All My Sons at the Old Vic

All My Sons
Old Vic, London
13 April – 8 June 2019
Performance

Sally Field and Bill Pullman in ‘All My Sons’

Jeremy Herrin brings American and English actors together as he revives Arthur Miller’s All My Sons at the Old Vic. Miller’s plays are renowned for their exploration of social realism and society’s injustices … and this play does not disappoint when it comes to exposing Western inequalities. All My Sons finds its uniqueness and significance as it fuses different themes and genres from Miller’s other plays. Much like in Death of a Salesman, in this performance, Miller critiques and discloses the drastic effects of ardent American capitalism. All My Sons, along with A View from the Bridge, establishes itself as a tragedy through the tragic qualities of the play’s protagonists. Joe Keller, in the eyes of Miller, is permitted to be given the status of a tragic hero, despite not being a character of great eminence.

The first half of the play carries the burden of keeping the audience interested as Act I is notoriously known to have quite a slow start. Herrin takes an additional risk in keeping the set almost identical throughout the play while keeping stage directions to a minimal. Although one would assume that this mix of a traditionally lethargic start with the lack of action on stage would create a painful watch, the playwriter manages to keep the audience locked on to the actors and the dialogue that they have. As noted by Ed Cumming in All My Sons review, Old Vic: An all-star cast draws you into the tragic machinery of Arthur Miller’s classic “the script doesn’t offer much in the way of set changes” meaning that “the cast must do all the lifting”; a feat they most definitely don’t fail in.

My surprise was unprecedented when I heard Colin Morgan, the star of the childhood-favourite TV show Merlin, announce himself in a raw New England accent. Although his intonation seems slightly unpolished to start off with, this small nuisance is largely subdued by his vivid portrayal of Chris Keller. None of Miller’s character in All My Sons have particularly outspoken personalities but oddly, their subtle but fervent emotions give the actors on stage real appeal and integrity. The actors and actresses do a wonderful job of bringing their characters to life, but without the dramatic denouement, wherein we see Chris’ outburst, Kate’s desperation and Joe’s anagnorisis, the play would be missing a much-needed spout of energy. Nonetheless, Herrin, along with the cast, succeed in suggesting the complexity of each of their characters. Kate, through Sally Field’s presentation, is suggested as being full of internal contradictions and battles that she has within herself. Her family loyalty precedes her moral-compass through her rejection of the truth about the airplane parts. Morgan does justice to Chris Keller, the conflicted and recovering soldier. Cumming suggests that his “gear change” in the final act is unconvincing, yet, for me, Morgan’s actions in the last scenes are merely a result of his unwavering value for what is right and the end-product of careful character-building.

Despite the play dating back over 50 years, having been performed countless times in its lifespan, Herrin’s portrayal of this Arthur Miller classic remains poignant through its relevance today. There are many parallels that one can draw between the action on stage and our current reality. In his review, Cumming continues with insinuating that Bill Pullman, who plays Joe, gives his character “an uneasy gravitas” while alluding to the comparisons we can draw with Pullman’s portrayal of a relentless businessman to certain prominent figures in America nowadays. The opening scene, consisting of a video sequence portraying clips of daily American life from the 1950s up to the present, reminds the audience that this is a play that remains pertinent in today’s world; a show that presents all the moral questions that we must still ask ourselves today: where does the line lie between personal responsibility and self-preservation, does society or the individual bear more fault in times of despair and should morality always precede loyalty?

 

What role in A View from the Bridge is performed by Alfieri?

In this essay I explore the instrumental role of Alfieri in A view from the Bridge and how Arthur Miller uses this character to convey different themes.

Case Study of an NGO: Oxfam in Haiti

Haiti has a population of about 10 million but is ranked 163rd on the Human Development Index and is considered an LIC. Many different charities have been offering voluntary aid to the country to try and help Haiti to prosper. …

Red Star Over Russia: A revolution in visual culture 1905–55

Red Star Over Russia
Tate modern, London
Until 18 February 2018
Exhibition

This exhibition explores how 50 years of revolution and change in Russia was both influenced but also prompted a vast variety of visual culture. Marking a century since the October Revolution in 1917, the show shines light to the propaganda and art that emerged from this fundamental period in Russia’s history and in the Communist struggle.

At school I study a short but nevertheless vital stage of the Communist movement: the Russian Revolution between the years 1914 and 1924. As well as expressing the political ideals that were reinforced by the photo montages and paintings from this significant time, the exhibition further expands on how art was influenced differently in its meaning and purpose from the Autocratic government that controlled the Russian way of life in 1905 to 1955 when Communism was the acting regime. One can infer the constant repercussions that the political landscape had on art and culture throughout the Tsarist, the Communist Revolution and the Stalin era.

Raise higher the banner of Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Stalin by Gustav Klutsis (Густав Клуцис), 1938

I found this poster a prime example of where the ruling powers in Russia have impacted artists and utilised art as a means of propaganda instead of a piece to appreciate. The artwork shows the gradual progression of Communism from a Russian point of view. Four prominent figures in the Communist struggle are accentuated by the fact that all four leaders are backgrounded by the traditional Communist red, and that they are all presented through a simple black and white head-shot suggests that the designer is referring to a major Communist ideal: equality.

I enjoyed travelling through the first half of the 20th century, through the Russian art world, and it was particularly interesting for me to learn about the Communist Revolution in a slightly different way. The exhibition taught me more about the culture that emerged from that time in Russia and it gave me a renewed insight on the impact of the Russian authority on working people along with the art they were exposed to.

Can Graphic Design Save Your Life?

Can Graphic Design Save Your Life?
The Wellcome Collection, London
7 September 2017 – 14 Jan 2017
Exhibition

I recently visited the Wellcome Collection and saw an exhibition that shows how graphic design has been used for medical purposes. I don’t think I realised how effective and useful some medical signs and symbols are around the world. The Green Cross, for instance, is used in many parts of the world to indicate a medical store or pharmacy, but has subtle differences in design. In the UK it is often a plain green cross, while in France, for instance, the fluorescent Green Cross flashes 24/7 outside pharmacies in Paris. We all continue to recognise it as a symbol of medicine and treatment.

 

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The show started with a range of different propagandist designs, previously used to discourage smoking. I was actually quite surprised that already in 1967 there were videos for children placing the idea that smoking is bad in their heads. One such video was Dying for a Smoke 1967 by Halas & Batchelor wherein the appeal of smoking was presented in the form of the Devil’s work.

Hand Made Mural, 2014 (unknown artist)

Furthermore, I really liked Hand Made Mural, 2014 as I was amazed at the altruism shown by the man to use his art to warn people of the symptoms of Ebola. It made me wonder of how else people can be medically advised through unconventional but cheap ways to make them aware of the possible dangers or treatments to certain diseases, especially in less economically developed countries.

I also found the Post stamps with non-smoking images very impressive. Countries like Mexico and Belgium were intentionally dispiriting the idea of smoking by placing non-smoking advertisements on their stamps; an item most people use in everyday life.

Anti-smoking stamp from Belgium

Anti-smoking stamp from Mexico

Lastly, the curators also shone a light on mental health issues, a common yet still regularly neglected topic, through, for instance, the award-winning Samaritans’ ‘We Listen’ Campaign display. The posters highlight how people find it difficult to share their own problems as they perceive them as not being medically valid; a notion enforced by the media and government who often don’t place emphasis on the severity of mental health impact if untreated. The Samaritans have hung up these posters around transport places around the UK to encourage more people to take action to show that they are there to not only ‘hear’ but to also ‘listen’ to the people who are seeking help or simply a person who they can open up to:

Through its striking imagery and hidden messaging the campaign seeks to raise awareness and increase understanding of Samaritans so that people see contacting us as a positive, empowering first step in seeking help and taking control of their lives. It focuses on the expert listening service provided by Samaritans volunteers and aims to show that while it’s easy to hide your feelings, when someone really listens, you’re more likely to open up and start working through your problems. Samaritans are there for everyone and they don’t just hear you, they listen.

