home, make my Slinkachu City Of Culture set  [read more about what is Slinkachu here: Slinkachu.com Street Installations and Photography] and watch BBC 2 Welcome to Hull presented by Hull-born comedian Lucy Beaumont.

But things turned out a bit different as the week progressed.

I started the Slinkachu, first testing the tiny people figures near The Blade  to see the scale and if I have the right lens to capture the installation.

It was fascinating to admit that I kind of feel like those tiny humans when I am near The Blade.

At home I designed City Of Culture 2017 branded flags, set up a rough idea of how I am going to work this crazy idea.

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Work in progress, cos the figures are very tiny and I have to be sure that I know what I am doing before start super-glue them to the base.

On Friday I decided to visit the good old Hull School of Art&Design. It’s not only the place that changed my life, but funny enough – a spot on the City Of Culture 2017 map, hosting an exhibition in the downstairs area, plus an display of abstract architecture prints by imagesaremoments.

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Sunday and the weather inspired me to get out and get cultured. I had three people with me, so we headed down Humber Street and Fruit Market.

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Last time I had to miss out on Humber Street Gallery, cos the child and the content was not the mixture to go for.

First, on the ground floor I rushed to see Sarah Lucas Power in Woman display, mainly because of the combination of colours and capacity of the place/sculptures. And I was stopped by a volunteer, cos no photographs allowed.

 

Really?

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Do I understand the cigarettes in the holes, do I understand why one of the sculpture was placed on a massive freezer…NO AND NO. But there was something about the roughness and boldness of these sculptures. It feels like they have been made by a man and is that the whole point?

Upstairs – COUM TRANSMISSIONS. The exhibition of materials drawn from the personal archives of Cosey Fanni Tutti and Genesis P-Orridge.

Founded in Hull during the late 1960s by artists Genesis P-Orridge and Cosey Fanni Tutti, COUM Transmissions was a collective whose work confronted, subverted and challenged societal conventions.

Labelled ‘the wreckers of civilisation’ by a Conservative MP following COUM’s Prostitution show at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts, the group’s end in 1976 heralded the formation of the musical collective Throbbing Gristle.

[Source: https://www.hull2017.co.uk/whatson/events/coum-transmissions/]

 

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For what I gathered  – COUM has been quite challenging for the society to understand and accept, but there it is many years later  – exhibited for people to apply another value to the work they did. Have we changed since the 1970’s?

I might have to get there another time, because I was unable to soak it in straight away.

People viewing the work certainly had something to discuss throughout and after.

 

Last but not least – Humber Street Gallery  top of the roof deck. AMAZING.

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The location and the opportunity to have this view accessible is what Hull needed. And thank you for making my day. It was beautiful.

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Overall I have to say that I am so happy to see that Humber Street and the Docks are buzzing, full of life and people are getting some sense of old and new binding together, creating today.

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Every single thing has been thought out/about, even to the tiniest detail and are giving people an opportunity/reason to get out, get some fresh air, get to know Hull and most importantly – GET CULTURED, COS CITY OF CULTURE.

 

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

Uncategorized

U PULL IT CAR BREAKERS

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on U PULL IT CAR BREAKERS

On Sunday I had a family day out in York[ish].  It was bloody freezing and very wet, so instead of going to a cosy family restaurant in York, we went for car part hunt, armed with countless numbers of tools and wellies just outside York.

Fairly recently I went to  U-Pull-It and I was AMAZED. This car breakers place is just full of different makes of cars in a massive field, left to be ripped apart by wise people who are either searching for a missing part for their carriage or making a good business on ebay.

At the time I only had phone camera on me, so I swore that if I ever go back, I will document properly.

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There are many reasons why U-Pull-It fascinates me.

First of all, it is the scenery – it is sad and strange. Car owners and drivers rely on their vehicles, take care of them, feed them, polish them, sometimes even name them, but once they end up in a scrap yard as a piece of metal with no purpose at all.

Some cars have been abused, some crashed, some totally ripped….it is the end of life for cars. A grave yard for cars.

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The other reason why I am so drawn to this place is the environment and my childhood. My dad used to drag me into his ventures in similar places, or garages when he was dealing with one of his many vehicles. So I spent a lot of time with cars, tractors, car parts, wheelbarrows, engine oil and screws. The smell and the feel is so familiar to me. And I know if I could take my dad to U-Pull-It he would be over the moon.

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The third reason is the things/items you can find on the grounds, in the cars and vans. Every car/van has a story to tell, similar to people. They had a owner, daily routes, garage and most importantly – the great purpose to serve.

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This Jaguar S type has been raped and abused. My friend Laila was quite upset to see the state of this Jaguar as she is the owner of a gold Jaguar S type. She takes pride in her car and she was very confused of how the owner could let this happen.

