Outings

I went to London yesterday to check out some art. It was a beautiful day in the city, warm air and blue skies. First stop was the Tate Britain to see Ruin Lust. It was one of the most enjoyable exhibitions I've seen, ever (though I think this could be partly because I just really like ruins). I bought the accompanying publication, which I only do when it's a really good show. Photos weren't permitted so I don't have any snapshots from the exhibition, unfortunately! 

Next stop was a little, tiny gallery that I walked by the first time. Usually when I hunt down these places I only have basic directions memorized so it sometimes turns into a bit of a scavenger hunt. Anyway, I read about this exhibition online and thought it'd be worth checking out. The artists are Mark Dennis and Chris Gommersall and they've basically written a piece of music entitled 'Hymn to the United Federation of Planets' "for string quartet and synthesized voices, in celebration of the constitution of the fictional interstellar federal republic from the television series Star Trek. The work tries to imagine the creation of a piece of music from the perspective of a utopia in which the sole purpose of the arts lies in the promotion of the species-capacity for perfection." 

Earlier in the week they did a live performance (would have been neat to have seen), and now they have a recording of it looped with video on two tv screens. Clip below.

I went to see an exhibition at a Siobhan Davies Studios which is actually a kind of venue for dance classes, workshops, and art - a sort of creative hub, I think. I found out about the exhibition there online, however it sounded more interesting in its description than it was in person. The art was placed throughout the building (near stairwells, on a landing) which definitely detracted from it. The artist's name is Christian Kerrigan, and on the handout the artwork is described as "a series of sculptures that are inspired by the linden - or lime - tree growing outside Siobhan Davies Studios that fuse digital technology, scientific methods and organic matter." It was exactly that but sounds cooler in writing.

By then I was peckish so I headed to the Southbank area to hit the amazing food market that's always there on the weekend. I had some kind of moroccan wrap and it was delicious! Topped it off with a cone of salted caramel gelato. One of the tastiest treats ever. 

I strolled along the footpath. The crowds were thick!

I headed back across the Thames via Waterloo Bridge and made my way to the train station. 

~

It was a grand day in Brighton today. People were out in shorts. I sheltered myself from the rays/avoided the beach madness and did some research at the library. The window was open and happy city sounds were floating in. It was nice.

On my way home I went to my new favorite place to eat - a Japanese restaurant called Pompoko. Inexpensive, quick, and REALLY tasty. 

 I don't think you can find a roomful of people as happy anywhere else as you do in a densely-packed gelato shop.