10 December 2009
Capturing a state of mind...
A two hour car journey, heading to Germany...a captured moment reflecting a current sentiment; finally a breakthrough of clarity through this jumbled confusion I have been experiencing... through transit emerges lots of questions, reflections, doubts... and sometimes clarity.
8 December 2009
Glamorous solitude...
Inspiration always seems to hit at the most awkward of times...such as on a lone winter night's walk home from town...where the passing traffic, the distant rush of trains and the swift sway of tree branches invites the mind to drift, memories to flood and reflection to flourish. And, of course, where paper and pen are absent...
Another Friday night spent alone...not out of lack of trying to find enthusiasts to join me in an evening of vernissages and emerging art creations throughout the city. I can't complain as I did bump into one or two people I knew... but you know, the kind of situation where you know them through someone else so you don't quite feel justified to call them 'your friend' and they hardly consider asking you to join them for a drink... after all, you're 'so-and-so's' friend, not theirs. Anyhow... venturing in my own company in and out of galleries and artistic spaces, I realised the following:
I have friends in New York, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Canada, London, Newscastle, Wales and Paris. All very glamorous indeed... But is it really? As while I have friends in these fabulous locations, how many do I have here? I remain with few to none at home... or the place I identify as home.
The glamour of travelling and living abroad soon wears when you suddenly realise that it is quite a solitary thing. This thought reminded me of what a guest artist mentioned in a class of mine; she was talking about the concept of mobility; always moving. And while few agreed – I really related to her comment that the excitement of travel and move into the unknown soon diffuses into a certain sentiment of solitude. She was discussing how travel is in fact a very solitary experience, and the glamour and ideology of it can soon become lonesome. After all, you're always leaving someone, somewhere, something behind... and some things are irreplacable.
Another Friday night spent alone...not out of lack of trying to find enthusiasts to join me in an evening of vernissages and emerging art creations throughout the city. I can't complain as I did bump into one or two people I knew... but you know, the kind of situation where you know them through someone else so you don't quite feel justified to call them 'your friend' and they hardly consider asking you to join them for a drink... after all, you're 'so-and-so's' friend, not theirs. Anyhow... venturing in my own company in and out of galleries and artistic spaces, I realised the following:
I have friends in New York, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Canada, London, Newscastle, Wales and Paris. All very glamorous indeed... But is it really? As while I have friends in these fabulous locations, how many do I have here? I remain with few to none at home... or the place I identify as home.
The glamour of travelling and living abroad soon wears when you suddenly realise that it is quite a solitary thing. This thought reminded me of what a guest artist mentioned in a class of mine; she was talking about the concept of mobility; always moving. And while few agreed – I really related to her comment that the excitement of travel and move into the unknown soon diffuses into a certain sentiment of solitude. She was discussing how travel is in fact a very solitary experience, and the glamour and ideology of it can soon become lonesome. After all, you're always leaving someone, somewhere, something behind... and some things are irreplacable.
7 December 2009
Mood du jour: Fed up
There are days like that. We are fed up. May it be called the blues or getting up on the wrong side of the bed… in the end, it doesn’t matter. We are just tired and have had enough.
From the moment that we wake up, nothing is right. To begin; we didn’t hear the alarm clock so we get up late. We feel rushed so we go onto ‘speed’ mode; we hurry ourselves to get dressed; we hastily do our hair: we try to grab a quick bite to eat (although some mornings we don’t even have the time); we quickly brush our teeth; grab our stuff and swiftly head for the door to find ourselves sure of having forgotten something but unsure what. Then we run to catch the bus and there, due to the morning madness, we hesitate in our memory as to whether we did actually lock the door or not. And all this – even before stepping into work, where we have a niggling feeling that things are not going to be better.
This is not intended to be a rant, but surely most us have experienced such mornings… it seems that in this modern 21st century society, it is somewhat inevitable that we experience this at one point or another.
