Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 41

October 16, 2017October 17, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

HAPPY CULTURE WEEK 41

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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GOODWIN TRUST DEVELOPMENT BUILDING COVERED WITH HEADSCARF REVOLUTIONARIES MURAL

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HULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE – FLY TO FREEDOM

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and bits….

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

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TURNER PRIZE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 40

October 9, 2017October 9, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

HELLO CULTURE
HELLO HULL
HELLO LEMONS.

Freshly brewed photos from HULL FAIR 2017 and tiny bit from Humber Mouth Literature Festival celebrating 25th anniversary – science workshop HANDS ON! + Hall For Hull @Trinity Square

Sunday had high expectations that didn’t exceed, so I squeezed in a bit of mind blowing science and pretended to be under 15 years old.

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HANDS ON! where family activities inspired by the shortlist of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2017 – basically book content that could be difficult to pick up by reading only, so the workshop made science and other subjects come alive. Entertainment with learning at the top scores. My mind was blown by some of the characteristics of electricity, fossils and enthusiasm from the people running the workshop. Yeah!

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SATURDAY OF COURSE WAS THE HULL FAIR.

There is so much love with a bit of hate dose for HULL FAIR and every year it is my autumn Christmas.

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HULL FAIR 2017 is an extravaganza with crazy rides, smells, colours, sounds, people and everything, everything that you can imagine. It reaches both ends of spectrum – it is one of the best events of the year making so many people happy, providing a week long entertainment that roots down to 1278. recently celebrating its 7th Century….
And then it is the worst event that shows the how the society behaves in the 21st Century, how deep in to a consumer dream we have sunk [cheap China shit toys is my fave example] and that people are PIGS! The amount of rubbish and food is extreme. Pushing and exhaling close to a strangers ears is only one thing, the second most annoying thing is the silly grown ups smoking near children and allowing children to pick up food that they’ve dropped and put them in their mouths…
And then we return to fun – rides, laughter, joy, juicy burger, candy floss, butterflies in the belly and weeks wages gone! Is this close to your experience?

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HULL FAIR 2017 for a photographer is something to experience – slow shutter speeds and rides, different weather, night/day, people and food stalls….
And I have done it for quite a few years – first year was to nail the rides and perfect movement of the lights, second year it was the rides and the food stalls and on the third year I pretended to be Peter Dench in Ibiza taking photos of the drunken Brits – right in the face flash to expose the light and the dark of the average HULL FAIR 2017 visitor. Last year I couldn’t be asked, but this year I took my camera for one more time in the honour of my photographic challenge.
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I was snapping rather than creating the perfect photograph and my second curtain Speedlight skill reflects the madness walking along Walton Street.
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HULL FAIR 2017 IS CRAZY. IT IS EXACTLY THE SAME EVERY YEAR, BUT I WOULD NOT MISS IT FOR THE WORLD.

Working my way backwards – on Thursday, when the sun was kissing my face in the early morning I went down to Trinity Square to see the HALL FOR HULL

HALL FOR HULL are steel constructions celebrating two architects designing an ambitious temporary outdoor structure in response to the historic heart of Hull specially designed for Trinity Square.

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The rigid geometry of the columns ware carefully distorted and redefined by the artwork of Varini, who explores the illusions of geometry through eye-deceiving photographic techniques, together with the tradition of pictorial representation.

Source: Hull 17

I purposely went there guided by the sunlight and it looked spectacular. It was the sun shining through the sculptures and shaping the early morning rush. Moment for real culture wonder when you really feel like this year, every week, everyday you can get to see some incredible things.

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And just as I was waving goodbye to the sculptures school kiddies came for a tour so I stick around to see how they get on with the sculptures. I guess that I was hoping for the perfect shot with a child engaging with the culture – but you must remember that taking photos children without a permission looks dodgy in is not appropriate.

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These sculptures are beautiful, but they are cold and without a context look sad. So the connection with the sculptures and people is the blood line for them, without people touching them, getting in to the skin of the sculpture, they make no sense. GO AND TOUCH THE For Hull @Trinity Square

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THIS WEEK IS LOOKING RATHER BUSY, CULTURE IS OVERWHELMING, SO I NEED TO SWALLOW THE LEMONS AND CRACK ON!

