A Cultural Reunion.

211 miles. 4 months. It's been AGES since I last saw En-Jia. But as my first year of architecture came to an end we were reunited at last for four days in Manchester!

We explored the parks, the galleries, the famous curry mile and most importantly of all... I was introduced to ultimate frisbee - En-Jia's number one hobby. But for now - a composition of our artistic adventures.

The photos are from a mix of Whitworth and the Manchester museum - I think Whitworth was our favourite. Not just the art but the place also, and how they used light in the different rooms. (#architect) But seriously you will know what I mean if you go.

We also had a venture to the Northern quarter and discovered lots of little independent galleries which were all pretty lovely to explore. AND lets not forget I found the best shop ever for an architecture student. If only it was in London. Magma Manchester you have my heart.

Whitworth Art Gallery // Manchester Museum

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The Killers - Exitlude
Jet - Look What You've Done
Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension

Royal Academy of Arts: SUMMER EXHIBITION 2014

Until this summer I didn't even know about this exhibition - the largest open entry exhibition in the WORLD. Crazy. But as soon as I came across it, I was in awe. And at the first opportunity, I hopped on a train to London and made my way to the Royal Academy of Arts.

 I've never seen an exhibition presented in such an exciting way, with walls full of art, coming from world renowned artists as well as first time painters. It's such an awesome mix.

The paintings also had no explanations - only a number to help you find the name of the artist and the medium used. Although I do like knowing the stories behind the art, it was really interesting to use your imagination for the different scenes.

Two of my favourites are below. The first I loved due to the style of painting on wood, the second I found awesome for the technique of stitching used to make such beautiful colours and textures.

After the exhibition, I left feeling all artsy and inspired (plans to paint over summer are getting underway!). I also felt the need to explore Regents Street where I stepped into Anthropologie for the first time. (Sister brand to Freepeople and Urban Outfitters - both of which I loooove)

I've stalked the website many a time but the shop is something else. The design is beautiful. The clothing prices are sadly out of range for me but I left over the moon with the Saltwater Kinfolk Issue for a laid back afternoon of reading in Hyde Park. The design of the shop is worth a visit in itself - I'm talking wall of plants here.

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Golden Leaves by Passenger

The Boxer by Jerry Douglas
Tout Doucement by Feist

Exhibitions: Bartlett + Bedford School

My final exams finished a few weeks ago, so I am currently in my longest summer holidays ever. WOOOOO.

Something I've done more of has been visiting exhibitions. On Monday I went to London for one of the world's biggest architecture shows; The Bartlett Summer Show. The staff kindly showed a group of us around before we set about exploring the show ourselves.

Sadly my camera decided it would only focus on close ups so you'll have to take my word for it when I say the rest was just as fantastic.

My favourite part of the show included bunk beds on top of bunk beds, with models and projects balanced and hung from the bed frames. To see them you needed to make your way under the bunk beds and through the suspended work. The show was awesome and kind of scary seeing how high the standard is.

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When I came home from the exhibition (via Urban Outfitters and a large serving of sushi) Louise told me about another exhibition at a nearby school. Having only just been encouraged by the Bartlett staff to visit exhibitions, timing couldn't have been better.

We rummaged through all the sketchbooks, exploring the different projects. The A level ones proved most inspiring and creative with a mix of sculptures, installations and paintings. The presentation within the work was particularly well put together, something I wish I had more time to focus on in my own project.

Two exhibitions in one day, and I'm planning the next. Really really really want to visit the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition!

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Drop the Game by Flume, Chet Faker

I Sing I Swim by Seabear

Brazil (ITV World Cup Theme) by Thiago Thome

Camden + Tate Modern + Tate Britain

Art brings me a little bit everywhere for gallery visits or photographing subjects. On Friday, the destination was London for a day discovering the Tate Modern & Tate Britain.

I arrived in the city that morning & decided to explore Camden before meeting my mum at the Tate Modern. I had a look at some possible uni accommodation, went into Urban Outfitters (obviously) and then grabbed myself some lunch at Camden Lock. I love Camden Lock. All the little food stalls reminded me of Reading!

After my rather lovely morning in Camden, I found my way across London to the Tate Modern and set about exploring before my mum arrived. This was my first time at the gallery and its incredbile. I recognised loads of famous art pieces (Picasso's Weeping Woman and Turner's Yacht Approaching the Coast below!) and I must say their shop is a dream - full of arty picture books.