However… in the course of the day… there may be a moment amongst the clouded chaos, solitude and fatigue, where a glimmer of sunlight appears (literally or metaphorically) that lifts our spirits and temporarily transports us to another dimension; a more peaceful and pleasant dimension away from the stress and worries. We allow ourselves a few seconds to indulge in this other universe... to think that tomorrow is another day, and perhaps a better day…
This is not intended to be a rant, but surely most us have experienced such mornings… it seems that in this modern 21st century society, it is somewhat inevitable that we experience this at one point or another.
However… in the course of the day… there may be a moment amongst the clouded chaos, solitude and fatigue, where a glimmer of sunlight appears (literally or metaphorically) that lifts our spirits and temporarily transports us to another dimension; a more peaceful and pleasant dimension away from the stress and worries. We allow ourselves a few seconds to indulge in this other universe... to think that tomorrow is another day, and perhaps a better day…
1 December 2009
30 November 2009
Transitional excuses
It's not because nothing has been written that all has been forgotten....i suppose, and not meaning to be ironic, one could say I have been transiting. From a job that I very much disliked...to an unknown...from one country to another; from new relationships and old friendships; pasts, presents and futures; shifting mind-frames and a persistent and bloody insecurity that what I write will truly not interest anybody.
But how will I know if I don't start publishing online and making it accessible to an audience to critic, comment or even - and doubtful but always hopeful - applaud. So....writing to come. Even (and most likely always) in transit...from here and there...
But how will I know if I don't start publishing online and making it accessible to an audience to critic, comment or even - and doubtful but always hopeful - applaud. So....writing to come. Even (and most likely always) in transit...from here and there...
Word du jour: Graffiti
Graffiti, as seen in inner-cities and urban areas, is an emerging phenomenon from the mid-to-late twentieth century. However, the understanding, perception and social significance of graffiti continue to remain unclear within this twenty-first century. It is very much an open field. An initial issue is that the term ‘graffiti’ is one fuelled by ambiguity. Additionally, the associations that are attributed or made with this one word vary extensively amid different people. Expressions such as ‘public art’, ‘street art’, ‘tagging’, ‘vandalism’ or ‘social crime’ all relate to graffiti in some way. These blurred perceptions also extend to those who undertake this practice: the graffitists.
Think of Banksy. A current “heavyweight in the art world” and a pride of Bristol, Banksy is one of a few graffiti artists who has successfully and commercially imposed himself and his style within urban society and modern art. Most often termed as a ‘guerrilla artist’, his status has led to Bristol (his hometown) council ordering that all his work in the city be ‘preserved’, yet all other graffiti adjacent to Banksy’s work, be tackled. This example in itself emphasises the contradictions and inequalities that continually surround the world of graffitists. While one will be recognised internationally for his thought-provoking work and street style, another just as capable and talented will be deemed worthless out of a lack of reputation and status.
Graffiti is a topic that has captivated me for a while now. Really, what prompted such interest was my seeming inability to define what graffiti is. I realized I was unable to pinpoint it down to a single definition because of the endless associations that I had learned to make with the word: graffiti. Essentially, graffiti may be identified as a ‘tag’ (generally a signature of one’s name or ‘crew’) or a ‘piece’ (being a larger and more complete mural). For others, graffiti is something far more ancient relating back to prehistoric cave paintings and wall scratchings of Ancient Rome. The division, however, remains very much blurred and subjective to the individual. Personally, I identify and discuss graffiti as mural ‘pieces’. My current interest lies in the wall paintings as a whole and particularly the context surrounding them. Yet, when dealing with the topic and context of graffiti, a series of questions (which have led to enduring debates) arise, such as: is graffiti art or crime? Is it an act of vandalism or an act of expression? Is it segregating society or unifying communities? Keeping in mind that “what is art to one person may be disfigurement or vandalism to another”, it seems inevitable that there be conflicting perceptions of graffiti. The notion of vandalism is one view that particularly reinforces an important negative opinion of graffiti. However, many people fail to consider whether graffiti, also known as ‘street art’, provides a sense of identity and unity amongst those who either undertake it or appreciate it. Has it encouraged the creation of a subculture? Does graffiti provide a form of identity for artists and aficionados?
