I loved Rome from the minute I stepped outside of the airport. I love the Italian language, I love Italian rudeness and driving and most of all I love Italian art. I was fortunate to be staying in a hotel which was right in the centre of Rome, as I was able to walk to most of the sights in a reasonably short time. At the end of my first day I had already seen the Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, Plaza Navona and Castel Sant’ Angelo.
The Trevi Fountain
The Pantheon
Unfortunately I didn’t sketch all that much in Rome, mostly because every sight was ridiculously crowded with tourists and annoying locals trying to sell you stuff. The only time I managed to sketch was when I was sitting in an alcove of the terrace of Castel Sant’ Angelo, where I spent a good while sketching the amazing view of St Peters Basilica. While I was sketching however many people stopped to watch over my shoulder as I sketched, telling me how good the sketch was. Although I appreciate the comments it is one of my pet hates to have people watching me when I sketch.
During my second day in Rome I visited Vatican City I never put my camera down. There was just so much to see and it was all so amazing. I particularly liked all the statues of Saints surrounding the top of St Peters Square.
St Peter's Square
View Of St Peter's Square From Basilica
St Peter's Square Statues
All the art inside the Vatican is so inspirational and perfect but so difficult to replicate, I didn’t even bother to get out my sketchbook apart from when I was sitting in the Sistine Chapel. I soon gave up on my sketch however and returned my sketchbook to my bag. Surprisingly I was able to take pictures throughout most of the Vatican rooms and corridors. Even in Raphael’s Rooms.
What struck me most about the art in the Vatican was the depiction of the natural human form and the amazing depictions of cloth and clothing in both painting and sculpture. I also found it interesting that a lot of the art was erotic in nature despite the conservative views of the Vatican. For example no shoulders or knees are to be shown at any time within that Vatican as it is deemed inappropriate, although a lot of the art depicts male and female nudes. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in particular, painted by Michelangelo was, as with most of his art, was supposedly painted to celebrate male erotica and homoerotica –hinting at Michelangelo’s sexual orientation – despite showing religious scenes and events.
As far as I am aware the Vatican were not aware of the meaning and intention behind Michelangelo’s art, which is why he was able to paint as he did. I find it very amusing as had the Vatican known about Michelangelo’s love for male erotica, I am quite sure he would have not been commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Before leaving Rome I also toured Castel Sant’ Angelo and the Coloesseum. The ‘Mole Adriana’, now called Castel Sant’ Angelo (Castle of the Angel), was originally built between 123 and 139 AD, the monumental grave of the Roman Emperor and was used as a tomb by the Imperial families.
Angel Statue On the Bridge
Castel Sant' Angelo
I was interested in seeing Castel Sant’ Angelo as in Dan Brown’s novel Angels and Demons and the movie based on the novel, it is said to be the Church of Illumination. The Church of Illumination was said to be where the Illuminati – a secret organisation mainly made up of men of science who were against the church – would meet in secret without the church knowing. The church is at the end of the path of Illumination, described in Dan Brown’s novel, which is made up of four churches across Rome. These churches are the four Alters of Science, The Chigi Chapel in St Maria del Popolo, St Peter’s Church and Square, The Church of Maria della Vittoria and The Fountain of the Four Rivers at Piazza Novona. The path of illumination is marked by angels on each Alter of Science. The Angels lead the way to the church of Illumination, Castel Sant’ Angelo. The bridge leading to the Castle is decorated with Angels all pointing towards the Castel.
On my last day in Rome I saw the Colosseum, it was amazing to say the least. Unfortunately a lot of the original interior, structure is gone, which however is interesting as this allowed you to see the different layers and sections which make up the Colosseum.
The Colosseum Exterior
I loved my visit to Rome and it is definitely a place I want to return to. I love the art, the architecture, the sights, the history, the culture and the people. The next time I visit however I intend to experience the culture more, I will be less of a tourist and more of a visitor.
I love this print. It has been created for Glastonbury Festival 2011 by Stanley Donwood.
I have never heard of Stanley Donwood before but from a quick glance I like his work and I am going to find out more about him.
Old enough to vote, old enough to drive, old enough to order a pint, to have sex, to work, to get married, to wear a uniform and fight. You are legal.
Congratulations, you are an adult.
So what will you do next?
GENERATION is a newly devised, autobiographical piece from Glas(s) Performance, looking at the future and what it holds for the next generation of young adults in 2011.