Looking down from the higher levels of the gallery was also impressive - all the tiny people walking around reminded me of Lowry's paintings. Which were exhibited at our next destination: The Tate Britain. We walked across London from one gallery to the other and passed some pretty cool streets on the way.

Once we had arrived, turned out we didn't have much time until closing but I managed to have a quick look around and really really liked the painting above - Girl with a Kitten by Lucian Freud. The eyes and style is incredible. I also spotted some of Lowry's pieces - you see what I mean about the little people now?

So that was my day in London, topped off with a rather unflattering photo of myself mid-sentence. But hey ho, action shots are fun. I really recommend the Tate Modern & Britain. They are probably my joint favourite London Galleries art-wise, although the V&A's coffee shop will always be the greatest.

Happy Easter folks!

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'Me And Julio Down By the Schoolyard' by Paul Simon

'Uitzicht' by Bakermat (the more you listen the better it gets - especially the saxo bit)

'Rudeboy' by Dub Inc. (I'm still into the reggae)

OIL PAINTINGS

Yesterday I handed in all my art coursework. So after a rather busy week of painting and working on my sketchbook, here are two of my favourite pieces I created for my coursework.

The topic I chose for the coursework was 'Food & Cultures' which eventually led me to looking at market stalls as I love the busy atmosphere and beautiful displays. So after masses of research and development, I ended up with these two oil paintings. (Also can we please have a moment of appreciation for the beautiful wooden tables of the art room)

My Easter holidays started today so things are looking up. I think I might just sleep forever and ever starting now.

Except now I need to create an exam folder...

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'On My Way' by The Cat Empire | 'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Ingrid Michealson | 'Ode To My Family' by The Cranberries

A Fishy Post

I did mention my little fishy obsession didn't I?

Recently I've been doing a lot of art - all my spare time seems to be engulfed by the subject - not that I mind, its such a perfect way to spend time! (Even if the stress cranks up by a million close to deadlines...) Anyway, I thought I'd share a little of what I'm spending my days doing.

There is something about fish I just love to paint or draw, those colours are so beautiful! I'm trying to paint on top of recipes with fish in them, if you see where I'm going?

Other than fish, I'm also trying to improve on my (clothed) life drawing. I keep asking people if I can draw them, it's becoming obsessive haha, let me know if you have any tips!

Listening tooooo: 'The Power of Love' by Gabrielle Aplin & 'This Too Shall Pass' by Maria Mena

Dipping & Dining in Paris - 4

From the Pompidou, we walked / dodged from shadow to shadow across the short & sunny stretch of Paris to the Musée d'Orsay.

On our walk we crossed a bridge. But not just any bridge.

Spencer & Lucy from MIC kissed on this bridge, woaaaaaaaah... As you can imagine, we were really excited about this, so I took a photo of Louise to remember this historic moment. (Don't worry I'm not really thaaaat obsessed...only a little bit)

We then arrived at the Musée d'Orsay. After climbing the thousands & thousands of steps all the way to the top, we arrived at the most famous floor.

It was a-mazing. Louise & I tagged along to a guided group to listen in on what each sculpture / painting meant, it was really interesting. 

My favourites were Monet's pieces and Degas' sculpture of the little 14 - year old dancer. I have a book about her at home and it was incredible to see her in real, ribbon and all! 

No photos were allowed so I made do with this sneaky shot.

After this, we did even more walking, through the famous 'Jardins des Tuileries', to get to our restaurant for the evening. Louise joined me in my quest for shade this time, it was so so hot!

I had a little dip in the garden's big fountain, then we resumed our walk, walking past Le Louvre on our way.

The restaurant was gooood! Turned out it was a pizzeria & we all devoured our food. After all that walking can you really blame us?

It was delicious & pretty central so it was nice to see the hustle & bustle of Paris as we ate outside. Cheers Louise!

Above: Aaron & Safa

Below: Myself, with a knife in my Orangina glass, attempting to de-fizz it. I thought this was a pretty normal thing to do but there I got quite a few odd looks...

I had a sizzling hot marguerita. Look at it ooze with delicious-ness. Mmmm yeah.

The meal was really tasty & amongst the people walking past, there was an awesome guy who had given his dog dreadlocks. Yes, dreadlocks.

It was really cool when the dog jumped, showing off his locks.

Our pizza feast was so tasty that we asked to take our leftovers back with us. (No use in wasting, eh?)

Listening toooo: 'Young And Beautiful' by Lana Del Rey & 'Alors On Danse' by Stormae.