Extending from mere mural painting, graffiti has seen the formation of an alternative press to purposely present it how the graffiti artists understand it and try to reduce the images of “vandalism” and “defacement” it conjures. Magazines, internet sites, advertisements, music videos are all areas where graffiti has increasingly featured within a more positive context: as a personalized and occasionally politicized artistic form. There is also an increasing demand for graffiti artists within the branding and marketing world. This is all the more emphasised in a recent project entitled “End-to-End” between Adidas, Footlocker and seven of the best graffiti artists. These graffitists were provided with a warehouse in London, art materials and three days and three nights to create a unique collection of designs, based on their graffiti works, for Adidas footwear, clothing and accessories. So, one wonders whether graffiti is finally beginning to establish itself as a creative and expressive art form in our contemporary society.
*This is an adapted snippet of a research paper that discussed the varying dominant perceptions and definitions of graffiti, with its endless underlying connotations, stereotypes and associations with youth and crime. I hope by publishing extracts I can share my observations and findings and especially invite others to present their thoughts on the topic, their observations or experiences with the graffiti world.
Think of Banksy. A current “heavyweight in the art world” and a pride of Bristol, Banksy is one of a few graffiti artists who has successfully and commercially imposed himself and his style within urban society and modern art. Most often termed as a ‘guerrilla artist’, his status has led to Bristol (his hometown) council ordering that all his work in the city be ‘preserved’, yet all other graffiti adjacent to Banksy’s work, be tackled. This example in itself emphasises the contradictions and inequalities that continually surround the world of graffitists. While one will be recognised internationally for his thought-provoking work and street style, another just as capable and talented will be deemed worthless out of a lack of reputation and status.
Graffiti is a topic that has captivated me for a while now. Really, what prompted such interest was my seeming inability to define what graffiti is. I realized I was unable to pinpoint it down to a single definition because of the endless associations that I had learned to make with the word: graffiti. Essentially, graffiti may be identified as a ‘tag’ (generally a signature of one’s name or ‘crew’) or a ‘piece’ (being a larger and more complete mural). For others, graffiti is something far more ancient relating back to prehistoric cave paintings and wall scratchings of Ancient Rome. The division, however, remains very much blurred and subjective to the individual. Personally, I identify and discuss graffiti as mural ‘pieces’. My current interest lies in the wall paintings as a whole and particularly the context surrounding them. Yet, when dealing with the topic and context of graffiti, a series of questions (which have led to enduring debates) arise, such as: is graffiti art or crime? Is it an act of vandalism or an act of expression? Is it segregating society or unifying communities? Keeping in mind that “what is art to one person may be disfigurement or vandalism to another”, it seems inevitable that there be conflicting perceptions of graffiti. The notion of vandalism is one view that particularly reinforces an important negative opinion of graffiti. However, many people fail to consider whether graffiti, also known as ‘street art’, provides a sense of identity and unity amongst those who either undertake it or appreciate it. Has it encouraged the creation of a subculture? Does graffiti provide a form of identity for artists and aficionados?
Extending from mere mural painting, graffiti has seen the formation of an alternative press to purposely present it how the graffiti artists understand it and try to reduce the images of “vandalism” and “defacement” it conjures. Magazines, internet sites, advertisements, music videos are all areas where graffiti has increasingly featured within a more positive context: as a personalized and occasionally politicized artistic form. There is also an increasing demand for graffiti artists within the branding and marketing world. This is all the more emphasised in a recent project entitled “End-to-End” between Adidas, Footlocker and seven of the best graffiti artists. These graffitists were provided with a warehouse in London, art materials and three days and three nights to create a unique collection of designs, based on their graffiti works, for Adidas footwear, clothing and accessories. So, one wonders whether graffiti is finally beginning to establish itself as a creative and expressive art form in our contemporary society.
*This is an adapted snippet of a research paper that discussed the varying dominant perceptions and definitions of graffiti, with its endless underlying connotations, stereotypes and associations with youth and crime. I hope by publishing extracts I can share my observations and findings and especially invite others to present their thoughts on the topic, their observations or experiences with the graffiti world.