And Robbie Williams CD case was empty. But I could take the Christmas earnings home if I wanted..free to a good home.

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Some car owners had a sense of humour. Or they just reflected their personality…as I said, there are so many stories to guess and to be told, if only the cars could speak.

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After a good hour and so I had some great photos, parts for ŠKODA and Fiat and numb fingers.

The guy at the reception/till was very lovely, didn’t mind me taking photographs and told us that U-Pull-It is packed in the summer.

Good reason for me to come back and photograph people within the grounds.

 

 

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 5

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 5

Week 5 of 2017 has been good.

The beginning of the week was more “thedayaftertheMonday” dull and a bit rainy.  The end of the week activities, on the other hand, were lit with sunlight and everything le postive. Plus, I had a kid with me so we both ended up indulging in the Hull City Of Culture.

So I was cultured in a mood swing kind of a method.

Hull History Centre is a very beautiful and in my views underestimated building located in Hull City Centre. The “Hull Characters” exhibition was one of the things I wanted to see, plus at the time, I also wanted to take part in Revolutionary Makers Workshop, so I headed there on Tuesday.

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The exhibition was only small, with a lot of reading, which I am a bit lazy for and in the library there was some rusty old important books and documents on a display.

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I was interrupted by a fire alarm during the visit, so I forgot to get some info about the Revolutionary Makers Workshop.

My route from the Hull History Centre  into Old Town was different than usual. I revisited areas I haven’t seen in a while and was quite pleased that Hull is changing/developing.

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We now celebrate the past and future of Hull coming together for this year and I think the photo above makes a good point.

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We have always had culture and people who enjoy being part of the action, this year it is very saturated and easier to find.

The Blade is still on the map and it continues to fascinate me. Only in Hull its OK to have a massive wind turbine blade in the middle of a town square. It looks like it has been put there by giants and we are LEGO figures.

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I have kind of given up on taking a stunning photo of The Blade, so my attention turns to the volunteers guarding it and the seagulls.

Volunteers have lovely coloured coats with all the City Of Culture branding as if they are reassuring us about the importance of this year.

That is how I start my conversation with one of the volunteers. We talk about The Blade, what kind of questions people ask and about the seagulls respecting the monument.

And I was wrong, they to leave their marks on The Blade and it has to be cleaned weekly.

That morning The Blade was cleaned, so the birds enjoyed the “clean bedding”.

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The volunteer that I was talking with [sorry, I didn’t ask his name] was very kind and actually – very keen and educated regards to the City Of Culture. I hope that I will see him again at some point and tell him that I found the England’s Smallest Window.

 

 

Which brings me to the end of the week and GET CULTURED PART II.

My “must see” list extended during the week and Saturday was a good day to get out of the house for a long walks around Old Town and Fruit Market.

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The sun lit the Hull in my favourite light – golden and happy.

I wanted to share the dose of culture with a wonderful girl Melanie. She is like a daughter to me and she is very keen for long walks and a bit of art/photographs.

First we found the England’s Smallest Window. The Land of Green Ginger (grid reference TA099287) is a narrow street in the old town area of  Hull. The tiny window is part of the George Hotel.

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WARNING!! THE CONTENT BELOW HAS GOT BODY PARTS IN IT. ONE BODY PART. ONE PHOTO.

 

Just next to the England’s Smallest Window there was a fairly big window and Hull locals have embraced the available space to express the art of their own. I don’t find it abusive, I find it funny. Sometimes people are idiots, we all can be idiots. And I have definitely spend some time in my life drawing these on inappropriate spaces myself….

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As we finished giggling and I finished answering question of why am I photographing this, we headed towards the Fruit Market area and the sun was burning our eyes out.

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How many times I have named this street in the Old Town as my favourite and photographed someone appreciating the space…countless..

This street has got many references, memories and charm. But I have no idea of what is the street name…

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Hull fascinates me, and mainly because people in Hull are a bit bonkers, very chilled and have their own sense of humour.

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Melanie asked me if I can turn her super hero figure part of the culture. She wanted to leave her own mark, as we all.

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When I stormed in to the Humber Street Gallery, I was very excited to see the Dead Bod.

Dead Bod the much-loved graffiti featuring a dead bird, which was painted on the side of a corrugated iron shed at Alexandra Dock in the 1960s by Captain Len ‘Pongo’ Rood and Chief Engineer Gordon Mason. Dead Bod became a local landmark, symbolising Hull’s fishing heritage, and a campaign was launched to save it after Hull 2017 Major Partner Associated British Ports (ABP) removed the sheds as part of the development of the site for Siemens, also a Major Partner.

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I never knew the story behind the very cute graffiti bird legend, so interesting to know.

Humber Street Gallery  is offering another great way how to get cultured and the space looks amazing.
Unfortunately I will be going back another time, as the exhibition content was with a lot of human “bits” which was not something that Melanie was keen to see.

