Tag: MARTIN PARR

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 51

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

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

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

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

But first.

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

_Z1A0114WEEK51 b

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

 

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

_Z1A7756WEEK 48 b

_Z1A7757WEEK 48 b

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

_Z1A0334WEEK51 b_Z1A0336WEEK51 b

 

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

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

_Z1A0368WEEK51 b_Z1A0375WEEK51 b

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

_Z1A0353WEEK51 b_Z1A0349WEEK51 b_Z1A0348WEEK51 b

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

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

_Z1A0372WEEK51 b

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

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

_Z1A0461WEEK51 b

I finally had the chance to see the robots.

First I headed to Trinity Square.

_Z1A0414WEEK51 b_Z1A0409WEEK51 b

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

_Z1A0460WEEK51 b_Z1A0458WEEK51 b_Z1A0438WEEK51 b

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

 

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

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

_Z1A0474WEEK51 b_Z1A0473WEEK51 b

_Z1A0469WEEK51 b

_Z1A0478WEEK51 b

_Z1A0477WEEK51 b

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

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

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

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

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 46

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 46

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

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

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

_Z1A4137WEEK 46 b

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

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

_Z1A4158WEEK 46 b

_Z1A4146WEEK 46 b_Z1A4151WEEK 46 b_Z1A4164WEEK 46 b

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

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

_Z1A4178WEEK 46 b

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

_Z1A4128WEEK 46 b_Z1A4197WEEK 46 b

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

 

 

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

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

_Z1A4768WEEK 46 b_Z1A4762WEEK 46 b

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

_Z1A4758WEEK 46 b

_Z1A4763WEEK 46 b

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

 

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

_Z1A4715WEEK 46 b

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

 

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

_Z1A4743WEEK 46 b

 

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

_Z1A4905WEEK 46 B

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

_Z1A4538BESTOFULL B

 

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

 

 

 

 

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 44

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 44

HELLO.

INTERESTING, TOUGH AND FULL OF THINGS THIS WEEK.

FIRST OF ALL – BIG SHOUT OUT TO HULL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017 AS THIS WEEK IT KICKED OFF WITH A BANG – ANNA MORRIS: THE BITCHELORS AND THE NOT SO LATE NIGHT SHOW WITH ROSS AND JOSH. 

+ A LITTLE PEAK IN TO A SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE @JUBILEE CHURCH

_Z1A1661SATNIGHTLIVE b

_Z1A2060SATNIGHTLIVE b_Z1A1810SATNIGHTLIVE b_Z1A1896SATNIGHTLIVE b

I HAVE THE HONOURS TO BE PART OF THE FESTIVAL AND CALL MYSELF THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER.

SECOND – I HAD A BIT OF CULTURE AS WELL AS COMEDY:

TURNER & THE WHALE

Turner & The Whale was no photographs kind of an exhibition, but I thought I’ll let you know that I was there and one of the frames including a famous painting is stunning to look at. Cheers!

ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM

These sculptures are there to remind of and tackle the social inequality of homelessness with The Neil Hudgell Trust and artist Laurence Vallieres.

_Z1A0961WEEK44 b_Z1A0970WEEK44 b

HULL, PORTRAIT OF A CITY: OLIVIA ARTHUR AND MARTIN PARR – HUMBER STREET GALLERY

_Z1A1005WEEK44 b_Z1A1003WEEK44 b_Z1A1002WEEK44 b_Z1A1001WEEK44 b_Z1A0998WEEK44 b

_Z1A0992WEEK44 b

My third time seeing Martin Parr’s exhibition and I brought this beauty with me. I think we together played a little game of trying to recognise locations of the places, whereas on my own I only appreciate the beauty of photographs. Nice change not to be overly obsessed with Martin Parr.

Speaking of which – Martin Parr’s Colouring Book is out and there are a fantastic opportunity to send in the coloured pages and win one of his prints – signed. WOW.

_Z1A0993WEEK44 b_Z1A0995WEEK44 b_Z1A0987WEEK44 b

THE SIXTEEN THOUSAND – C4DI

Came back for one last shot of the whole thing and two kiddies pointing at me, because I thought they were really cute trying to find their brick in those sixteen thousand others. _Z1A1020WEEK44 b

_Z1A1014WEEK44 b

+ stroll round Humber Street and a little unsolved KINGSTON ART GROUP GALLERY AND BOBBY BEASLEY’S PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION WAS NOT OPEN AND NOT THERE :(

_Z1A1008WEEK44 b_Z1A1010WEEK44 b_Z1A1012WEEK44 b

I AM STARTING TO REALISE THAT THERE IS LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LEFT OF THIS CULTURE, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NEXT YEAR?

PLENTY TO SEE AND DO THIS WEEK, SO SEE HOW I CAN FIT CULTURE IN THE COMEDY AND OTHER WAY ROUND.

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 41

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 41

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.

_Z1A9776WEEK41 b

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.

_Z1A9785WEEK41 b_Z1A9782WEEK41 b

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].

_Z1A9796WEEK41 b

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

_Z1A9885WEEK41 b_Z1A9877WEEK41 b_Z1A9874WEEK41 b_Z1A9862WEEK41 b_Z1A9857WEEK41 b_Z1A9855WEEK41 b_Z1A9854WEEK41 b_Z1A9843WEEK41 b_Z1A9842WEEK41 b_Z1A9837WEEK41 b_Z1A9832WEEK41 b_Z1A9823WEEK41 b_Z1A9809WEEK41 b_Z1A9814WEEK41 b_Z1A9804WEEK41 b_Z1A9802WEEK41 b_Z1A9801WEEK41 b

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.
_Z1A9917WEEK41 b_Z1A9913WEEK41 b

HULL EYE HOSPITAL AND A SIGHT TO BEHOLD

_Z1A9921WEEK41 b_Z1A9925WEEK41 b

GOODWIN TRUST DEVELOPMENT BUILDING COVERED WITH HEADSCARF REVOLUTIONARIES MURAL 

_Z1A9934WEEK41 b

HULL PARAGON INTERCHANGE – FLY TO FREEDOM

_Z1A9957WEEK41 b

and bits….

_Z1A9947WEEK41 b_Z1A9943WEEK41 b_Z1A9941WEEK41 b

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.

_Z1A9959WEEK41 b

TURNER PRIZE

_Z1A9971WEEK41 b_Z1A9967WEEK41 b_Z1A9998WEEK41 b_Z1A9975WEEK41 b_Z1A0056WEEK41 b_Z1A0053WEEK41 b_Z1A0046WEEK41 b_Z1A0041WEEK41 b_Z1A0032WEEK41 b_Z1A0030WEEK41 b_Z1A0023WEEK41 b_Z1A0019WEEK41 b

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.
_Z1A0073WEEK41 b

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.

_Z1A0063WEEK41 b_Z1A0065WEEK41 b_Z1A0067WEEK41 b_Z1A0070WEEK41 b

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

_Z1A0092WEEK41 b_Z1A0090WEEK41 b

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