10 February 2009
Mood du jour: Ranting
As a young, freshly graduated individual, one imagines that wonderful prospects lie ahead. There is a sense of invincibility, determination and ambition. You are inspired to make valuable use of the knowledge and opinions you have obtained and formed during your time at university. You feel you have a more informed consciousness with which you will strive to further the messages on ecology, fair-trade, sustainable and renewable energies… All big words that have become daily figures in a 21st century mind. You don’t for a second imagine that at the bright young age of 21, you will do what so many end up doing: a job that they hate. You are aware that this is merely a ‘phase’ in your life (or so you keep telling yourself), but in the mean time it can be a daily struggle to not become cynical.
When you are a recent graduate, everyone keeps telling you – you are young and the world is your oyster. Fair enough – but you need a fair bit of bloody cash to do anything these days. That’s my excuse anyhow for my current position. I’m in transit you see – from university student to professional. I currently don’t consider myself a professional - merely a temporary employee undecided about the directions to take in life and in the mean time going through a tough apprenticeship of real life, post-uni, in the modern business world in order to save a few pennies. I don’t even want to be in business. But it seems that to make anything of yourself today, you need to have a certain sense of business, negotiation and bags of balls. Excuse my language but you can’t help but feel a little frustrated from time to time. I am thankful that considering the current ‘crisis climate’ I have a job. But you can’t help but feel a certain sense of dissatisfaction when, for the past three years, you have been studying the socio-political aspects of modern society, media and defining and re-defining ‘terrorism’… yet for the last week I have been establishing and reviewing a stationary list and most importantly, deciding on the size and colour of post-its, for a diva-esque director who is reminiscent of ‘a devil wears prada’.
When you are a recent graduate, everyone keeps telling you – you are young and the world is your oyster. Fair enough – but you need a fair bit of bloody cash to do anything these days. That’s my excuse anyhow for my current position. I’m in transit you see – from university student to professional. I currently don’t consider myself a professional - merely a temporary employee undecided about the directions to take in life and in the mean time going through a tough apprenticeship of real life, post-uni, in the modern business world in order to save a few pennies. I don’t even want to be in business. But it seems that to make anything of yourself today, you need to have a certain sense of business, negotiation and bags of balls. Excuse my language but you can’t help but feel a little frustrated from time to time. I am thankful that considering the current ‘crisis climate’ I have a job. But you can’t help but feel a certain sense of dissatisfaction when, for the past three years, you have been studying the socio-political aspects of modern society, media and defining and re-defining ‘terrorism’… yet for the last week I have been establishing and reviewing a stationary list and most importantly, deciding on the size and colour of post-its, for a diva-esque director who is reminiscent of ‘a devil wears prada’.
3 February 2009
A musical buzz in the air
Few 23 years-olds can say they’ve gossiped with Katherine Jenkins, played cards with Bryn Terfel and sung for Connie Fisher. Then again, Matthew Ibbotson is no ordinary 23 year-old. Nadia Bonjour finds out more.
While the weather is a dull winter’s day, Matthew Ibbotson is far from boring. Open, dedicated and entertaining, this young man recounts with confidence and pride his experiences as a performer. From choir to opera and musical, Ibbotson reveals his ambition to conquer the West End and Broadway and how he is: “not going to take ‘no’ for an answer”.
Ibbotson is a student in vocal studies with a classical training at Cardiff’s Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He is also a member of two semi-professional choirs, Serendipity and ONLY MEN ALOUD. With the choirs, he has performed with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins and Juan Diego Flórez in addition to some high-profile events.
His interest for singing was sparked at six years-old when sat in church: “My parents were all robed up and I got really bored in the congregation so I thought I’d start singing in the choir”. Ibbotson was always encouraged by his parents to learn at least one instrument. “It so happens I chose singing”, he says. However, Ibbotson casually adds he also learned to play the cello, double bass, piano (though not very well he points out) and bass guitar.
What Ibbotson enjoys about singing is: “the fact that you’ve got nothing to hide behind when you’re performing. It’s just you and the audience; there’s no instrument for you to hide behind; you’re standing up there; it’s you in a naked sense”.