Samaritans We Listen campaign  The Samaritans

I strongly believe that more should be done to address the growing problem of untreated mental health and to support mental health well-being in general. Not separating mental health from other health issues helps.

We Listen Campaign (Samaritans)

The exhibition is very unique and innovative and I would highly recommend it but the show is closing in a week so go along and experience something different.

 

 

My experience of hawking in Ghana

English

The man behind the wheel of the orange-plated car honked at me and I knew that this was a typical Ghanaian taxi. We had only been driving for a short distance before we were immersed in one of the many traffic jams in Accra. The car motor made a rusty noise till we came to a standstill. I opened my window and as I felt the humid air, the sound of a young man knocking the car door made me jump. I laughed awkwardly as I had never experienced something like this. He gave me the friendliest smile while he rattled a stand with little yellow cards on. I examined the top-up cards thus subsequently he shouted, with an interrogative tone, “MTN” – a huge mobile network in Ghana. The taxi driver explained to me that hawking was the sale of stuff on the street, usually to people in their cars at a traffic light or in rush hour. The first day that I was in Ghana, I found this idea quite odd, but after spending a whole month enjoying food-on-the-go from the luxury of a car, it was even odder when I returned to Leicester and my mother braked at a red light but nobody came knocking on our window.

Hawking, at a first glance, might seem like a disorganised mean of earning money. This is a false belief. In Accra, hawkers are connected in their work and are organised by someone who often collects the largest cut of the money. Hawkers all have an area of town, a literal workspace, but they often only receive a small percentage of their turnover.

Although begging is present in Accra, just like it is in London, hawking is not the same. In the capital, it is often disabled people who find themselves in the position of begging. I remember how astounded I was to see an old lady hold her wrinkled hands out in the hope that someone lucky enough to have a car would also have the empathy to spare her some loose change.

Obviously, there are problems with hawking; but it is very useful in many cases. For instance, I could easily buy a small snack while on a short journey from the city centre to the outskirts in a tro tro – a shared taxi or minibus wherein around 12-14 passengers are transported. Learning about hawking was an unforgettable experience. The most significant memory I have, is that it is possible to buy everything you need to set up a house from the hawkers of Ghana, a sort of local IKEA.

Mijn ervaring met straatventen in Ghana

Nederlands

 

Ik stapte in de oude oranje auto. Aan de toeterende man achter het stuur zag ik dat dit een typische Ghanese taxi was. We hadden pas een klein stukje gereden toen we al in een van de vele Accra files terecht kwamen. De motor maakte een beroerd geluid en toen stonden we stil. Ik opende het raampje en nog voordat ik de vochtige lucht in mijn gezicht voelde, schrok ik van een jonge man die op de autodeur tikte. Ik lachte een beetje ongemakkelijk omdat ik zoiets nog nooit had meegemaakt. Hij gaf me de vriendelijkste lach en schudde een rij allemaal kleine kaartjes in mijn gezicht. Ik keek naar de geel gekleurde mobiele top-up kaartjes terwijl hij “MTN” op vragende toon riep – een groot mobiel netwerk in Ghana. De taxi chauffeur legde aan mij uit dat ‘hawking’ of straatventen het verkopen van spullen op straat is, vaak aan mensen in auto’s als ze stoppen bij een stoplicht of vast zitten in het spitsuur. De eerste dag in Ghana vond ik het idee zo vreemd dat ik er een afstandelijk gevoel bij had, maar omdat ik er een maand van kon genieten was het bijna raar toen we terug waren in Leicester en mijn moeder met onze auto stopte bij een rood licht en er niemand op ons raam kwam tikken.

Straathandel lijkt misschien op het eerste gezicht op een erg ongeorganiseerde manier van geld verdienen. Dit klopt niet. In Accra zijn de hawkers of venters verbonden met elkaar en het geld dat ze verdienen wordt vaak verzameld door degene die een groep venters organiseert en diegene krijgt meestal het grootste gedeelte van de winst. Hawkers hebben ieder een eigen gebied en krijgen vaak slechts een paar procent van de opbrengst van wat ze verkopen.

Straatventen is niet hetzelfde als bedelen. Bedelen gebeurt ook in Accra (net zo als in London). In Accra zijn het vaak mensen die gehandicapt zijn. Het was erg schokkend om een vrouw die gehandicapt was te zien bij de zijkant van de weg. Toen er file kwam, en dat is er regelmatig in Accra, schudde de oude dame haar gerimpelde handen in de hoop dat iemand die de luxe van een auto had, ook de empathie had om een beetje kleingeld aan haar te geven.

Ook al zijn er problemen met straatventen, het is vaak wel erg handig. Het was bijvoorbeeld makkelijk als ik in een tro tro, een gedeelde taxi of minibus waarin 12-14 passagiers worden vervoerd, zat voor een kort ritje om van de binnenstad naar de buitenwijken en zin had in een klein snackje. Ik leerde heel veel over hawking. Het meest opmerkelijke dat ik me herinnerde, is dat het mogelijk is om alles wat je nodig hebt om een huis in te richten, je in Ghana van straatventers kan kopen, een soort lokale IKEA.

Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power

Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power
Until 22 October 2017
Tate Modern, London
Exhibition

 

Five videos of some of the most inspiring speeches given by five leading activists in the fight for Civil Rights in the US are shown at the start of the exhibition. These clips from the 1960s and 1970s give the visitors some background into the context of the art that occupies this exhibition and foregrounds the underlining theme of Black Power.

America the Beautiful, Norman Lewis, 1960

I must admit it did take me quite a while to figure this painting out, but once I saw past the abstraction, the artwork conveyed a powerful image – an image of oppression and hate. If you look closely, the seemingly irregular white shapes actually represent a guise of the infamous Ku Klux Klan cloaks. Although arranged in a non-continuous pattern, the figures are positioned in an almost circular fashion; creating the allusion of the enclosing and fearful qualities that these white embodiments of racism possess.

 

Dana C. Chandler, Fred Hampton’s Door 2, 1975

This particular artwork imprints an extremely vivid image in my mind. After reading the panel explaining the piece, I realised that the artist based this structure on a true story. It was hard for me to grasp the fact that “Fred Hampton”, whose name is carved onto the door, was a young Civil Rights Activist who was murdered in a most cowardly fashion: the Chicago Police shot through the door while he was his bed. The bullet holes that dominate the door highlights the tragic truth that inspired this work and suggests the significance and severity of Police Brutality. Already before reading the label, I interpreted the door as being symbolic to a rejection of Black people in American society. The stamp, named “US APPROVED”, leads one to think that this exclusion of the Black Community is a nationwide issue that is nonetheless approved and accepted by the State. This simple but relentless artwork captures the notion of racial inequality towards African-Americans like no other I have ever seen. The unacceptable truth though is that the message expressed here – a message of the oppression towards the black race – is still relevant today. And that is something that still astonishes me everyday.

The exhibition celebrates, in the words of the curators, “the work of Black artists working in America in the two decades after 1963”, while also highlighting the embarrassing fact that since the time that Black people were supposed to be freed of oppression, the world has not become a place where that rings true; instead the world we live in today is still one full of hate, racial conflict and discrimination. How can we be proud of our world knowing that we still haven’t taken enough steps in the fight for our fundamental right to not be judged based on our appearance?

 

La Traviata

La Traviata is a performance by Giuseppe Verdi about the complicated relationship between a young courtesan, Violetta Valéry, and her unlikely lover, Alfredo Germont. Their tale is one of betrayal, loyalty and unconditional love.

Abstract Expressionism

Abstract Expressionism
Until 2nd January 2017
London
Exhibition

The exhibition explores the Abstract Expressionism art movement in the 20th century. Although there is a vast range of artworks positioned in this beautiful building, the exhibition is laid out very simply; the first room gives the viewers a taster of Abstract Expressionism and display the early works of figures like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. It than shows a room of work by the ‘daddy’ of this movement, Arshile Gorky. All the other galleries are either focused on one specific artist, such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, or a few artists grouped together around a specific theme.

