Richard Hamilton at Tate Modern London

Richard William Hamilton (24 February 1922 – 13 September 2011) was one of the most influential artists of recent times, in his art he explored different styles and forms: painted interiors, landscapes, still life, collages, glass, installations, photographs and modern history paintings.

 Exhibition of his work ate Tate Modern will take you on a journey through his artwork from 1949 to late works completed before he died, there are 18 rooms each exploring different part of his artistic life, it is quite remarkable how accomplished he was when I looked at his artwork I could not believe that one person can be so versatile.

I will now mention some of the elements of this exhibition that made the strongest impression on me, and as perception of art is very subjective you might not agree and find other parts more interesting.

Hamilton is perhaps best known for his leading role in the birth of pop art. 
 I found this part of exhibition incredibly mind stimulating but also quite disturbing, photos of Marylin Monroe, the overpowering presence of woman's body used as an object, collages made out of different female faces (Fashion Plate's done in 1960s) are to me like a premonition of what is going on in the now days pop-culture and by that I mean using sexualized images of human body to sell almost anything, spiralling obsession with perfect looks which is boosted by companies creating models out of most desired body parts belonging in fact to several people and setting unrealistic expectations which lead to low self esteem and distorted perception of human relationships, domination of cheap, cheerful and fast in all elements of life, cult of exhibitionism and voyeurism in reality shows.

  Fashion Plate by Richard Hamilton

Hamilton also raises questions about indoctrination and control, especially by all-present TV and CCTV, through his iconic Treatment Room (room 12) an installation showing a sort of sterile and intimidating hospital room with a monitor showing repeating footage of Margaret Thatcher from Conservative Party Election Broadcast in 1983.

Another powerful part of this exhibition is room 13 containing  The citizen/The subject/The state and based on stills from a 1980 news report about the IRA 'dirty protest' ( if you want more information about this watch Setve McQueens' movie called "Hunger" there is a review of this movie on my blog http://myencounterswithart.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/review-of-steve-mcqueens-movies-hunger.html ).

On a lighter note in a room  11 we have a segment called Shit & Flowers inspired by some old fashioned postcards from the village of Miers in south-west France showing people 'relieving themselves' after drinking a local laxative, although the subject is rather shall we say smelly, it is refreshing :) and funny to actually see toilet paper in the real life situation, without all the fluffy animals and cute babies constantly used now days in adverts (excrement don't seem to exist in advertising, we have the softest paper but what it is for that is never shown, often there isn't even a toilet in sight).

Go and see this exhibition while you still can (it's opened till 26 of May 2014 ) it will give you a unique chance to see the roots from which our modern culture sprouted and spark some reflection about where it all may lead us and do we really want to go there.

http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/richard-hamilton

 

'Other Desert Cities' at The Old Vic

'Other desert cities' written by Jon Robin Baitz (Pulitzer Prize finalist and creator of hit TV series, Brothers & Sisters and contributor on The West Wing) is a modern play tackling issues of politics versus family life, changes that happened in USA from 1960, that is increasing polarisation of main political parties with growing influence of conservative Tea Party within the republican coalition, and bitter truth beneath the sugar coated American dream.

 
It’s Christmas Eve in Palm Springs. Brooke Wyeth  (Martha Plimpton) novelist who suffered from depression and writers block is back home to celebrate the holidays with her uptight and politically involved parents (Sinead Cusack and Peter Egan), younger brother (Daniel Lapaine)  and alcoholic aunt (Clare Higgins). But the family celebration is brought to a halt when Brook informs her family that her new book is a memoir, which focuses on her infamous dead brother who was suspected of  aiding a terrorist act in 70's, and on his broken relationship with their parents who she blames for his downfall and suicide. 

The play is very well written, fast paced, full of sarcastic humour, with great observations of modern day America and pop culture. The tension is skilfully raised with each coming scene and family dynamic is brilliantly depicted everyone who visits their parents can find some scary and funny similarities to there own life.

Acting is absolutely superb, Sinead Cusac's portrayal of  Polly is top notch, she owns the stage making her character incredibly compelling despite her despotic and overbearing personality , Peter Eagan is perfect as a softer and more approachable father figure, Clare Higgins as Silda is a worthy adversary to Polly and her comic timing is wonderful. Martha Plimpton gives a solid performance as tormented and self-righteous Brook although in some moments I found her acting a bit over the top. Daniel Lapain  is really great, he adds warmth and compassion to the character of Trip who despite being ridiculed for making bad taste TV shows is the voice of reason and heart within this dysfunctional family.

I truly enjoyed this play and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for drama with intelligent story, witty script and high quality acting.
 


For this season Old Vic has been completely transformed, if you have been there before you will be stunned and impressed by how they managed to change the auditorium into the round, the floor has been raised, the stage is round and situated in the centre, and additional seats are placed in the space where the stage used to be.

United Visual Artists: Momentum at The Barbican Centre

United Visual Artists (UVA) is a London based group of artists who in their work combine wide range of disciplines including: sculpture, installation, live performances and architecture. Their last work called Momentum can be now seen and experienced at The Barbican Centre.