HAPPY CULTURE

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 39

October 2, 2017October 3, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

Week 39 of the culture has been a bit on the difficult side, but despite that I have had culture ranging from live painting in the gallery to poem writing, Russian poetry to voice making in Pickering Park.

I returned to Hull late Tuesday, was working long day Wednesday and didn’t think I will recover sooner than the weekend or after a good sleep. But on Thursday I had the opportunity to see the Queens House Showcase run by CreativeENRG and the latest exhibition there, plus I was passing a culture spot in Princess Quay.

Queens House Showcase currently is exhibiting + live painting by artist Emma Garness, the exhibition titled SOMETHING IN-BETWEEN.

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The day was surprisingly warm and sunny and so was the artist, her smile lit up the room and her laugh welcomed people to stay and enjoy the paintings.
Throughout the time exhibiting, she is also live painting and all in all that makes this small showcase so special. Each painting is surrounded by the feeling of love, care and sweet, sweet memories.
The space also has bits and bobs that are creating home like feeling.

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The exhibition is closing soon – 6th October, so you have to hurry up!

Rushing to the Princess Quay car park after a long morning, I stopped by another culture spot that Princess Quay successfully offers in the recent year.

HULL GADA – THE SHOP OF POEMS – Polish poet Bohdan Piasecki and his collection of poems from Polish community gathered in his Pop-up Poetry Station across Hull.

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I am not the one for the poetry, but as this week was all about the spoken word and poetry festival CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE, I wanted to engage and understand. And the HULL GADA – THE SHOP OF POEMS was a surprise to my brain. In a strange way I was relating to poems, like they have been written by me at some point in my immigrant life. I would slap anyone who would call me that with mean intentions, but at the end of the story – I am a immigrant looking for a better life. Grown up from the stage of a stranger in this country, I can reflect that I have always looked for a different life – not a better one. But yeah, it was interesting. I used to make the same promise to myself and my family that I will return, now I just know that when the time is right I will live in Latvia, but UK will always be my home nr. 2.

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As the CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE festival was continued to educate and please people, I was busy sorting my work/life out, so by the time I picked out my must-go’s the choice was narrow.

POETRY PICNIC: POETRY TAKE AWAY – FRED VOSS and ORBITA was still available.

The Poetry Takeaway was an open event in Queens Gardens and ORBITA was performance from creative collective of Latvian poets writing in Russian.

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I was very late to the Queens Gardens The Poetry Takeaway, so I really didn’t get the sniff of what actually happened.

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However I took part in the poetry writing workshop for kids. I had a 10 year old with me, so that was the perfect camouflage. I had fun, but that’s it – I am not a poet in the blood.

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All of this was a very quick insight of what was for offer, but we had brilliant 15 min poetry experience with other participants and little cute lady [in the photo].

I have grabbed a random snap of poetry on the streets too, which I know I missed tickets to….

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I was really intrigued to see ORBITA, of course because they come from Latvia and I rarely or never have been to an event of this kind.

First impression – travels back in time, to some Latvian bloke’s garage where he keeps is radio collection around 1999.

_Z1A8700WEEK39 b The sounds of the radio waves, sound snippets from Latvian or Russian news, old songs and Justin Bieber’s recent song Despasito. Then the poetry started to flow, complimenting the sounds [or other way round]. The poems where read in Russian, translated in English on the screen [with few delays], so it was a multi-all experience.

It was the feeling of home, of my high school days, of my Russian friends, my lack of Russian and seeing Latvians performing in a venue that I usually attend for a good laugh – comedy. Bizarre, bizarre….

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On Sunday it was the case of doing all the unfinished jobs for the week, home class cooking, so I didn’t think there is more space for culture. But then I remembered about the VOICE PARK ad that it is the last day to see it.

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There are no regrets that I went out on a rainy day to see the VOICE PARK in the Pickering Parks Pool.

It was really cool you know – seeing kids and grownups making strange noises, me including. The laughs and the curious faces/ears running around the pools, making connection with geared up speakers… believing that they need to be stroked and loved before communicating.