 

Summertime: Number 9A, 1948 by Jackson Pollock

 

Since I was small I have always loved the work of Jackson Pollock. I think it’s bewildering how an artist can create something magical by drip painting on a canvas. Now that I am slightly older I can observe how purposeful Pollock’s use of colour was to create such breathtaking artworks like Summertime: Number 9A, 1948. This particular artwork appeals to me through its arrangement of colours which are carefully positioned for an outstanding outcome. Pollock always tried to express something through his work and once said: “It doesn’t make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said.” (August 8th, 1949, Life magazine). Through this painting it seems to me that the wavy black lines represent people dancing through time. This is made apparent by the horizontal orientation of the painting. I also noticed that the yellow and blue colours are equally spread out across the painting, but in an irregular formation. Maybe Pollock was trying to show the balance of life with all its mistakes and informalities.

The curators cleverly placed the Pollock room adjacent to the Rothko room. This created an extraordinary contrast of two very independent artists cloaked by the same form of art – Abstract Expressionism. Rothko’s art also really stood out to me. Yellow Band, 1956 was definitely the most powerful piece. The complimentary colours of yellow and orange helped to create a fascinating image for my eyes to rest on. Every time I look at Rothko’s work I see something else even though I’m not quite sure what I see!

 

Yellow Band, 1956 by Mark Rothko

 

The text panels and labels were well written and informative in explaining how these artists all be part of abstract expressionism even when their work is very different. The only odd thing that I noticed was the way that only very few artists were singled out by either their nationality or cultural group (Dutch-born Willem de Kooning; African American Norman Lewis) without explaining the relevance of this information. Furthermore, it implies that white American is the norm for Abstract Expressionists.

I had never really understood what the term Abstract Expressionism meant, but after seeing this display of the works of some of the most prominent artists of the 20th century, I think I am beginning to get an idea as to what it stands for. This exhibition is surely a must-see for anybody who appreciate art or who want to learn how one of the most influential art movements was created an developed throughout the 20th century.

Vals Spel

Vals Spel
Mirjam Mous
2010
Boekverslag

Vals Spel boekomslag

Fin is een Nederlandse jongen die op vakantie is bij zijn broer Martijn in Spanje. Voordat jij naar Spanje vertrok, hadden ze het plan om samen een trektocht te maken in de Pyreneeën. Als Martijn echter een bijzondere aanbod krijgt om met een wereldberoemd regisseur mee te gaan naar een geheime locatie en daar les te krijgen om een film te maken, heeft hij een dilemma: met Fin gaan wandelen of mee doen aan een fantastische kans met verschillende acteurs. Fin heeft medelijden met zijn broer en vertelt hem dat hij het wel red zonder hem. Martijn reist naar de geheime locatie en het avontuur van Fin begint.

Drie weken later bevindt Fin zich in een politiecel. Hij is verdacht van moord.

Dit boek is aangrijpend en het blijft spannend van het begin tot het eind. Ik vind het erg slim hoe Mirjam Mous de hoofdstukken in het boek tussen twee tijden afwisselt. Het verhaal begint in de tegenwoordige tijd als Fin met een detective spreekt bij het politiebureau. Het volgende hoofdstuk vindt plaats in Nederland, toen Fin zich nog verheugde op zijn tocht in Spanje. Het derde hoofdstuk gaat verder met waar het eerste hoofdstuk is beëindigd en het vierde borduurt voort op hoofdstuk twee. En zo gaat het verhaal verder. Het verhaal gaat dus over hoe het komt dat Fin nu in een cel zit. Deze ongewone manier van het organiseren van de verhaallijn houdt het boek interessant. Het boek gaat niet alleen over misdaad, maar ook over liefde, jaloezie en verraad om een dramatisch verhaal te creëren.

Wilfredo Lam

Wilfredo Lam
Until 8 January 2017
Tate Modern, London
Exhibition

 

Horse-headed Woman by Wilfredo Lam, 1950

 

This exhibition explores the life and art of Wilfredo Lam, one of the most prominent and influential Cuban artists. From his early work to the moment of his death, he was immersed in different art worlds and incorporated his political views in his works.

“My painting is an act of decolonisation, not in physical sense, but in a mental one.” – Wilfredo Lam, 1980

I had never heard of Wilfredo Lam but from this quote I already began to draw a picture of him in my mind. The quote makes apparent that he was a non-violent activist against colonisation.
Politics and international relations are subjects that I have an interest in and I believe that a painting trying to send a message or tell a story is just as powerful as a strong political speech. Lam conveys his political views through his talent of painting and he does this very convincingly.

The first paintings I saw of him confused me a little because they looked like a mixture of work by different artists, instead of one artist presenting his paintings. However, by examining the different artworks I realised that they all had something in common; they all seemed to contain an element of Picasso’s works. It turned out that these were his very early works, when he was experimenting with different styles and was deeply influenced by artists like Picasso and Matisse.

 

Second Adventivity, 1969 by Wilfredo lam; published alongside poems by Aimé Césaire

 

He soon developed his own polymorphic style, in which humans, gods – with clear references to Santeria – animals and plants mix together in an organic way. Also his subject matter is unique, as he

“addressed themes of social injustice, nature and spirituality, that challenged prevailing attitudes held by western artists about other cultures” – website Tate Gallery

His works relates to surrealism and abstract expressionism. There is also a clear connection between the poetry of Aimé Césaire and Wilfredo Lam’s artworks. Aimé Césaire  was a very influential author, poet and politician and one of the founding fathers of the Négritude movement. French speaking black intellectual from France’s colonies in the Caribbean territories and Africa launched this movement in 1930s Paris. These intellectual focused on issues of race identity and international initiatives to combat French imperialism and restore the cultural identity of black people.

On the website of the Tate, much more information can be found on Wilfredo Lam. He was not only inspired by social issues, religious concerns and art movements from the very different places where he worked and lived, but he also inspired many others around him. On the website, for instance, DJ and producer  Brian d’Souza aka Auntie Flo shares his selection of tracks inspired by this exhibition:

http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/ey-exhibition-wifredo-lam/playlist

Overall I think this exhibition gives you a great insight into the life and work of Wilfredo Lam and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys art that has a political message attached to it.

 

 

 

 

 

Every Day

Every Day
David Levitan
2012
Book Review

Every Day, 2012

A is 16 years old and wakes up in someone else’s body every morning. One day A could wake up in the body of a very insecure and shy boy and another day he could transform into the life of the loudest girl in the school. It has always been like this and A has learnt to accept it and adapt to a different body every 24 hours. However one day A meets Rhiannon, an amazing girl who A immediately falls in love with. A wants to spend the rest of his ever-changing life with her but A knows that that would be very difficult to do. Therefore, A tries to get close to her in every way possible. Eventually A has to tell her who and what A is. It takes her time to process what A has told her but she does feel an attraction to A. Can she and A make this difficult relationship work or is it too much to ask?

This original book combines identity, love and drama to create a great read. It is humorous and when I started reading it I couldn’t put it down! Definitely one of the best book I have read.

Missoni Art Colour

This fashion exhibition explores the works of Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, two prominent designers of the 20th century who were deeply inspired by the avant-garde movement.

Made You Look. Dandyism and Black Masculinity

Made You Look
Saturday 24 September
The Photographers’ Gallery, London
Exhibition & Conference

 

On the last day of the exhibition Made You Look. dandyism & black masculinity I attended the accompanying conference called ‘Look! a Negro’.  I had never been to a conference before and my initial idea of conferences was that they were made up of long and boring talks. However, this moving event pleasantly surprised me as it included very interesting talks, a short film, an exhibition and a great opportunity to talk to new people.

The conference started with a discussion and presentation led by Ekow Eshun. The first panel included Campbell Addy, Harris Elliott and Adama Jalloh who talked about black style and identity. Although all three of them gave incomparable talks, they all gave zealous speeches, and you could tell that they were passionate about their views on identity and style. The theme of dandyism played a prominent role throughout the event, with some of the panellists sharing their experiences around black style and with a whole exhibition devoted to Made You Look: Dandyism & Black Masculinity.