Four performers, aged 17 – 18, reveal their hopes, aspirations and ideals as they come of age. GENERATION examines the choices that are available to young adults, reflecting their position and responsibilities in the world. Against a backdrop of massive changes, cuts to higher education and a failing jobs market, we share in the performers’ experiences, look at what they will inherit and explore the notion of “future” through their eyes. Glas(s) Performance is a Glasgow based theatre company that collaborates with real people in the place of fictional characters to tell stories that explore every day human experiences. The company is a creative partnership between RSAMD graduates Jess Thorpe and Tashi Gore. They have been creating autobiographical performance projects since 2004.
Generation poster
I found out about Generation from a friend Stephanie Hunter who is one of the four person cast performing the show. As my friend was performing I agreed to go straight away without knowing what the show was about, although reading about it only furthered my excitement of seeing Stephanie perform.
Although I ended up being late for the show I thoroughly loved what I saw. I think a good way to describe it is that it made me think, but not too much. It of course was very easy to relate to the performers, as they were simply being themselves. There was a great contrast between high energy movement, conveying a whole range of emotions, and quiet, calming contemplation. The movement between the high energy and calmed scenes forced me to think about the ups and downs of being 17. I still want to have good care-free times at the same time as I want to grow up and be mature which obviously brings with it many responsibilities.
The contrast, perhaps not during the show but certainly afterward made me bring the two together and think about growing up at the same time as having a good time. It really made me think about what was going on in my life be it relationships, commitments, jobs or money (especially the fact that I need and Isa) but it also made me think ‘fuck it enjoy being 17 and see what happens with life’. I feel I have a happy medium between the two I like to think of the future and plan ahead but I also live in the now and go with the flow.
I felt that it was ironic that I was late for the show, (having got on the wrong train) due to a stupid mistake, which is just one of these things. Although I was so angry about missing part of the performance I was reminded by the train conductor that being late happens and that ‘its life’ which of course is what Generation was all about, real life and growing up.
As well as being extremely entertaining and thought provoking Generation was also very inspiring, although I can’t quite put my finger on why, I can simple describe the things I liked. I like that the cast were themselves and so were in their own clothes, each looking individual and unique. I liked the simplicity of the set stage with only four single tables and chairs on stage. I liked the contrast of the music and movement. I liked the lighting and the rustic look of the stage. It has inspired me to do some performance art, although I don’t know what about and it has inspired me to somehow be creative in a contemporary way.
Unfortunately Generation has now finished showing at the Tramway, although I would highly recommend visiting the tramway and seeing what else is on and also finding out more about the theatre company Glas(s).
If you read this well done Steph you were great really loved the performance!!!
I have now added a bold background colour (crimson, straight out the tube) which I love! As well as a background I have put more work into the hair adding some shadows on the left hand side as well as altering the ‘flow’ of the hair, and adding colour to the lips. I then moved on and made a start on the shoulder and front of the dress (which needs much more detail). For all of these sections I have used very little white spirit and much thicker, less diluted paint, allowing me to blend colour. This gives a very traditional look to my painting, a look which I have come to love through work by the artist Shawn Barber, despite his subject matter being far from traditional.
I have discovered that using thicker paint lets me blend colours much more easily, as I work quite quickly often adding bold strokes of colour, which when I am working with acrylics creates and almost abstract style. With oils however it gives me a much more refined and classical look as when I add bold strokes of paint, the layer beneath is still wet so they automatically mix giving a much more subtle blend of colour. The newly finished sections where done in about and hour.
This was actually my first oil painting and I really just used it to get a feel for oil paints. It does however have a meaning to it. After being out a walk and passing a group of kids much younger than me, I had an idea for the abstract painting. When I was walking past the group I was cautious as always in case they did or said something to me. I was thinking of a smart response in case they called me gay or whatever else, but instead walking by with my head held high I was gripped by a horrible fear. I was terrified and just wanted to run past. I kept calm and walked past but was filled with disgust because of my fear. I was filled with these two emotions battling each other for the rest of the night and really made myself feel terrible. The painting is mainly tones of gray, black and white and I have used multiple different textures to convey my fear. I have then added streaks of colour in green and orange to show my confidence fighting but then dwindling and disappearing. I want the painting to remind me of the horrible feeling so I never experience it again.