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I enjoyed the experience and most definitely discovered an inner camel [donkey, whale, cat] because of the noises that come out of my mouth. The children seemed to be extremely pleased – everything is accessible and no restrictions – as loud and often as you wish.

To make it more fun – we gave away our voices and sounds to the future collections and got a magic liquid that makes your words important.

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THE CULTURE MADNESS CONTINUES, THE LAST SEASON LOOKS LIKE A RIGHT TREAT.

P.S. Were you near a phone box at 2 PM yesterday for the 2097: WE MADE OURSELVES OVER? I wasn’t because I thought it is today #its2097fail

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 35

September 4, 2017September 6, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

Have a guess of how I am feeling today after full weekend of Freedom Festival? Trashed. And thankful for such a crazy work opportunity.

Somehow I managed to visit culture that was not Freedom Festival on Thursday. Little to say that photographs from Freedom Festival are still in “baking” so keep your eyes peeled for the highlights…

BACK TO CULTURE.

THE HESSLE ROADERS exhibition was something not to be missed – Hessle Road community was part of my lesson of how to be British and even after moving away from the area, I still go there on a weekly basis. The exhibition is celebrating Hull’s Fishing Community through an eye of a ALEC GILL.

AND JUST AS IMPORTANT – the exhibition held in church +plus I got someone cultured.

As we walked in we were welcomed by a warm handshake from a lovely man, who turned out to be the photographer himself. As proceeding through the exhibition and even days after, I get the sense of how important the short greeting was.

The exhibition is everything we need – genuine story with beautifully captured lives, connection with the past and the future [Smith&Nephew are the sponsor’s of Dr Alec Gill’s photo exhibition] and human factor in each photograph. To meet the photographer was my highlight, he was the warmest and nicest person, but on point and professional.

My favourite part of the exhibition is the opportunity examine lives of community in a collapse – how people lived, rebuilding their lives and keeping the community spirit. Real detail of real lives from psychologists point of view.

Everything was real, Alec Gill was real.

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BIT OF INFO:

As part of Smith&Nephew new £8 million world-class Research&Development centre opening THE HESSLE ROADERS was exhibited in the centre and still is there pleasing the eyes of all the staff at Smith&Nephew [genuine source told me].

There is also an artist out there who is making film about Dr Alec Gill, so I will be looking out for it.

Dr Alec Gill is also author of books, Hull historian and filmmaker.

If you get a chance to go – it is open until 10th September.
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Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 33

August 20, 2017August 20, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

LATE SUNDAY AND I AM DETERMINED TO QUICKLY DELIVER SOME CULTURE -WEEK 33

FASHION & FREEDOM – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 14-18 NOW by Freedom Festival Arts trust

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One of the most radical changes during the war was the huge change in women’s lives. With the men away fighting, more than one million women went to work for the first time. These new responsibilities led to a new look, and a century later, this era has inspired Fashion & Freedom, an ambitious, multi-faceted exhibition that examines the fashion legacy of the First World War.

Exquisite craftsmanship courtesy of fashion stalwarts Emilia Wickstead, Holly Fulton and Sadie Williams are also on display.

A series of specially commissioned original short films complement the garments, including films by directors from Nick Knight’s award-winning SHOWstudio and Luke Snellin, who wrote and directed First, which reimagines a young woman’s first day as a bus conductor.

Source: Hull 2017

This fashion exhibition is like breath of fresh air in the Princess Quay Shopping Centre and for once the exhibits come together nicely with what people visit the shopping centre.

Most of the dresses are a pleasure for the eye, some are so tempting to be touched and put on.

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The same day I had a look at the new arrival in Princess Quay Shopping Centre
Artist Claire Morgan has created the new artwork, named Elephant in the Room, which highlights Hull’s relationship with the sea and reflects on the environment and sustainability. It has been hand crafted, created from 12,000 fragments of paper and 4,270 individual threads.
It is pretty impressive, but you need to know about it, otherwise it just seems like an early Christmas decoration.

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On Thursday I had a stroll down Hull Marina/Fruit Market/Humber Street in the search for a new arrival – graffiti by Calvin Innes and Spray Creative.

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The graffiti murals liven up the place and I like the ever changing face of the streets. + both artists are pretty cool people too.