After the first discussion, a rare viewing of Isaac Julien’s Looking for Langston was shown. I didn’t know what to expect of the film but it definitely confused me. I didn’t completely understand the 40 minute film as there wasn’t a clear order in events. However this wasn’t the thing that took me by surprise. The award-winning director depicted the black gay community during the Harlem Renaissance. The short film was set primarily in a 1920s nightclub and the fact that the film was in black and white added to that ambience. I never thought that the black gay community was so active in the early 20th century.

The next panel spoke about black masculinity. It consisted of a photographer and visual artist, Othello De’Souza-Hartley, and the new Deputy Mayor of London, Matthew Ryder. I loved both their very different way of addressing the audience. Orthello presentation was about the way black masculinity plays a role in his work and what that meant to him, whereas the speech of Matthew was more about expressing your masculinity and also the ‘Three Strands of Black Identity’, as he liked to call it: personal, community and black history. I loved both ways of approaching the subject in a different manner and I learnt a lot. Politics has interested me ever since I met Kofi Annan in 2012, and fortunately I got to speak to Matthew Ryder after the panel and he told me how young people can get involved with law and politics.

I was very lucky to have the opportunity to interview the curator of the exhibition and presenter of the discussions. Ekow Eshun explained how dandyism and black masculinity has been an interest of him all his life. This is partly due to his heavy involvement with magazines; from reading many of magazines growing up to 20 years ago when he worked for The Face, which was a style magazine in its time. I was impressed by how he spoke with such integrity so that I wanted to interview him. Here are some of the things he told me:

“I grew really interested in this thing of how you can convey so much through an image, and how style and fashion weren’t superficial things but could run to the very core of our identity. And, as a black person, we are so used to being judged on our appearance that it becomes a matter of something close to life and death to determine that on your own terms otherwise you face a sort of spiritual death because all that happens is someone else is judging you deciding who you are because of how you dress, because of your skin colour. – Ekow Eshun

 All in all, it was a great experience for my first conference.

Oorlogswinter

Het verhaal gaat over wraak, verraad, liefde, angst en vertouwen. Nadat er traumatisiche dingen gebeuren in het dorp weet Michiel dat hij niemand kan vertrouwen. Ik vind het boek erg ontroerend en spannend dus ik raad het aan aan iedereen die van spanning en drama in een historische omgeving houdt.

Circus fest 2016

Circus Fest 2016
Roundhouse, London
4-24 April 2016
Performance

This 1hour 15mins performance brings together circus, street dance, contemporary dance and gymnastics to create an unforgettable show.

I’ve not been to many circuses in my life as they have never really interested me so when I was asked to see this show I wasn’t quiet sure. However it turned out that this is not your typical circus with magic tricks and animal performances. The group of Finnish performers did different acts and created some jokes (appropriate for a 12+ audience) without using there mouth but rather mainly using body language.
I loved how the show  mocked the traditional circus where animals are used to do things against there will. So instead of using an actual wild cat to perform magical stunts one of the actors dressed up in a lion suit whilst being catapulted across the stage!

This show is full of humour and some amazing stunts and I would definitely recommend you see it before it ends.

Boticelli Reimagined

Boticelli Reimagined
V&A Museum, London
5 March 2016 – 3 July 2016
Exhibition

Catalogue cover for Boticelli Reimagined

This exhibition displays a wide variety of artists over the last 200 years who have been inspired and influenced by the works of Sandro Boticelli. Boticelli was one of the most well-known and prominent Renaisassance artists of his time. However, whereas people like Rafael and Michelangelo remained to be respected and influential figures after their death, Boticelli name and legacy became forgotten until only about two centuries ago when his work was “rediscovered and reinterpreted” (words of V&A text panel).

The exhibition is split into three main parts: contemporary artists influenced by Botticelli’s work, the rediscovery of Botticelli’s work in the 19th century and an overview of Botticelli’s and his co-workers’ paintings and drawings. In the first part, there was one artwork that I immediately recognised as one of Andy Warhol’s works. It was a close up of Venus but in pop-art form. One section in this part showed artists who exploit feminist critique referencing to some of Botticelli’s famous works. I especially found Expectation by Valie Export (1976) a powerful artwork as it shows a photomontage of the artist editing herself into Botticelli’s Madonna of the Pomegranate (c. 1487). In the original painting of Botticelli, Madonna is portrayed as a mother holding her baby but Valerie has changed the picture by depicting herself holding a vacuum cleaner to challenge the sexist view that women are just good for domestic and maternal purposes. The artist cleverly used a renowned painting and transformed it to express a feminist message.

Expectation by Valie Export, 1976

Madonna of the Pomegranate by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1487

Along with the works of many Botticelli-prompted artists, there is also an entire area filled with Botticelli’s original paintings and with work from his workshop. The comparison between the actual work of Boticelli and the work of his apprentices was very well done. Sometimes it was nearly impossible to determine who the painter really was but it was explained to me how the subtlety of the eyes and the form of the hands play a big part in attributing a work to Botticelli’s or to his co-workers.

Although there were some extraordinary artworks in this exhibition I feel that it could have been presented in a more intriguing way to engage a younger audience as I probably reduced the average age by I considerable amount!

Haiti Exhibiton (English version)

Kafou: Haiti, Art & Vodou Exhibition Nottingham Contemporary, Nottingham 20 Oct 2012 – 06 Jan 2013 Exhibition In November 2012 I saw an exhibition about art in Haiti. Many artists were inspired through the Vodou religion. I found it interesting to see how …

West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song

West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song
British Library, London
16 October 2015 – 16 February 2016
Exhibition

 

This exhibition explored different cultures in West Africa and the affect they have had on the modern states and changing life of people throughout the region of 17 countries in West Africa. From ancient manuscripts and revolutionary empires to the fight for independence and the influential figures that have made West Africa what it is today, this exhibition gives you a vast range of knowledge and gives you an insight into the background of this area that bathes in a rich culture and a fascinating history.

I spoke to Professor John Picton about this exhibition and he explained how this show cleverly portrays the importance of music to the visual arts in West Africa, in particular the (changing) ways in which instruments follow tonal speech patterns and how this links, at different times and places, to artworks. Music, speech patterns, and instruments change over time and they are all a context to each other.

One amazing part of the exhibition was a sound recording of the speech at Ghana’s independence day ceremony by Kwami Nkrumah on 6 March 1957. As Ghana was the first state in Sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from Britain , it was just wonderful to hear the real voice of Kwame Nkrumah on this very important event.

 

Mademoiselle Privé

I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys fashion, but also to people who don’t mind waiting in a long queue to experience this incredible show.

Bad boys for life!

Bad boys for life!
Vrank Post
2008
Boekverslag

Bad boys for life gaat over het leven en de avonturen van Omar en zijn vriend Joost. Omar, de hoofdpersoon, leeft al een paar jaar in een instutie voor jeugdcriminelen in Nederland. Het boek is heel realistisch. Het gaat over grote conflicten maar het zit ook vol met grapjes.

Het verhaal begint me Omar die een bankkantoor overvalt. Omar zegt, terwijl hij een geweer vasthoudt, dat hij de Islamistische Revolutie vertegenwoordigt en hij vertelt alle werknemers om zich niet zorgen te maken. Omar voelt zich goed en het lijkt dat alles prima gaat, maar dit verandert als zijn oude vriend Joost onverwacht binnenkomt.
Daarna gaat het verhaal drie jaar terug in de tijd en beschrijft hoe Omar leeft in de jeugdgevangenis. In het verhaal wordt er voortdurend geswitched tussen de jeugdinstelling en het bankkantoor. Ik vind dat de auteur dit erg slim heeft gedaan omdat het het verhaal meer origineel maakt.

De belangrijkste thema’s van het verhaal zijn criminaliteit, vriendschap en loyaliteit. De band tussen Omar en Joost groeit steeds meer en de titel van het boek verwijst naar deze band: ‘Bad boys for life’ is hetgeen dat Joost en Omar tegen elkaar zeggen om hun ‘broederschap’ te bevestigen.