Momentum has been installed  in the 90 meter long promenade located inside the Barbican Centre and called The Curve due to its distinctive shape. There are twelve pendulums activated lights and sounds swinging in complete darkness, each of the pendulums has been carefully designed and their movement is controlled by specially developed computer software, the sonic element is unique to each pendulum and created in a special way so the sound resonates within the shape of The Curve  According to its creators "The rhythmic, wave like sway of the work is inspired by scientific instruments such as Foucault's pendulum, the result of UVA's enquiry into the physical laws of motion, coupled with their experimentation with light, and how impacts o the space."

Visitors are let inside The Curve in groups so everyone can enjoy the sensory experience. When I arrived at Barbican Centre I was a bit concerned because behind me in the que were mothers with quite let's say 'active' kids,  I was wondering whether they will not spoil the experience with the noise and running around, but I was pleasantly surprised. The whole installation is submerged in darkness therefore the lights and sound make Momentum very hypnotic, obviously kids absolutely loved it and were completely fascinated by it, I actually really enjoyed listening to their comments, when they were trying to decide what does this place remind them of - the inside of the space ship seemed to be the most common choice.
Adults were equally enticed,  following the lights, trying to stand in the circles and even sitting down by the walls just to stay a bit longer because it was strangely calming. When I was there I was thinking that it must be similar when you are in your mother's womb, with muffled sounds, shifting lights and warmth, of course this mother would have to be a heavy smoker judging by the clouds of artificial mist floating near the lights.

I absolutely loved the whole experience and might even go there again. The Momentum is opened till 1st of June so there is plenty of time for you to go and see it which I truly recommend.

http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=15620

"Being Shakespeare" starring Simon Callow at Harold Pinter Theatre- the ultimate one man show for Bard's lovers.

"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages."

This Shakespeare's idea of seven ages of human life is a framework around which 'Being Shakespeare' is build and Simon Callow brilliantly leads us through the meanders of Bard's life. I learnt more from this play than at any point at school and got to know Shakespeare as a living being opposite to this artificial, legendary construct fed to us during our education.

'Being Shakespear' is full of joyous quirks and interesting anecdotes about Bard's life entwined with superbly acted excerpts from his most famous works, my favourite being Simon Callow acting as both Romeo and Juliet and later as a whole troupe from 'Midsummer's night dream'.

Simon Callow is absolutely captivating, he owns the stage with power and subtle humour, to be able to keep the audience interested and engaged while being on your own, with a minimal set of props and presenting someones biography one really has to be a great actor.

Currently there are some great offers for the tickets to this play (I went with http://www.lovetheatre.com/tickets/3715/Being-Shakespeare) so if you love the Bard of Avon (or even  if you really hate him for the tortures you've endured at school, but would like to know why there is all that fuss about him) go and see 'Being Shakespeare' (it ends on 15 of March).

Ibsen's 'Ghosts' at Trafalar Studios - a must see for every woman.

Ghosts was written by Henrik Ibsen when he was living in Rome between the spring and autumn of 1881. As it was in custom at the time play was first published in writing and almost straight away condemned for tackling subjects of: patriarchy, women's rights, class, sexual desire, religious bigotry and hypocrisy, incest, sexual transmitted disease (syphilis) and euthanasia, this led to play being banned in many European countries including England.

The main character of Ghosts is Helene Alving (Lesley Manville) a strong, inteligent woman who as a young girl was made to marry a drunk and debaucherous man, upon realising who her husband is she runs away to the man she loves-pastor Manders (Adam Kotz) but is rejected, so she goes back and devotes her life to keeping appearances of a happy marriage. To protect her son Oswald (Jack Lowden) from destructive influence of his immoral father Helene sends him away at the age of 7.
The play starts at a point when Helene is a widow and her son (now and adult and a well known painter) comes home unexpectedly just before the opening of a orphanage she is building to commemorate her late husband.

Richard Eyre's adaptation is absolutely amazing, according to his own words this version of Ghosts waited six years to make to the stage, he said  " I worked from a literal version by Charlotte Barslund and I tried to animate the language in a way that felt as true as possible to what I understood from them to be the authors intentions... But even literal translations make choices and choices we make are made according to taste, to the times we live and how we see the world." well to me the choices he made are definitely the right ones because the play truly moved me.

But the great adaptation is not enough you also have to have actors who can carry the weight of the really difficult subject stated in this play with truthfulness and force, fortunately the cast is absolutely fantastic. Lesley Manville gives a masterful performance, you completely believe her she gives Helena strength and passion combined with tenderness, her Helena is a woman who tries to break free and take charge over her life despite the constricting influences of church and society. Adam Kotz pastor Manders is a great contrast to Helena: cowardly, bigoted hypocrite with no trace of his own thinking. Charlene MacKenna's Regina is vivid an fierce, a girl who is not afraid to speak up and make her own decisions. Jack Lowden's Oswald is both passionate and fragile , innocent victim of his parents choices, condemned to lunacy and death.

