FROM THE ARTS FESTIVAL

Wouldn't be me had these pictures been shared in time. 

Of course the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (see more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kala_Ghoda_Arts_Festival) took place sometime at the beginning of this calendar year in Mumbai, and the pictures were gasping for breath deep down inside the Land of Memory Card. Finally fished them out, and here are (a few) of them.

Enjoy!

 A classical dance recital

 An installation made of old discarded clothes (being almost a year ago now, my wonderful memory doesn't help to recall as to why the concept)

 A riot of colours, those scarves. Again, failing memory is the excuse for not being able to recollect the hows and whys.

And saving the best for last, my personal favourite - the serene Buddha.

SOAP

Taking a shower just got more fun!

MY FAVOURITE CORNER

...of our living room.

That lovely glowy bit there?

Courtesy this:

When lit up:

TREE OF LIFE

That's what I spent my afternoon painting today, acrylic paint on canvas.

Ahhhhh. Bliss. Love those paint splattered fingers!

No, the canvas is a perfect rectangle; just that the photo's clicked at an odd angle. Really.

WHILE ON ART...

... I also love like think there's something about The Scream, by Edvard Munch. Something.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scream)

Captivating, really. Makes me pause every time I see a reproduction somewhere.

ALL ABOUT ART

For me, art is roughly translated as Vincent Van Gogh. Have always, always loved his works, and wait for when I can visit the museum in Amsterdam. Until then, this is where is go: http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/

And of course, I spend lazy weekends (even though there aren't as many as I'd like.... grrrrr) with oils on canvas, working my paint-splattered way through The Starry Night (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Starry_Night), Country Road with Cypress Trees, or thumbing my way through a book (or two) on his works.

Ah, bliss.

Who's your favourite artist?

TIP OF THE DAY

Always, always bring your camera (even a point-and-shoot will do) with you wherever you go. That way, you won't miss any photo op that comes your way.

Picture this (pun intended):
Mommy Cat strolling by with Teeny L'il Kitten caught securely between her jaws, being transported to someplace safe and cozy, away from the rain. Mommy Cat tires, puts down itty bitty kitty, licks it, comforts it, and then picks it gently back up. Rinse repeat, until safe harbour is reached. Awwwwwwww.

Well, guess who missed capturing this on cam? Yup, yours truly, because the point-and-shoot was HOME! Arrrrggghhhhhhhh! Will now need to furtively hunt for Ms Mommy & Family for some pics...

ON MOVIE REVIEWS

Dunno if it's just me, or is there zero quality to the movie reviews I read in the papers/ on the Net/ wherever else? This is what they normally read like:
Discuss the plot. In excruciating detail.
My take: I mean, c'mon! Had I wanted to read a synopsis, wouldn't I just go watch the damn film?! Why, why must the plot be disclosed virtually in entirety?

Next, the music score. This is either dissed or raved about. A song or two may be picked to the bone, especially if it's a typical Bollywood item number.
My take: Why, pray tell? Whatever happened to a fine discussion on the musical genre, the genius (if applicable) of the composer/ playback singers/ the acoustics at large?

Then, it's the turn of the cinematography. Direction. Production values. Background score. Technical aspects. Or wait... is it really?
My take: Where are these, for cryin' out loud? Why are these almost always forgotten?

For all those reviews out there, no, I don't wanna know the movie plot, I don't wanna know what actress X is wearing in item song Y, I don't wanna know how the story ends for goodness sake! What I would like to read about - seemingly impossible, I know - is an analysis more in depth, one that focuses more on the film making process, how it's translated on screen in that particular movie, and more information on the look and feel of the movie. Capiche?

DUDE, WHERE'S MY FRIDGE?

... And a gazillion rupee prize to anyone who can locate my fridge under all that!

SOME PICTURES TO SHARE...

The great outdoors... A mindboggling display of colour.

WHAT'S IN A NOSE?

Apparently it's the epitome of perfection. Of perfect noses, that is. But does it really matter what Cleopatra's nose looked like? Whether she really had poker straight, jet black hair falling in this smooth curtain down her back?

Or do we go with the new findings that show up Cleo's supposedly true colours, or rather, her looks: the hooked nose, less-than-perfect features...?

Painted onto papyrus, gleaming gold and vegetable dye, the figment (is it?) of somebody's imagination comes vividly to life. Best untouched, undiscovered, let romance rule!

Here's to you, Cleo!