We ride together, we die together.
Bad boys for life!
– van de film Bad Boys

 

Ik vond dit boek erg leuk en het verhaal intrigeerde me omdat er niet veel boeken zijn die over jeugdcriminaliteit gaan. Het is gericht op een tiener publiek (13+) omdat er sterke taal in zit en scheldwoorden worden gebruikt. De thema’s zijn natuurlijk ook best wel heftig.

Hoe ik nu leef

Hoe ik nu Leef gaat over Daisy, een Amerikaanse tiener die een boel beleeft. Het boek gaat ook over de puberteit en over liefde in het leven van Daisy. Oorlog, drastische veranderingen en andere grote-mensen thema’s spleen ook een groot deel in dit verhaal. Als je een tiener bent en je houdt van avontuur maar ook van gecompliceerde relaties is dit echt het boek voor jou!

Filiz

Filiz
Geertje Gort
1982
Boekverslag

Filiz boekomslag

Dit is een ontroerend boek over de ‘dubbelidentiteit’ van Filiz, de hoofdpersoon van het verhaal.

Filiz is zestien jaar en woont met haar moeder, Fannie, en haar vader, Mesut, in Nederland. Fannie is Nederlands en werkt bij een integratieorganisatie.  Mesut komt uit een klein dorp in Turkije, maar woont nu al 18 jaar in Nederland en spreekt goed Nederlands. Mesut voelt zich thuis in Nederland, maar hij wil ook een paar Turkse tradities behouden.

Het boek begint in het kleine dorpje in Turkije met de viering van de besnijdenis van het broertje van Filiz. De hele familie is er en Filiz voelt zich erg thuis, maar als ze terugkomt in Nederland is het even wennen voordat ze weer terug is in haar Nederlandse routine.
Het verhaal gaat over de verschillen tussen de culturen in Nederland en Turkije en hoe Filiz daar mee omgaat. Filiz heeft een ‘dubbelidentiteit’ omdat ze zich soms een Nederlandse voelt en soms een Turkse. Ze moet telkens switchen tussen de verschillende manieren en regels van haar moeders en vaders achtergrond. Het duurt lang voordat ze zichzelf als eenheid kan ervaren.

Het boek verkent familieproblemen en diversiteit in twee hele verschillende omgevingen in een interessant en spannend verhaal.

 

1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair

1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair
Somerset House, London
15 October 2015 – 18 October 2015
Exhibition Gallery

Somerset House, London

 

Mimi Cherono Ng’ok, ‘Untitled, (No one but you, Dakar series)’, 2014, Inkjet print on cotton rag paper, edition of 6, 120 x 120 cm, Courtesy of Fondation Donwahi

The art fair 1:54 displays a wide variety of artworks by African artists. I feel that African artists are not represented well by the media or in European museums. Not much work of African artists, even when they live in Europe, are often on display and on the occasional time that there is a show, it is often not on contemporary art. African art is often portrayed as stereotypical scary masks or ‘tribal’  pieces. Portraying African art as ‘tribal’ reinforces the ridiculous idea that many Africans are uncivilised and don’t understand real art. This exhibit does a great job at displaying a range of work from artists connected to different parts of Africa .

The title “1:54” represents the 54 countries in Africa united into one common continent. I think this is a clever play on numbers. It is a powerful name and also a bold statement.

Pizzamaffia

Pizzamaffia
Khalid Boudou
2007
Boekverslag

Pizzamaffia boekomslag

De pizzamaffia is een erg grappig boek over het leven van Brahim en de familievete tussen zijn familie en de familie van zijn oom. Brahim is nog op school maar hij werkt in zijn vrije tijd bij de familiepizzeria, Novara. Zijn vader, Amar, is ziek dus Brahim’s oom, Faris, helpt met het runnen van het restaurant en de hele familie komt vaak samen om over de dagelijkse zaken van het restaurant te spreken.

Het boek gaat ook over allemaal verschillende hedendaagse sociale problemen die omgezet zijn in een humoristisch verhaal. Brahims vader vindt dat Brahim zich nog gedraagt als een tiener en hij zegt dat Brahim nog een watje is. Brahim vindt het maar niks dat hij moet bewijzen dat hij een man zoals zijn vader. Brahim’s droom is om een BN’er te worden en lang te leven met zijn geliefde Alice. Het verhaal neemt een interessante wending als Oom Faris en zijn zoon, Haas, ruzie maken met Amar en Brahim. Faris en Haas creëren hun eigen pizzarestaurant niet ver van Novara. Deze situatie leidt tot een pizzaoorlog! Het conflict loopt hoog op. Worden de twee families herenigd of blijft de strijd eeuwig doorgaan?

Het boek is heel leuk en perfect voor tieners.

 

Out of Shadows

Out of Shadows
Jason Wallace
2010
Book Review

Out of Shadows book cover

This incredible book presents a memorable fictional story with lots of true events. It takes place in Zimbabwe in the 1980s just after Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain.

The protagonist, Robert Jacklin, has moved from England to Haven School, a boys-only public school in Zimbabwe. Roberts’s father decided to move to Zimbabwe for a career in civil service and because he wanted a new life for his family. Robert and his mother liked it in England and really didn’t want to move. However, once Robert got to know the place, he began to like it more. 

To please his father, Robert befriends Nelson, one of the few black boys at the school. Moreover, Robert soon realises that his school is full of racism and when Ivan (one of the biggest racist bully’s) takes notice of Roberts’s friendship with a black kid, Robert quickly switches allegiances so he won’t be bullied. Unfortunately Robert has no idea of the consequences of his actions and throughout the story he says to himself, ‘if only I had…’.

Zimbabwe was torn apart by the civil war and although many people (including Robert’s father) saw hope in the new black President Robert Mugabe, white Zimbabweans’ prejudice and abuse towards black Zimbabweans continue. 

I love how the author explores profound concerns like racism, hate, friendship, betrayal and guilt. It adds real character to the story. In my opinion, it would have been better if the story was not only written from Roberts perspective, but also from the view of point of Nelson.

This book is aimed at young adults, but is also a great read for adults as it interprets real life problems and events and mixes them up into one honest but brutal story.

What is Luxury?

This exhibition explores luxury in all its shapes and sizes, from old extravagant gold sculptures to future ideas that would improve our conditions today.

Het Zwanenmeer (maar dan anders)

Het Zwanenmeer (maar dan anders)
Francine Oomen
2003
Boekverslag

Het Zwanenmeer, boekomslag

Dit is een kort verhaal over een drieling die helemaal niet op elkaar lijken, maar wel heel veel van elkaar houden. Ze zorgen veel voor hun vaderWalter van Zwanenburg en voor elkaar.

Hun vader zit de hele dag in zijn kamer voor de computer ‘weg te rotten’. Dit vinden Sam, Beer en Pip maar niks. Ze hebben er genoeg van om altijd maar alles te moeten regelen en alles opnte moeten ruimen…Nou eigenlijk klopt dat niet helemaal omdat Sam de enige is die het hele huis opruimt en schoonmaakt. De vader van de drieling is een beroemde schrijver. Hij probeert steeds nieuwe dingen te bedenken voor zijn writers blog. Helaas lukt dat niet altijd; soms omdat geen ideeën heeft of omdat hij ze te slecht vindt. 

De moeder van de drieling is overleden bij hun geboorte. In het verleden zorgde dit voor veel “ooo, wat zielig” opmerkingen. Nu is de drieling niet meer zo aangedaan door de dood van hun moeder maar ze denken dat hun vader er ‘s nachts nog van wakker ligt.

Als Sam beslist dat ze genoeg heeft gehad om het huishouden te runnen, is ze erg blij dat haar zus Beer, broer Pip en vader Walter beloven om meer mee te helpen. Walter is erg lang niet na buiten geweest. Die middag, als hij de vuilnis naar buiten brengt, wordt hij door de vuilniswagen geraakt. De drieling schikt zich te pletter als ze begrijpen dat hun vader in het ziekenhuis moet blijven omdat hij een tumor blijkt te hebben. Isabel, de vuilnisvrouw, zorgt een beetje voor hen, maar het verhaal gaat er vooral over hoe de drieling voor zichzelf zorgen.