However, his artistic interest does not limit itself to singing. “I love acting at every opportunity I get. It was a toss of the coin whether I wanted to do acting or singing but singing won”, he says.
Ibbotson has been involved in numerous musicals. Yet at 5ft4, he indicates: “The type of character I play is not the lead characters; I mean 6ft2, the boy-band type who always gets the girl. I’m just not tall enough”. He asserts that he gets the ‘character’ role “who sings better than the lead actor”. In amusement, he insists: “you always laugh more with ‘character’ actors and they always get the biggest applause”. There is no question that Ibbotson thrives on entertaining.
There are challenges, admits Ibbotson, particularly with separating professional and personal life. But he is adamant that he could not imagine himself doing anything else. “I just couldn’t do a 9 to 5 job”, he says. “I’m going to keep trying and I’m not going to let the ‘no’s’ get me down”. Driven and ambitious, it seems this young man is set for many more applauses: “Do look out for me because I will be about. You’ll probably see my name up in lights somewhere, even if I have to put the light bulbs in myself.”
While the weather is a dull winter’s day, Matthew Ibbotson is far from boring. Open, dedicated and entertaining, this young man recounts with confidence and pride his experiences as a performer. From choir to opera and musical, Ibbotson reveals his ambition to conquer the West End and Broadway and how he is: “not going to take ‘no’ for an answer”.
Ibbotson is a student in vocal studies with a classical training at Cardiff’s Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He is also a member of two semi-professional choirs, Serendipity and ONLY MEN ALOUD. With the choirs, he has performed with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins and Juan Diego Flórez in addition to some high-profile events.
His interest for singing was sparked at six years-old when sat in church: “My parents were all robed up and I got really bored in the congregation so I thought I’d start singing in the choir”. Ibbotson was always encouraged by his parents to learn at least one instrument. “It so happens I chose singing”, he says. However, Ibbotson casually adds he also learned to play the cello, double bass, piano (though not very well he points out) and bass guitar.
What Ibbotson enjoys about singing is: “the fact that you’ve got nothing to hide behind when you’re performing. It’s just you and the audience; there’s no instrument for you to hide behind; you’re standing up there; it’s you in a naked sense”.
However, his artistic interest does not limit itself to singing. “I love acting at every opportunity I get. It was a toss of the coin whether I wanted to do acting or singing but singing won”, he says.
Ibbotson has been involved in numerous musicals. Yet at 5ft4, he indicates: “The type of character I play is not the lead characters; I mean 6ft2, the boy-band type who always gets the girl. I’m just not tall enough”. He asserts that he gets the ‘character’ role “who sings better than the lead actor”. In amusement, he insists: “you always laugh more with ‘character’ actors and they always get the biggest applause”. There is no question that Ibbotson thrives on entertaining.
There are challenges, admits Ibbotson, particularly with separating professional and personal life. But he is adamant that he could not imagine himself doing anything else. “I just couldn’t do a 9 to 5 job”, he says. “I’m going to keep trying and I’m not going to let the ‘no’s’ get me down”. Driven and ambitious, it seems this young man is set for many more applauses: “Do look out for me because I will be about. You’ll probably see my name up in lights somewhere, even if I have to put the light bulbs in myself.”
Article written for a university assignment on interviewing and portraits
1 February 2009
Word du jour: Bonjour.
I never thought it would take this long to write a first blog. As I sit in front of the computer, searching for the finest, most engaging and interesting First Sentence - I oddly begin to feel like I am getting ready for a job interview, or a first date. It is all about making that first impression. The one that will engage people; draw them towards you; make them want to know more. Except in this scenario, there are no concerns about appearance and body language, rather an apprehension regarding the choice of words and thoughts presented. That first impression becomes about demonstrating that you can make some valid and interesting contributions to an already hectic social platform increasingly polluted with misinformation and babble. It is about creating a platform to ignite interest, discussion, questions, why not critical-thinking and contributions as well… A way of encouraging the act of thinking... (in both myself and others).
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