Tim Hatley has done a superb job designing the set, two rooms and a glimpse of a garden are divided by translucent glass panels (that allow the audience to see what characters cannot) and Peter's Mumford light effects work magic on them.

Ibsen's Ghosts at Ttrafalgar Studios are a must see so grab your chance because this play finishes its run in a month time!

Why did I titled this review - A must see for every woman? Because this play was written 9 years after a term "Feminism" was used for the first time in France and Ibsen is a great advocate of women. In Ghosts we have a story of an intelligent woman forced into marriage, imprisoned by patriarchy and church, who cannot reveal that her marriage was a tragedy, is encourage by a pastor to live a lie, who slowly realises her own power (books she is reading) but  the past - titular Ghosts cannot be changed and her family pays the ultimate price for giving into the conventions. This is not only history it is also present, in many families and many places women can't chose, are beaten, abused, murdered  ' to save honour' have no right to vote or make any independent decision.
( It really annoys me that we live in a society where calling yourself a B**** is Ok but saying you are a feminist straight away labels you as man hating, unattractive hag. To be a Feminist is not to be against men but to demand that women have the same rights and opportunities as men, and are not discriminated against because of their sex in any aspect of life.)

Valentine's day movie recommendation 'Wings of Desire' (1987) by Wim Wenders

Wim Wenders Wings of Desire (Der Himmel uber Berlin 1987) is a unique movie, balancing between poetry, philosophy, transcendence and romance, with dreamlike visuals interchanging between black/withe and colour, and breathtaking performances.

The story is mesmerising, we are in West Berlin before the fall of the Wall, and we are following two angels Damiel (excellent Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sander) witnessing their efforts to help humankind by providing some guidance and inspiration, their presence can be felt but not seen. Cassiel follows elderly man named Homer in his Odyssey to reclaim his past and find peace, while Damiel watches over the french circus troupe and falls in love with trapeze artist Marion (Solveig Donmartin). Damiel appears to Marion in her sleep thus creating a bond between them, in consequence he decides he wants to move from just observing human life to truly participating in it by becoming a mortal and joining with Marion.

This is not a typical tear jerking romance, character is this movie ponder over ultimate questions of human existence: Who we are ?, What does it mean to be a human?, What is love? Is there someone who is destined to be with you as your soul mate?. You could possibly write a philosophical essay from every dialogue in this movie.
 The side of the story seen through the angels eyes is shot in black and white to emphasise their detachment, coolness, and emptiness of perfection which is devoid of warmth that feeling and experiencing can bring, human world although full of suffering and confusion is shown as colourful and vibrant.
Music in this movie is truly fantastic, brilliantly accentuating every scene. For me the hidden gems of Wings of Desire are two performances from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (he used to live in Berlin at that time) with perfectly chosen songs:The Carny and From Her to Eternity.

If you like movies with soul and depth then Wings of Desire is for you, you want regret watching it and you will never forget it.

(Hollywood tried to remake this movie and created barely watchable City of Angels 1998)

Movie recommendation 'Waiting for Godot' (2001)

Waiting for Godot has a special meaning for me, it was this very play that years ago made me fall in love with theatre, every time I see it I find something new to think about, some new understanding like a piece of infinite puzzle.
Waiting for Godot is written by Samuel Beckett some call it a comedy of undoing because in it Beckett successively deconstructs all the rules that used to govern play-writting before his time, others point that it belongs to the Theatre of Absurd, a form of theatre which rooted from the Absurdist philosophy of Albert Camus. Absurdism is philosophy of existentialism, pioneered by Søren Kierkegaard, and states that, while ultimate meaning might very well exist in the universe, human beings are incapable of finding it due to their mental or philosophical limitation. Therefore humanity is doomed to be faced with the Absurd, or the total absurdity of existence in lack of clearly defined purpose and meaning.

In this play two main characters, Vladimir (Didi) and Estragon (Gogo), wait endlessly and in vain for the arrival of someone named Godot, a mythical god-like figure who will come and change their meaningless existence that consists mainly of finding different ways of killing time, their life is so bleak that they even ponder over possibility of hanging themselves because it might give them an erection. The only two other people that show up are pompous and cruel man named Pozzo and his slave servant called  Lucky, whom Pozzo  keeps on a rope like an animal and treats with utter despise. The setting is also minimalistic it consist of a a country road and a tree.

Of course all of this makes it really difficult to transfer this play onto a movie screen, all the weight of keeping the viewer interested rests on the performances of the actors. Fortunately the 2001 adaptation is great, Barry McGovern (Vladimir), Johnny Murphy (Esstragon), Alan Stanford (Pozzo) and Stephen Brennan (Lucky) do marvellous job, your eyes will stay glued to the screen all through the movie completly engrossed in their interactions, the camera work and direction are also flawless.
 
Due to it's absurdity and mind boggling qualities this play and a movie might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like to give your brain some exercises and ask some fundamental questions about humanity and sense of our existence you will not be disappointed.