Moroccan Wireism

Following on from Vietnam...
a Wireism moment captured in Northern Africa > Essaouira, Morocco - Jan 2013

Welcome LX5

Woo. I finally got round to seeing the William Klein + Daido Moriyama exhibition at the Tate Modern. What a treat.

Adoration for street photography is still within.

Why?
I'm swayed by the simplicity, the action, the expression, the truth, the speed, the spontaneity, the indefinite, boundless and the creativeness involved.



I enjoyed each of their videos particularly an extraction of Klein's films including some snippets from "Mr Freedom" and "Who are You, Polly Maggoo?". Compelling. And random. With some clips also politically related > Vietnamese War protests.

The black and white elements really do add some mysterious depth to an image. These clever guys simply speak my mind: The idea that their photography style is SIMPLE, yet so effective. So ambiguous, leaving the photographer with one idea and memory (i.e. remembering the senses, feelings, smells, sounds at the time) and the viewer with/creating another story/interpretation. LOVE IT. I salute you.



>inspired
Having moaned about being without a camera for the past year, I was finally re-inspired by Klein and Moriyama themselves and resulted in purchasing another Panasonic Lumix LX...a slight upgrade from my last LX3 model (which clung onto me as a third eye for four special years around the globe - I'm staying true to my Leica lens), I've opted for the LX5. With a working quality product finally back it my hands, I realise how much missed it - immensely!

Back on track!


All thanks to Klein + Moriyama x

Mr Brainwash II?

Wahey, it's 2013!

I love fortunate accidents.

I've collected a few over the year. So, to end it nicely, this accident fortunately came about at the end of 2012 in a colourful bar of East London. Oops...





Happy New Year x

Philip Glass and his London visit

Having sadly missed Mr Glass on Friday at the Barbican Centre and with the realisation that tickets had sold out for his show the following day at the Union Chapel (note: great venue!), we were persistent in waiting in line for return tickets on that following day in the chilly evening (15/12/2012). Fortunately enough, we were approached on and sold tickets at face value by a humble and friendly man. YAY!

If you don't know of Philip Glass - you don't necessarily need to, but if you're into influential composers of the 20th century who form "minimalist" styles, then you jolly well should do!

The legend America composer was welcomed in London for two nights only in his 75th year of age, and it was pretty legendary to share this momentous occasion with him and his fellow collaborators.





I must admit I haven't heard too much of his music, besides his mixes with (the late) Ravi Shankar and some music for plenty of films he's been involved with. However, I'm open to all and was in store for some repetitive and trancey keyboard skills + flutes and saxophones + an occasional high pitched lady's voice. Highly noted songs played were 'Raising the Sail' - from The Truman Show, ‘The Grid’ from his film score for Koyaanisqatsi and returned at the finale to play 'Spaceship' from Einstein on the Beach. The mellow, ambient and repetitively played parts did accidentally send me to sleep at some points in the first half especially. I believe this may be due to the glass of wine I'd downed beforehand!

The hardest thing about the Union Chapel is being at the front of the queue for unreserved seating...the fact that you are to CHOOSE your own seating over one of the many pews! This is not for the indecisive. Who says front rows are always best? Maybe? Like going to a cinema - head tilted upwards? Strain? No thanks. Hence, after 10 minutes of decision making, we headed up to the next level for a full-frontal corner view and a cooler less-claustrophobic climate - plus were lucky to be facing Philip! Yippee.

I enjoy the fact that this man is ever so modest. He shyly spoke through the microphone keeping it short, simple and to the point, and frequently muttering. He also had sheets of music scattered by his feet and at one point was unable find his required sheet music. A true artist - love it!

Somewhat crazy and a tad psychedelic. Woah. Although the tunes he played were not completely suited to me usual likes...all in all, it was a grand show.


Privileged.


Thank you Glass and your gang x

Christmas Greets x

Here's an Xmas greet from Ai Wei Wei and myself :) x



A new era to begin tomorrow (21/12/2012) - woo hoo.

reflexions

Minus that digital layer photography (?) which most people seem to be dabbling about with these days (is it because there's an app on the iPhone?) - I'm no pro darlin', thus...


>...Why not simplify this?

With a warm & nurturing cuppa tea in hand and a 'top-notch' camera phone in the other, not much to do, boredom setting in, gone is my 'scenic' day view, out comes the reflexions - here's my version of layering while on my break at the Barbican... Food Hall (canteen) to be precise.

I do enjoy cheating every now and again...however poorly it may be!

Note: It's clear Winter has set in as this was taken in the late afternoon/early evening (around 5pm).













>an area of the Barbican (see the moon, the MOON!) - without reflexions

.before - ....




Without digital complications, it's alright x