BOY 7

Boy 7
Mirjam Mous
2009
Boekverslag

BOY 7 boekomslag

‘Toen ik mijn ogen opendeed, wist ik niets meer… Zelfs mijn eigen naam niet.’

Dit is een ontroerend boek over een jongen die zijn geheugen heeft verloren en zijn eigen identiteit niet meer weet. Het boek is erg spannend. Er zijn ook een paar grappige stukjes in het boek en sommige delen lijken erg op de echte wereld. Dit maakt het boek realistisch en interresant om te lezen.

De hoofdpersoon, Sam Waters, werd wakker in een bloedheet vlak landschap. Hij keek om zich heen maar hij zag alleen een rugzak met daarin een paar essentiële spullen. Hiervan zou hij maar een korte tijd van kunnen leven. In deze tas zat een flesje water, een baseballcap, een pyjama, een boxershort, een tube tandpasta met een tandenborstel en een rolletje bankbiljetten. Maar er zaten ook wat rare dingen in zoals een foto van een oud gebouw en een bestellijst voor Pizza Hut. Sam was erg in de war en wist niet wat hij moest doen, maar dan vindt hij een telefoon! Toen Sam zijn voicemailberichten opende hoorde hij een bekende stem…zijn eigen stem. Het bericht zei: “Wat er ook gebeurt, bel in geen geval de politie.”

Sam wist nu dat er iets mis was maar gelukkig zag hij een auto in de verte. De wagen stopte voor Sam en de bestuurder stelde zich voor als Lara. Lara Rodgers wilde weten hoe Sam heette maar door zijn geheugenverlies  wist Sam zijn eigen naam niet meer. Hij besloot om zich als Boy 7 voortestellen omdat dat het merk van al zijn kleren was. Lara nam Sam mee naar het dichtbijzijnste dorp waar Sam bij haar oma kon blijven slapen.

Langzaamaan ontdekt Sam de vreselijke gebeurtenissen die er met hem gebeurd zijn. Met de hulp van Lara en de spullen in zijn rugzak herinnert Sam zich meer over zijn verleden. Omdat Sam lang niet weet wat er precies gebeurd is, durft hij niemand te vertrouwen, zelfs zijn enige vriendin Lara niet. Kan Sam zijn verleden nog opsporen of is het te laat?

Ik vind het erg effectief dat het boek de tijd door elkaar husselt want dit geeft de verwarring van Sam aan. Het is een mooi geschreven tienerboek.

Maggot Moon

This is a great book for youngsters about a boy who travels through a extraordinary adventure. Although it is a children’s book, the book does include elements of modern day inequality and some current issues. I think this is well-written book that I was very intrigued by it. Even though it had some abominable cruelties in it, this book was a great read and I definitely recommend it.

Selma

Selma
January 9, 2015
Ava Duvernay
Film

Recently I went to see this film at the cinema since I have always been intrigued by the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King Jr. who is someone I look up to.

This film is all about the march from Selma to Montgomery and how that has led to African-Americans getting the right to vote. I really like how the director has focused on a specific part of the Civil Rights Movement and expanded on that. This is good as firstly, it doesn’t make the film carry on for too long, but makes it flow and secondly, the event that the cast and crew focused on is not a part of the most well-known things Martin Luther King did but it is one of his more influential actions. It also allows the director to show both the public and private life of Martin Luther King; we see he struggles with normal human issues like how to balance his work and his family life like everybody else.

The way the production displayed Malcolm X and other Civil Rights Leaders quite subtly shows their importance as well, but kept the emphasis on Dr. King. It hints how Malcolm X at the end of his life – who in this time period of the film is murdered – tried to reconcile with Martin Luther King Jr.

The film has a few funny scenes but also quite a few scenes that are really devastating and nearly made me cry. Even though racism has definitely not disappeared, I feel privileged that it has better since then. The film takes you through the different stages that Martin Luther King took to secure equal voting rights for all Americans and in my opinion it does that very cleverly to make it a factual but also very entertaining watch.
I really like how the film included a clip from the actual march on Montgomery from Selma in 1965, as it added more reality to the movie. I’m glad they only showed  a bit of the actual march because if they had included more it might have made the film into more of a documentary.

I was dissapointed but also shocked that this great phenomenon didn’t win any awards at the oscars, except one for Common and John Legend who one the oscar for best original song. Some say this is because the director of this film and some of the actors aren’t well-known and others say that it is because the board of the Oscars are predominately white-males. Nevertheless I still think this film is up there with the best and if I was judge I would definetly give this film the Best Picture Award.

Birds poem

Birds The peaceful sing of a sparrow On a bright summers day Waking you up to start the day The powerful wings of an eagle Gliding through the autumn wind Casting an intimidating shadow on the ground below The beautiful …

My trip to Parliament

Trip to Parliament
16 February 2015
Politics

The Houses of Parliament

On the 16th of February I visited Parliament with my mum and some friends. We had a tour in Westminster, which was insightful and fun.

Our tour guide took us through the main sections of Parliament such as the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It was great how he explained how the Government works and how our country is run. I already knew quite a bit through my own research and by watching the BBC Series ‘Inside the Commons’. He told us a funny but sad story about how on 16 October 1834, most of the Old Parliaments was burned down when a few workers overheated a stove full of tally sticks. These sticks were abolished in 1826 but the workers didn’t know what to do with them so they burned them, which in hindsight might not have been the best idea. Most of the Palace (Old Parliament) was burned to the ground, but Westminster Hall and the Jewel Tower were lucky to survive along with some other less important constructions.

There is a lot of history that makes up the Houses of Parliament. For example there are portraits of all the Tudor Monarchs and their spouse(s*) in a glamorous room inside the 19th century part of The Houses of Parliament. I had recently been learning about Charles I and the Civil War. Therefore I had some idea of why certain traditions were still active. On 4 January 1642 Charles stormed into Parliament with his Royalist troops to seize and arrest 5 MP’s. Since then a monarch has never stepped foot in the House of Commons (officially) as they are not allowed, in the event that they might try to arrest MP’s!

House of Commons

Our tour guide took us through the Commons and explained how MP’s could speak and what parties sat where etc.
On the news you might see lots of turmoil in the Commons but that is just because that’s the most interesting part that the media would show. However, quite often it is very quite except around noon on a Wednesday… because that’s when Prime Ministers Questions happens, when any MP can ask the PM any question.

We were allowed to ask many questions. I was curious, for instance, how the speaker in the Commons is chosen and how he or she can avoid being biased towards who he gives the word to speak as the speaker himself or herself is also an MP. The speaker has the trust of the MP’s. I found later that there are several checks to ensure that he or she is not politically biased.

My mum was very curious about the politics that might take place if we would have a coalition government again (she is much more familiar with that as in the Netherlands there is always a coalition). We were explained about traditions when a new goverment is appointed, which seems quite related to the time of the year. However, what will happen if the governement will fall earlier and early general elections need to be held? Something that might be much more likely with coalition governements (which is a solution to a hung parliament). As this is all so rare to Britain, it has not happened and the tour guide thought it was very unlikely to happen. It would muddle up a lot of traditions!

House of Lords

We also got the chance to look around the House of Lords. It looks so much more lavish and chic than the House of Commons. We were told that this is where the Queen always gives here speech to start the Parliamentary term. In the speech she tells Parliament what she wants them to achieve during the next term. However the speech is written by the Government and given to the Queen to read out.

It was a great day and I would recommend to go at least once in your lifetime as it really makes you understand the working of Parliament better. And if you don’t know that than you can’t change anything to make this country a better place.

*in the case of Henry VIII who had six wives

Wie is de mol?