The morning was a bit dull and quiet – a different scene from few weeks back at the Humbers Street Sesh back when streets were buzzing with people. Humber Street Gallery had its doors closed and it was soooo quiet.

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AND OFF COURSE I HAD TO SEE THE SOLAR GATE SCULPTURE AT QUEENS GARDENS THAT EVERYONE WENT MAD FOR.

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Solar Gate is the latest addition to a host of new public realm artworks, including Shane Rhodes’ poem The City Speaks which encircles the newly-installed fountains in Queen Victoria Square.

I thought that setting out an artistic gallery from few photographers of the giant being installed was pretty rushed and even when I visited it did not looked finished. Patience, patience people.

I think it looks fantastic, Queens Gardens might be the next hot spot for visitors and well deserved – the park is beautiful.

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THIS WEEK MY CULTURE VENTURES ARE RUSHED – I WAS RUSHED ALL WEEK AND MY HEAD OCCUPIED WITH MAD THINGS.
BUT I AM STILL LOVIN’ MY PHOTO CHALLENGE AND SOON I WILL HAVE SOMETHING NEW TO SHOW OFF.

GET CULTURED AND KEEP CALM

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 27

July 9, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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C4DI hosted the artwork of Adam Holloway and Joanna Sands.

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

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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.

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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 25

June 26, 2017June 26, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

LIKE EVERY WEEK FOR THE PAST 25 WEEKS THIS YEAR I AM SAT DOWN ON A MONDAY, REFLECTING ON THE CULTURE IN HULL.

This week has thought me a lesson to plan ahead. And try to stick to a plan. On Friday I literally failed to go out and photograph and I was annoyed with myself as never before.

I know that I can’t get to everything that Hull City Of Culture 2017 has to offer, but I have to take the advantage of the freedom when it comes to choosing where to go and what to see/photograph.

Thursday I was [first fail of planning] supposed to photograph the (In)visible Dancing down Jameson Street. I was super excited for it, but to my disappointment it was not on until the next day.

Oh, well… so to make sure I didn’t drag my kit in town for nothing I captured the Water Fountains in Queen Victoria Square in the early hours with the steam n stuff.

Hull Queen Victoria Square Water Fountains mum and daughter

The Fountains is one of those photo-popular destinations and I am not tempted too much, but it feels quite special and privileged to be there when it gets the steam clean.

Hull Queen Victoria Square Fountains Steam

Saturday was the WORM FESTIVAL visit day [the festival spread across three days] in Humber Street Gallery. I was lightly hangover [happens to me sometimes], so I decided that a long walk in Humber Street through Old Town will heal me.

First was the newly painted Drypool Bridge. The design is celebrating the work of John Venn – a 19th century mathematician and philosopher born in the Drypool ward.

Drypool Bridge Hull 2017

Then I followed the route and strolled through Street Life Museum grounds.

Streetlife Museum Hull people feet Streetlife Museum Hull garden

Hull Streetlife Museum people watching fish in the pond

And surprise, surprise – there was something going on. Maritime Memories Machine tour arrived in Hull to collect stories about sea – we like our waters don’t we?

Maritime Memories Machine Van

I met two lovely people from London, and they gave me a little tour around the Ice Cream Van without any ice cream that was full of secret jars and pots, items and collections.

Maritime Memories Machine inside the Van

They showed off their fantastic hats and cute lil’ seagull.

Maritime Memories Machine in Hull Seagull wearing scuba diving glasses Maritime Memories Machine view from the window inside the van

Maritime Memories Machine Tour in Hull handmade hat with seashells and stuff

Maritime Memories Machine Tour in Hull member of staff holding a very special handmade sea themed hat

It was very interesting indeed, it was like a tiny world squeezed in few square meters.
Maritime Memories Machine Tour in Hull props

I told my two different stories of what sea means to me – Martin Parr and The Last Resort for British seaside and late sunset seaside visits in Latvia when I was a kid.

Maritime Memories Machine Tour in Hull postbox

Before I entered the WORM FESTIVAL I took a few more of Hull at its best- sunny Saturday.

