MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 37

NOTE: THIS BLOG POST CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT AND MAYBE BAD LANGUAGE

I have had so much fresh air today so 4:40 PM I am nodding off, but today I have a mission to blog my culture wonders.

First as planned

Alien Sex Capsule at Artlink Hull

The exhibition by John Walter transformed Artlink into a colour loaded space with a content that has got everything up its sleeve to shock people.
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Everything there is bursting with colour and clever illustrations looking at relationships between visual culture and HIV today. Every piece of art weather its illustration on massive cards, video, light installation or a song addresses the complex subject of contemporary sexual health.

I really loved it. Artlink always is chilled out space where I can actually enjoy art in my own privacy. There was one thing – the CRYSTAL DICK SONG that maybe have scared me for life – for the rest of the day I had it in my head. And off course the visuals accompanied with the song is something “out of this world” people. You have to see/hear it for yourself. The exhibition is on until 29th September.

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I think this exhibition definitely raises awareness of sexual health and HIV, but I don’t think it has the power to change the world.

Artlink hosted these little cute “things” of art, but in the rush I didn’t pay attention of who is the author [you can educate me if you know in the comment below].

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ON SATURDAY I WENT DOWN TO HULL TRINITY SQUARE FOR THIS – TAKE FLIGHT.

Little while ago a little fairy – one of the choreographers,  was praising told me about this event, whilst it was still in making, so I have been waiting to see this since.
There are two good reasons of why I liked it  – the performance was smooth and the young talent was shining together with the sun spells. The second reason – this event was beautifully “decorated” with over dozen volunteers. It is always pleasant to see them around every single volunteer is like a piece of an important Hull 2017 puzzle. They are brightening up any dull day.

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The performance was all about the unique partnership between The Royal Ballet, Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and Hull dance schools.

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What will this week bring? Next weekend looks super busy:
HULL WALK OF ART: THE AVENUES

+ there are other things to see during the week:

INSIGHT – A COLLECTION OF WORK BY GEOFF HEWITT, ANGELA BELL & HEATHER BURTON

WHAT DO YOU KNOW? HULL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN

+there is a Car Show somewhere in outskirts of Hull where I have my eye on…..

HAVE A GREAT WEEK CULTURE READERS!!!

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.

_Z1A0283WEEK26 b_Z1A0241WEEK26 b_Z1A0255WEEK26 b_Z1A0189WEEK26 b_Z1A0261WEEK26 b_Z1A0201WEEK26 b_Z1A0274WEEK26 b(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE YAAS(IN)VISIBLE DANCING PROTEIN DANCE @HULL UK CITY OF CULTURE WARM UP_Z1A0218WEEK26 b

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.

 

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 25

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 SteamHull Queen Victoria Square Fountains Steam Women walking past

 

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 feetStreetlife 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 glassesMaritime 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 propsMaritime Memories Machine Tour in Hull what is sea boardMaritime Memories Machine Tour in Hull on the Streetlife Museum grounds

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 flagCouple 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 MusicHumber Street Gallery Live Music wide shotHumber Street Gallery Smiley Face ProjectionHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL artists drinkingHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL mask on the head

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 cameraHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL artistsHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL BAR PERFORAMCE PLUG IN

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 stageHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL artists performing WITH SHAVING FOAMWORM FESTIVAL at Humber Street Gallery artists performing WITH SHAVING FOAMHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL artists performingHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL artist performing WITH SHAVING FOAM sprayed on her body

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 expositionHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL stairs to Gallery Two and Three with a plant on staircaseHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL stairs to Gallery Two and Three with photographs of celebrities

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 exhibitionHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two against Trump

Humber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two Boxing Ring with boxing gloves on displayHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two boxing ring in prepHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two music records from HullHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two Artists make artworkHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two Boxing Ring Close Up with wooden slippersHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery TwoHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two media artHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two on set living room with man sat in itHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two artist reading poemHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two Coca Cola bookHumber Street Gallery WORM FESTIVAL Gallery Two on set living room
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 Hull City Of Culture VolunteerHumber 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!!!!!!!!!