Wie is de Mol?
November 19, 1999 t/m Nu
Bart de Pauw, Michel Vanhove, Tom Lenaerts en Michiel Devlieger
TV Series

logo van WIDM

Wie is de Mol? is een reality TV show waar de kandidaten, 10 beroemde Nederlandse sterren, opdrachten uitvoeren om geld te winnen. Maar er is één kandidaat die de boel zit te manipuleren. Fans van De Mol noemen dit ‘mollen’. Het is een erg bekende show in Nederland en het bestaat al sinds 1999. De eerste show vond plaats in Australië en is vervolgens in verschillende landen over de hele wereld opgenomen. De huidige vijftiende show speelt zich af in Sri Lanka.

Het doel van het spel is om zoveel mogelijk geld te verdienen voor de pot. Je verdient geld door opdrachten goed uit te voeren of door kleine extraatjes die de regisseurs in de show hebben gestopt. Je kunt echter ook geld verliezen met opdrachten. In het spel heb je vaak de keuze om voor jezelf te kiezen (levert vaak jokers of vrijstellingen op) of voor de groep (levert vaak geld op). Jokers zorgen ervoor dat een foute vraag goed wordt gerekend in de test. Vrijstellingen houden in dat je automatisch naar de volgende aflevering gaat. Er bestaat ook de ZWARTE VRIJSTELLING die alle jokers uitschakelt die in de test waren ingezet. De zwart vrijstelling werd in Seizoen 14 geïntroduceerd.

Een Joker

Een Zwarte Vrijstelling

Een Vrijstelling

Aan het einde van elke aflevering doen de kandidaten een test om te zien of ze door gaan naar de volgende ronde. Er zijn 20 vragen in de test over het doen en laten van de mol en de kandidaten beantwoorden ze met één of meer mollen in gedachten. Een vraag kan bijvoorbeeld zijn: ‘In welk team was de mol op de markt?’.  Normaal gesproken spreiden de kandidaten bij de eerste afleveringen en beantwoorden de vragen met verschillende mollen in gedachten omdat degene die het slechtst de test beantwoord naar huis moet. Kandidaten spreiden in het begin omdat ze weten dat het super gevaarlijk is om een ‘tunnel visie’ te hebben. Pas later in het spel beginnen ze zich op één kandidaat te richten. Bondgenoten en duo’s zijn ook een groot deel van WIDM, zeker in dit seizoen, maar kandidaten kunnen ook zichzelf verdacht maken en erg lopen te ‘mollen’ ook al zijn ze niet echt de mol.

Het spel gaat allemaal om vertrouwen; wie je vertrouwt en wie niet kan het verschil maken tussen naar huis gaan en doorspelen.

Dit programma heeft best wel veel nominaties en prijzen gekregen zoals de Gouden-Televizier Ring in 2013 voor Seizoen 13. Het wordt in Nederland door miljoenen bekeken en elk jaar zorgt de show voor spanning, lol en veel plezier!

De Kandidaten van Seizoen 15

 Wie is de mol?

Nervous…

2014/2012 Poetry NERVOUS… I don’t know what to say, Should I just shout ‘Black Day’? I don’t know what to do, I’m tangled in the stew. My mind drops like huge hail, Yes, I’m certain to fail! My brain shuts …

The Sonnets

The Sonnets
Warwick Collins
2008
Book Review

The Sonnets book cover

This book is written from the perspective of William Shakespeare. It is set in Elizabethan England from 1592-1594; a two-year period where entertainment and arts were at their low point due to the devastating outbreak of the plague in London.

Shakespeare struggles to find work as a play writer with the closure of many theatres, but he manage to earn money through the patronage of the Earl of Southampton. It is unknown when, where and for whom Shakespeare wrote his famous sonnets but the author believes this might have been since 1592. He tries to step into Shakespeare’s shoes and imagine the circumstances around the writing of 30 of these great poems. He also pictures the sonnets to be largely written for his patron, his Lord.

I like how the author has woven 30 of 147 of Shakespeare’s sonnets into an inspiring novel. He gives beautiful accounts of how Shakespeare interacts with many colourful characters of the time and he explores the complicated relationship between the relatively poor Shakespeare and very wealthy Earl of Southampton.

Although the book is not easy to read (I had to use the dictionary at times), it is still a book that I recommend to anybody who has some interest in the work of Shakespeare and who has a bit of passion for poetry.

I had not read any of Shakespeare sonnets before I read this book (and only seen two plays by Shakespeare, but I am sure I will read quite some of his work at school). The sonnet I liked most is Sonnet XVIII (on page 37 in this book):

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed,
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature’s changing course untrimmed:
But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st,
Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st,
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

I like how it is not too obvious who Shakespeare is writing to. Therefore I can use my imagination to explore the meaning behind the poem. You can almost feel the warmth of a late summer day in this poem.

Sonnets of William Shakespeare

Death in Paradise

Death in Paradise
October 25, 2011 – Present
Robert Thorogood
TV Series

Death in Paradise

This is probably my favourite show at the moment. I have always loved detective series and this one is a great example of a well-loved show, according to me. The programme is set in the fictional Saint Marie but takes lots of inspiration from daily life in the Caribbean Guadeloupe. I find this programme original because of the added humour and atmosphere added to a murder mystery marvel! The petty but funny arguments between DI Richard Poole (Ben Miller), an extremely english and uptight man who can’t stand the sand and heat, and DS Camille Bordey (Sara Martins) a relaxed island local who also happens to be French, give the show its character and it makes the show more enjoyable. After Richard Poole’s tragic death at the start of Series 3 he is replaced by DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) who despite being more easy-going than Richard, still has the same characteristics of a typical englishman. Goodman and Bordey continue solving crimes together and I think Season 4 will be a great one. The show has been running for 3 series now and the BBC has renewed it for a 4th season. Whilst the very talented Sergeant Fidel Best (Gary Carr) is unfortunately leaving the show, new stars are going to appear in Natalie Gumede, comedian Simon Day and Will Mellor.

Death in Paradise Season 4 will be premiering tonight at 9pm GMT.

So don’t miss it!

2014 in review

Happy New Year!

The Future of Fashion is Now

The Future of Fashion is Now
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam
10 October 2014 – 18 January 2015
Tentoonstelling

Future of Fashion is now

Een interessante tentoonstelling over de hedendaagse mode en hoe fashion er binnenkort zou kunnen uitzien. Verschillende mode ontwerpers uit de hele wereld hebben aan deze tentoonstelling meegewerkt. Zij hebben gemeen dat ze kritisch zijn over de manier waarop veel mode op het moment gemaakt wordt. Ik vind dat de diverse selectie van modekunstwerken het tot een mooie tentoonstelling heeft gemaakt. Een grappig kunstwerk was Laaange mouw 2014 van Antoine Peters. Het kunstwerk speelt met het idee of je alle kleding ook wel daadwerkelijk moet kunnen dragen. Is dit nou wel een trui of niet? In de tentoonstelling was dit kunstwerk opgehangen als een soort spinnenweb waar je tussendoor kon lopen.

Laaange mouw, 2014 door Antoine Peters

De show lijkt vooral geschikt voor ouderen, maar ook wel leuk voor kinderen 10+. Het zou wel mooi zijn als er wat meer interactieve installaties waren, want het was nu een beetje saai!

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars John Green 2012 Book Review A beautiful story of love, anger, humour, friendship and bravery. This story by John Green goes in to the depth of one Hazel Grace who has been diagnosed with cancer at the …

Koning van Katoren

Koning van Katoren
Jan Terlouw
1971
Boekverslag

Koning van Katoren boekomslag

Een spannende roman over een gewone jongen die droomt om de nieuwe Koning van Katoren te worden.