Hull Old Town and City Of Culture flag Couple in Hull

C4DI building and people on the bridge Hull

Poorboy Vintage Clothing Humber Street

Humber Street in Hull Tidal Barrier in the background

And these photographs show off the good news – it is never dull in Hull this year in particular. It even feels a bit overwhelming….

Anyway, the WORM FESTIVAL was on the radar because of few reasons – these guys are from Rotterdam and the city is bonkers – I have been there and it is a cultural madness. Second – THE PERFORMANCE BAR PLUGS YOU IN! – I was not entirely sure what it was and it was embarrassing to ask the stupid question to the artists – where is the best spot to watch the tricks – “WHAT TRICKS?”….

Third – Humber Street Gallery exhibits diverse stuff and it is never boring.

And this was one these – weirdly happy shocking whatthehellisgoingon.
I arrived early for the time slot for the THE PERFORMANCE BAR PLUGS YOU IN! so I stuck to the plan to stay around and not to miss it.

It was delayed [very artist way to run things] so I had plenty of time to get familiar with environment.

Humber Street Gallery Live Music Humber Street Gallery Smiley Face Projection Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL artists drinking

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL live music playing
And the unknown form-shape artists were up for a photograph – lights and sass was on.

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL artists posing for camera

It was so weird and annoying not to know what to expect, but when the first artist came on, I got the picture – it is nothing to do with an actual bar and drinks/cocktails been tossed in the air, no flames and smoke magic.
The bar was the place where artists can express their inner madness and desire, wild side and send the message to the culture-consumers.

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL performance on bar

This lady was the first one to get on the stage [and the only one I had the patience/time to wait for] and it was a killer- weird one.
THE TITLE THAT I HAVE TO GIVE IS – SHAVING FOAM AND A GIRL.

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Saturday's performance girl on stage WORM FESTIVAL at Humber Street Gallery artists performing WITH SHAVING FOAM

The funny thing is – I did not get the message behind it, but it was so funny to watch peoples reactions that I enjoyed it.
The other reason why I decided that this is enough of BAR ART FART – I don’t think I dealt with the light very well.

Upstairs was the rest of the exhibition/activities and I expected some kind of normality. But I was so wrong – upstairs was another Rotterdam culture/art shock and my brain was tickled even more.

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL stairs to Gallery Two and Three Alien exposition

Even getting to the gallery two and three is the art in itself – art to welcome. I got the sense that this is not an ordinary exhibition, which appears to be spot on, as I mentioned.

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL stairs to Gallery Two and Three no white walls anymore

The clean – white wall- don’t touch the artwork – only watch with your eyes – listen and be quiet sense was gone. I entered a world of moving art, artists making art there and then, eating and shitting in the same place [in a good way]. The gallery was turned into a workshop with different elements.

I took me some good few minutes to feel like I know my grounds, although it was busy, it felt so focused and quiet.

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two Man looking at the exhibition

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two against Trump

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two Boxing Ring with boxing gloves on display
The sign of normality was the Hull City Of Culture 2017 volunteer and the camera around my neck – everything else – different world.

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two on set living room

“hello”

I had to sit down with the guy that seemed to be the curator/artist. Because I had to understand.

The conversation was about them, Rotterdam and Hull. The exhibition is not the exhibition that the gallery has seen before – it is a hands on workshop creating art around building babies and bridges between Rotterdam and Hull, Ground Gallery included. This is what they said, this basically quoting them. There was no obvious explanation, but what I have gathered with my art knowledge – everything is made from complete scratch [like babies] and the involvement is the bridge between two cities.

The artists seemed real people, true people and what they do is who they are. Honesty about them, Hull and “the art” is what I appreciated the most.

and it was sad at the same time.
They said that the first time they arrived in Hull, walked through Humber Street they wanted to run away from the exhibiting here. Because it did not seem real – the newly built fresh breath of art, shops, galleries, bars, restaurants and antiques shop. They have said yes to the invitation to exhibit here, but they were not sure if they belong in the space given. They decided to do it their way anyway and collaborate with Hull heritage.