The last stop was the Kingston Art Group Gallery.

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Places and art of this kind is why I really want to be part of Hull. We are great and we have talented artists. It never is dull and the standard is high.

It was my honour to have a look at two artworks by famous and amazing Anna Bean.

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This lady Jane Jones is one of my hero’s. She is a lecturer from Hull School of Art&Design and three years in a row she was my CATS teacher. Jane Jones is wise, interesting and as I discovered in my last year at UNI – she is a painter [and a great one].

She is the Kingston Art Group Gallery member and she was exhibiting one of her artworks.

Our conversation started off around the coat I was wearing and I feel ridiculously stupid for not talking about things that matter.

 

The last thing on that Saturday was the heater in the gallery. I was very sure that it was a work of art, but as I couldn’t find it on the list, I approached one of the ladies working in the gallery.

It turns out it is just a heater. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it was more than that.

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IN A CONCLUSION – THERE IS A LOTS TO SEE AND DO THIS MONTH.
GET OUT AND GET CULTURED, COS HULL 2017.

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!!

Hull City Of Culture 2017, Uncategorized

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL- WEEK 4

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL- WEEK 4

Welcome to a reflection of one of the less – cultural Hull 2017 week so far.

This week has been more about reflecting my challenge and photography content, working on other photography jobs and planning.

 

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This photograph is a view from Princess Quay, in a distance you can spot one of the City Of Culture installations ‘I Wish To Communicate With You’  initial concept by Italian artist Silvio Palladino.

The installation has involved the majority of the Thornton Estate’s 600 residents, living in 240 homes.

This photograph is part of my future involvement in City Of Culture and planning my next material.

I have planned some serious “culture stuff”, so here is the list below:

  • I will be creating City Of Culture Slinkachu [read more about what is Slinkachu here: Slinkachu.com Street Installations and Photography]
    I have tried Slinkachu in my second year at Uni, so I DEFINITELY KNOW WHAT I AM DOING – NOT.  I am waiting for my “little” people to arrive and in the meantime, preparing props and planning locations.
  • I am planning to meet up with City Of Culture Volunteers. All the volunteers involved in City Of Culture are so important, so I want to hear their stories and celebrate the work they do. This was to happen this week, but volunteers are very busy, so I am patiently waiting.
  • I am planning to visit Lines of Thought – A British Museum Touring Exhibition at Hull University and see the history for myself. I have discussed the exhibition with other “cultured” people that have seen it and apparently is a moment to be appreciated.
  • One of the really interesting things not just to photograph, but get involved in definitely is RE-MADE IN HULL in ScrapStore Community Centre Hall, Hull. For this one me [and you] need to book your attendance
    [link here: http://scrapstorehull.co.uk/Hull2017/]
    I am thinking about 4th of February, so it could be awesome if someone would like to join me. Free lift to and from location available upon request :)
  • All things Hull History Centre and Revolutionary Makers Workshop
    The main focus will be to get there in general, have a look at “Hull Characters” exhibition.

 

more to come….

Uncategorized

ICE-CREAM LICKERS

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on ICE-CREAM LICKERS

or

British seaside at its best

The British seaside is a fantastic place, it is multipurpose entertainment and pleasure to the eye. For those who enjoy the sun-sea-sand-ice-cream-kids-dogs-beers-exposed body fat and million other things. And for those who just jump in the British culture madness and witness the beauty of it, the bizarreness of it and just wonder around absorbing the surroundings.

British famed photographers  Martin Parr and Peter Dench have indulged in the British seaside for many decades. They wonder around the beach and intrude personal spaces and create a collage of British seaside scenery. Bold and saturated colours, weird angles and obvious presence is the key to success for them…what has changed now?

Last weekend I just had to get away from the duties of photographing, celebrating and writing about “end of life”.

Last weekend was the first HOT WEEKEND when I finally realized that May has sneaked up on me and summer is knocking on the door.

My mood was slightly aggressive and pissed off, as I was not getting the results from “life” as I would like. And I think that was the reason why I did not care about pointing my camera into peoples faces and their tongues sticking out to have a lick on their melting ice creams. I thought if I can sneak around bushes in grave yards, I can certainly do this…
And I loved every bite [bit] of it… so relaxing to be “that kind of a photographer”

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My friend, who’s British have said to me that looking at Peter Dench Ibiza photographs makes her feel ashamed to be British. Whereas I find it revealing and funny. It is always good to be able to laugh about yourself, see the “dark side” and admit that we all have one.

Does Parr’s “Last Resort” is making British to be ashamed to be British or dead fucking proud?

I am proud to be living in Britain, be Latvian and take every bite out of this fascinating culture.

Thank you Britain for making me laugh, live, love.