Stach, 17, was geboren dezelfde nacht dat de vrolijke koning van Katoren stierf. Stach is geadopteerd door zijn oom Gervaas omdat in de eerste paar dagen van zijn leven zijn vader van de kerktoren in Wiss viel en overlrrd. Zijn moeder redde het ook niet van de schrik. Gervaas is altijd een erg verlegen man geweest maar hij zorgt ervoor dat Stach het omgekeerde wordt: een zelfverzekerde jongen die risico’s durft te nemen. Als Stach zijn ambities om de volgende Koning van Katoren te worden verteld aan de zes ministers zijn er verschillende gevoelens in de ministerraad. Een paar ministers denken dat het een goed idee is om Stach z’n hoofd eraf te hakken, een ander stel vindt dat hij moet worden verbannen uit Katoren en het laatste paar vindt dat hij zes onmogelijke opdrachten moet uitvoeren. Er wordt met Stach z’n leven gespeeld en een dobbelsteen beslist zijn lot. Als er een 5 of 6 word gegooid dan moet hij de zes zeer gevaarlijke opdrachten uitvoeren…

Stach is altijd klaar voor een avontuur maar dit is echt wel een stap verder. Misschien helpt zijn doorzettingsvermogen en zijn altijd opgewekte houding om de eerste opdracht goed uit te voeren. Stach is nergens bang voor maar er is één ding dat hij niet zal doen: van de kerktoren in Wiss springen.

Ik vind het een erg spannend boek en een Nederlandse klassieker. Toen ik jonger was las mijn moeder mij voor uit dit boek. En nu, sinds ik het zelf lees, vind ik het nog leuker en begrijp ik het boek meer. Dit is absoluut een must-read!

 

Sherlock

Sherlock July 25, 2010 – Present Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat and Stephen Thompson TV Series Review This blockbuster series has taken over the UK and has won numerous BAFTA awards, Emmy awards and lots more awards. This is definitely one …

The Truman Show

The Truman Show Peter Weir 1998 Filmverslag Deze film is in het Engels gesproken met Nederlandse ondertiteling. Sinds ik jong ben heb ik in oma’s auto gezeten en naar De Truman Show geluisterd die gecomponeerd is door Phillip Glass en Burkhard …

Ming

Ming – 50 Years that changed China
British Museum London
18 September 2014 – 5 January 2015
Exhibition

A special display of some of China’s finest art from the rise and fall of the Ming Dynasty, a prosperous 50 years that changed China. The Ming Dynasty was actually the ruling dynasty of China for 276 years, but the British Museum is focusing the 50 years between 1400 and 1450 wherein the Forbidden City was built and Beijing was established as China’s capital. I have noticed in all the exhibitions I’ve visited, there hasn’t  been a lot of Chinese ones and certainly no exhibitions about the Ming Dynasty. It was quite amazing to see that many of the objects on display were shown for the first time outside China.

Anonymous. Hand scroll, Xuande period, 1426–35

This artwork is actually part of a really long hand scroll. I really like this scroll as it tells a story. Unfortunately the full hand scroll doesn’t fit on this page but I believe that this section already tells a lot. The Emperor Xuande is watching his eunuchs playing football and trying to keep the ball up. This was a real surprise to me as I hadn’t expected that they would have played football in China at that time. I also think that the curators of this exhibition have been very clever in selecting certain artworks. When i was admiring the art there were a few groups of children and the adults told them to see what different sports they could find in the hand scrolls. Overall I think this exhibition is an exquisite showing of a few hidden treasures that should be put more in the spotlight by the rest of the world. Click here for a public reaction video about the exhibition.

De Glazen Brug

De Glazen Brug Marga Minco 1986 Boekverslag Een zielig verhaal over de situatie van de joden in Nederland in de Tweede Wereld Oorlog. Stella is al lang op de vlucht om een veilige plek te vinden om te wonen. Ze …

Oranges in no man’s land

Oranges in no man’s land
Elizabeth Laird
2006
Book Review

Oranges in no man’s land, Book cover

A short but powerful book about the civil war in Lebanon. Ayesha lives on one side of the imaginary Green Line, that splits Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, into2 sides that despise of each other. Ayesha, 10, lives with her 8 year old little brother,(name of brother) and her baby brother, Ahmed. Ayesha and her Grandma have always looked after the family since Ayesha mother died when their home was bombed by the enemy. The family have recently moved to a very big house full of refugees, that used to be a luxury mansion but now is totally run down and not in a very good condition. However, Ayesha’s family met Mrs. Zainab who has helped them out to survive in these difficult times. Throughout the story Ayesha finds herself making an unlikely friendship with Mrs. Zainab’s daughter, (name). Who teaches Ayesha how to communicate in sign language as she is deaf. Ayesha is coping as well as expected. But when her granny’s medicine runs out she needs to make a dangerous journey across the Green Line to see a doctor who granny uses to work for. This book discusses 2 parties fighting a war based mainly on political views, but tells it in more child-friendly manner. I really enjoy this book and recommend to junior kids who like adventure but also a bit of interest in modern problems of our world.

Malevich (Nederlands)

Malevich Tate Modern, Londen 16 Juli – 26 Oktober 2014 Tentoonstelling Een tentoonstelling over de revolutie in de Russische kunst voornamelijk geleid door Kazimir Severinovich Malevich in een van de avant-garde bewegingen van de twintigste eeuw. Malevich wordt vaak beschouwd als een van …

Malevich

Malevich
Tate Modern, London
16 July – 26 October 2014
Exhibition

Photograph of Kazimir Malevich

An exhibition about the revolution in Russian Art led predominantly by Kazimir Malevich in one of the avant-garde movements of the twentieth century.

Malevich is considered one of the most innovative Russian artist of the 20th century. He wasn’t actually Russian, he was born in Kiev to Polish parents and only moved to Moscow in his mid-twenties. Along with a handful of other Russian artists, Malevich created some of the most thought-provoking artworks of his time, some which are still causing the viewer to reflect upon the works.

In his early years, Malevich was still searching for his own style and taking inspiration from famous artists like Picasso, Matisse, Monet and Bracque. And later in his life he would be inspiring other artists to create their own way of portraying art.

The first few rooms display his early paintings but in part of room 3 he starts to develop his own style of painting. In one particular painting Morning in the Village After Snowstorm, 1912 Malevich begins to experiment with gradient to create bold simple polygons that form a powerful painting.

Morning in the Village After Snowstorm, 1912

In my opinion this is what the real unique style of Malevich is; shading colours from dark to light to create an abstract image. This painting is one of Kazimir’s first to really show off his fabulous style.
Room 5 displays the most famous and influential work of Malevich. The introduction to the exhibition explains how Malevich’s Black Square, 1915  has inspired and unsettled viewers for almost a hundred years. The Black Square was a whole new approach to abstract art that Malevich called suprematism. I was quite confused as the painting in the booklet was slightly different to the actual painting. After reading the text I realised that Kazimir had painted four versions of Black Square. The surface of the original painting was brittle and soon began to crack so Malevich created another version in 1923 that is now here in the Tate Modern.

Original version of Black Square, 1915

Like many people, Kazimir had a very difficult time during WW1. He also witnessed first-hand the Russian Revolution. His art was first well accepted by the new regime, but was later condemned as wrong by Stalin and his prescription of Social Realism. During the reign of Stalin lots of types of art were abolished and disbanded. This included many of Malevich’s abstract work. Around 1917 because of all the turmoil surrounding the war, Malevich and lots of avant-garde painters gradually stopped painting. His older, more exquisite work gave way to simple, colourless works of art and in the end he stopped.

Painting died, like the old regime, because it was an organic part of it – Kazimir Malevich, 1919

In November 1919, Malevich took up an art teaching post as he was struggling with the Civil War. He taught students about Suprematism and worked with them to create wonderful pieces of art. During the 1920s Malevich designed model buildings without any purpose but just to show what suprematist architecture might look like. Nearing the end of the 1920s Malevich started painting again. I believe Sportsmen, 1930 really exploits Malevich’s unique style and puts it all into one painting.

Sportsmen, 1930

This painting shows the vibrant use of colours and the intricate white lines on the black that Malevich used in his older paintings.
Malevich’s last paintings took on a more realist style but instead of signing them with his name, Malevich signed them with a black square, suggesting that he always kept the principle ideals of suprematism with him.

Video on work of Malevich

Triomf van de verschroeide aarde

 Triomf van de verschroeide aarde Thea Beckman 1977 Boekverslag Een mooi geschreven boek dat laat zien dat je lichaamsbouw, status of leeftijd niet uit maakt en dat elk mens een verschil kan maken als ze er maar wat voor over …