And this is not made up, this what we were talking about. And to not to forget the conversation and feeling, I recorded myself on the way home. I listen back and it really helps not to forget that artists from Rotterdam have came to Hull and feel like the Hull City Of Culture 2017 is ugly. Not the city and the people, but the brand, the logo, the investment and the idea to force on the culture they want us to consume. Of course on Friday they could have been chatting to some pro-city of culture visitors who told them of the nonsense, but that couldn’t influence them this much.
There must be a good reason of why that comes across…

So the bear is not as brown as we thought..hahaha.

My views about this is simple – he title has improved my relationship with Hull, given me so many opportunities to practice the photographic skill, I have met some fantastic people and seen amazing things/events/performances.
And a lot of people are aware of the “ugly scene” behind the curtains, but find a way how to gain something from the Hull City Of Culture 2017

The big bonus is – it is not dull in Hull from Monday to Sunday and that is the most amazing thing.

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two ALIEN PEAKING THROUGH

I really want to see the journals that WORM FESTIVAL will publish [as I was told] and the thoughts of returning to Rotterdam are present.

Happy #getcultured week 26!!!!!!!!!

Hull City Of Culture 2017, Uncategorized

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – RADIO 1 BIG WEEKEND

June 4, 2017June 4, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

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HERE WE ARE A WEEK LATER…

RADIO 1’s BIG WEEKEND AND ALL THE LOVE RECEIVED AND GIVEN.

THIS SUNDAY IS EMOTIONAL, THIS BLOG POST IS WRITTEN WHILST LISTENING THE ONE LOVE BENEFIT CONCERT IN MANCHESTER AND BEING AWARE OF THE LAST NIGHTS TERROR ATTACK IN LONDON.

This is my way of paying tribute to everyone affected – the horror did not stop me to go out to the festival, celebrate life and music. It was a magic and unforgettable experience. I live my life through photographs, for that reason I brought a 35 mm Minolta film camera [my work gear was not allowed in cos classed as professional].

The photos arrived on Thursday and I looked through them with true joy.

Highlights – Christine and the Queens and Stormzy. The best feeling was the sense of unity and I will never ever forget the energy that the crowds spread through every inch of my blood vessels. It was so special to be part of the same moment.

This isn’t going to be my usual Bible, just want to give share my love for life. Because love is all that matters.

And stay strong.

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GIGGLES LIVE PRESENTS – LLOYD GRIFFITH @KARDOMAH94

May 13, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

28th of April Giggles Live Comedy presented LLOYD GRIFFITH – IN:UNDATED (PREVIEW) and other exciting acts, hosted by Gary Jennison.
The line up happened to be all-bearded comedians – Jed Salisbury, Jack Whitehall and debut performance from David Bugden.
Here is a little insight of the night at Kardomah94

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I am currently/secretly working on a beard-themed project and that week I started some work on it. And to be at the comedy gig where all the comedians had beards was my ultimate highlight.

_Z1A4884GIGGLESLIVE b — From left: David Bugden, Jack Whitehall, Jed Salisbury, Lloyd Griffith and Gary Jennison

Also – lately I go into a comedy gig knowing what I want to see in the final photos and to me it is the greatest reward.

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TRIBUTE TO JOY – STAND UP FOR JOY @FRüIT

May 9, 2017May 9, 2017by anetesoodaLeave a Comment

Beginning of March I was part of something very special – Stand Up Comedy @Fruit to raise funds for Joy Attwood’s Justgiving page so she can fulfil her bucket list dream of seeing the Northern Lights.

Joy was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was told that she is dying. The dream of seeing the Northern Lights and have the last holiday with her family was what she wanted the most, so Jed Salisbury, the director of Hull Comedy Festival decided to put on a gig – to celebrate Joy and raise money to fulfill her dream.

Jed is really good comedy-friend of mine and to contribute as well I wanted to capture the event.

Joy really liked Live Naked Idiots, so they were headlining, also The worlds only bomb disposal comedian Steve Rimmer, The finest comedian of Bransholme estate David Smith and Jed’s good friend Andy Woolston on the line up. And off course hosted by Jed.

Seriously heart warming, beautiful and precious.

My highlight was the support overall from the public, comedians and the honours to capture some family photos after the gig.

Sadly Joy passed away last week. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Tributes have been paid and I think that publishing these photographs reminds about the good times Joy had.

During the night I witnessed strong family bond, a lot of love and joy.

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