I have now actually started painting, beginning with the face and hair. Already i love working with oils although at this stage they seem very similar to acrylics, as out of habit I am using a lot of white spirit, as I would use a lot of water when working with acrylics. The oils therefore are dying out much faster. Although it needs a lot more work and many more layers of paint I think I have made a good start with the painting. The painting shown in the pictures was done in about two hours.
I have just recently bought myself oil paints and can’t wait to use them. I already have a canvas (30x48 inches) that I intent to use for a portrait of Lady Gaga. I want to paint Gaga simply because she is an amazing and inspirational person. Her recent album ‘Born This Way’ has been particularly inspirational.
Lady Gaga 'Born This Way' album cover
It has made me understand that although I want to be accepted I can’t expect others to change in order to accept me. Although it can be very frustrating when people are openly against whom I am and what I stand for, they were ‘Born That Way’.
The painting is going to show Gaga in the dress she wore to the 2010 VMAS, which was designed by Alexander McQueen.
Lady Gaga at 2010 VMAS
I intend to incorporate as many symbols as possible to represent as many groups and types of people as possible. The symbols are going to convey equality and the idea of ‘live and let live’. It will also be a reminder for me to always be the best that I can be and to never give up on my ideas just like Gaga.
Now that I have started the painting I will post my progress with it from the initial sketch to completion. Below are pictures of my initial outline sketch on the canvas.
For as long as I can remember I have always been drawn to everything Japanese, despite not ever having set foot in Asia. I have spent hours looking through pictures and reading articles online about Japan, Japanese culture and of course city life in Tokyo.
Tokyo at night.
Life in Tokyo (as well as life in London, Dhaka, Mexico City and Shanghai) is explored in the new documentary series by the BBC, which follows Andrew Marr through the Megacities of the world(link). Although marvelling at the sheer size of the city and its high-tech efficiency and innovation, the documentary showed a very negative view of life in Tokyo.
Marr speaks about the very limited living space, the simplicity of his accommodation and the facelessness of the city as a whole.
Andrew Marr in apartment in Tokyo.
Crowds in central Tokyo.
He mentions that he would “prefer to be in the shack (where he stayed in a slum in Dhaka).
–there is a mechanical coldness and an unsettling robotic uniformity–I find myself searching for corners of friendliness and normality.”
Although many people may be put off Tokyo due to the size and expense of living space, I am, as always drawn to it. Despite sometimes feeling claustrophobic I would welcome the idea of living in such a compact flat, although I do agree with Marr, in that I would want more privacy, as the whole flat is walled with transparent glass and every part of the flat is clearly visible from the street including the toilet and bath.
I imagine that flats in Tokyo would have a feeling of cosines to them and would seem for want of a better word ‘cute’, as with many modern Japanese designs.
Although I like lots of space and openness, I think I am drawn to the compactness due to the level of design and innovation, which goes into the buildings designs which of course is necessary due to the limited space on which to build in Tokyo.
Large Tokyo apartment.
The limited space in Tokyo has meant that homes have become a very private place more so than we in Britain are used to. It is my understanding that the Japanese rarely entertain in their homes-normally because there simply isn’t enough room to do so-and so homes are rarely seen by anyone other than close friends and family. This again draws me to the idea of living in a small space in Tokyo.
I am also fascinated by Tokyo due to its street culture in fashion, music and design. Harajuku among other districts is known for its street culture, most notably for fashion for which it was made famous by publications such as, Fresh Fruits by Phaidon and Tokyo Fashion.com. Tokyo’s street culture which is well described by Marr as “a sci-fi comic come to life” is what really interests me about Tokyo.
Marr also remarks about people who have become reclusive and simply can’t face the city of Tokyo, due to the pressure, facelessness and unfriendliness of the city. Although I have never been and experienced it I wouldn’t imagine Tokyo is faceless and unfriendly.
I think that when visiting any city you can get a feeling of coldness and unfriendliness. Although I think if you were to live somewhere you would experience the place on a much deeper level and would find very friendly and welcoming people, as well as small pockets of community, similar to any city. Of course these feelings and experiences depend on where you stay and the people around you, as of course every city has good and bad areas.
I love old fashioned ideas of quality and precision, as well as modern quirkiness and unusual designs. I like simplicity and efficiency and I like to be surrounded by people and ideas, as well as having my own private creative space. Tokyo for me is a place which offers this and despite many negative opinions of the city I am desperate to visit and hopefully in the future I will live there.
