Marlene Dumas at Stedelijk Museum: a boost of art in my own city

Once in a while, you are forced to do what you have long thought you should have done before. Whether it is reading a certain book, watching a certain documentary or going to a certain exhibition, you can no longer think of an excuse and push yourself to it. My motivation for finally going to the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, was a pathetic one. It involved money. Or better said: it didn't involve money. The entire month of September students in Amsterdam could go to the Stedelijk Museum for free. So, greedy as I can be, this finally led me and my friend to the renewed city museum.

The above probably sounds as if I didn't want to go at all. I did, definitely. But as a busy - and at the same time sometimes lazy - student, I find myself always thinking: I should go here, I should visit this, I live in the capital of my country, but I almost never really DO it. This time, I had another reason to go, besides the money: I really wanted to see the current exhibition on the work by Marlene Dumas: 'The image as burden'. I'd read a lot about her in the newspaper and her work seemed so... typical. Intriguing, in a way.

Marlene Dumas, aged 61, was born in South-Africa and moved to Amsterdam in the seventies. Her art work consists mainly of sketches, collages and paintings inspired on photography. During her youth, she was confronted with the Apartheid. The theme 'contrasts' still plays a very important role in her work: differences in cultures, differences in gender, etc.

I'm not an art student or practicer, but I could still see a certain way of working in her paintings. What struck me most, is the expressionistic way of making art. The paintings only show people and almost all of them are portraited in a vague manner, yet they seem 'finished' anyway. I really wonder at which moment Dumas thinks: this painting is finished, it's good the way it is, I'm not going to change anything about it. As a realistic painter, you must have a point where the painting is just ready, if you change anything, you'll ruin it. But for Dumas, it seems like another process, since the paintings are more blurred in a way.

Looking at some paintings, I thought: if I would paint this, people would never consider it art. Yet, Dumas has such a status and prestige, that we regard it as art. On the other hand, the paintings have a background. Dumas is politically and socially engaged and you can tell if you look at the paintings. One showed an African woman whose husband - a leader - was just being shot, so she walked around the streets completely naked.

Nudism and sexuality are important concepts in Dumas' work. Many paintings showed naked women, naked babies, cocks and vaginas. One entire hall was filled with Jesus figures. As she says herself: 'I get asked about the fact that I once said Jesus is the most erotic figure in art. I have to say, 'No, I don't mean I get excited when I see a dead person, I'm saying that in the history of painting, he has been the main figure, and he's this naked man who struggles between spirituatlity and physicality. I didn't invent that. That is what he is supposed to stand for, and in other cultures you do not have that'.

The woman as an erotic figure is a great theme in her work as well. She visited the Red Light District to find inspiration for a series on women based on Magdalena. Next to it, was a painting of topmodel Naomi Campbell, who is seen as the modern Magdalena by the western society. She also painted lots of weaping women, and Marilyn Monroe on her death bed. The interesting thing when it comes to her paintings of icons - something I always love! - is that she uses them in a controversial way. Osama Bin Laden and his son are included in the exhibition for example, just like Amy Winehouse. People who led a tragic life.

Her characteristic color palette is grey, blue and red. The magnificent use of colours is brought forward best in her painting of men in front of a wall. A beautiful painting, which also shows the 'vagueness yet perfection' I talked about before. 

Dumas' work is worth the visit. It's extremely direct and expressive, something you have to be able to handle. You might not like it, sure. You might think it's too harsh, possible as well. There's one giant wall filled with faces of psychiatric patients. Confronting, yes. Courageous too. But if you like art that's more than aesthetics, you should see Dumas. Even if it's just to see her fabulous self-portrait. The red-head looked a bit like Vivienne Westwood. The same type too: powerful, intelligent and not afraid of controversy. Women with guts. Ah, a bit ambiguous in this context. Well, fearless as she is, Dumas probably wouldn't mind.

Johnny & Kate in their days of glory

Coincidentally, I came across four photos of the most charming couple in history: Johnny Depp and Kate Moss. I have to admit, I found the last two while being so blown away by the first two, so that helped a bit as well. Anyway, Johnny & Kate are two of those people you envy and adore at the same time. They're succesful, good-looking and - at least, they were - madly in love. Easy to understand why you'd envy two of these geniuses. 

Oddly enough, they have a completely different effect on me. I wouldn't say I'd become jealous, I honestly think these two people should get back together (who cares about the reason why they broke up? who cares about their current relationships?) cause they are a feast for the eye. Especially on these photos, which are pretty rare actually. Johnny Depp is the essence of cool and so is Kate Moss. They always look like they don't care, almost arrogant. On these photos they seem so happy, honest and humble. I like the one with Johnny Cash & June Carter best. Look at that boss-look on Cash' face and the admiration in Johnny's glance. A matter of tremendous timing, I'd say! 

Halfway Up The Stairs

When it comes to writing lyrics, this man is a genius. Take this song, so simple yet so complicated. A perfect contradiction.

Tip: Lovers & Drifters Club

Right, maybe it isn't the usual thing to recommend someone else's site on your own blog, but hey, I don't do competition when it comes to my own blog because 1) I am aware of the fact that I don't have 10000 followers - so thank you all, my devoted readers! - and so I'm not really in the game, 2) I think blogs are meant for inspiration, not for the number of views per day and 3) the one I'm going to tell you about is absolutely freaking fantastic.

So, Lovers & Drifters Club is not a real club. Not an exclusive one, at least. I think you can see it as a sort of club, since its members are all dreamers, believers, sinners and adventure seekers. If you feel a certain connection, I'm pretty sure you can call yourself a member. I'm a devoted member, for that matter. Anyway, the concept was created by one - or a few - ambitious young creative(s). 

Lovers & Drifters Club is a label, mostly known for their fabulous shag jackets. The shag jacket is actually the reason I became aware of this great brand. I was shooting for June T, a new jewellery brand, and I had to wear a yellow version of the shag jacket. It's definitely one of the coolest things I've worn during a shoot, so you can understand I had to know more about the brand. As I was doing research, I found out that they're also the best inspiration site you can possibly find on the internet.

I have to admit, inspiration is a personal thing, so it's quite possible that you don't like it at all. But if you feel anything for freedom, road trippin' and rock 'n roll, you're on the right track. Since I'm not a big tumblr fan - have never used it and am not planning to start - but do need my portion of pretty pictures a day, I follow their instagram and stalk their website.

Anyways, it took me a little longer than I thought, but here's my message: check out Lovers & Drifters Club and even if you don't want to join, take it all in and breath it out ;)

La pluie à Paris

Paris in the rain... That was mostly what we experienced last week, but that didn't spoiled the fun! I totally agree with Audrey Hepburn when she said that Paris is always a good idea. Even in the bloody rain.

The reason why Paula and I went to Paris to end the summer wasn't only because we missed out on a great travel this summer. The main reason was a very different one. It's because our roommate, friend and fellow yoga lover Jordi is studying there for half a year. Not a bad city to study, you might think and I totally agree on that!

In Paris everything feels so much more elegant. Strolling through the streets, having a coffee and smoking a cigarette. So that were a few of the things we regularly did :) But we did more! Since Jordi's temporary apartment - studio, I should say - is located in the most wealthy arrondissement in Paris, we were able to walk to the Eiffel Tower in 10 minutes. But we didn't visit our good old friend before we had had a quick bite, cause we were quite hungry after an 8-hour bus ride. Jordi's boyfriend Simon was also in Paris for a day, and he's Israelian, so we went to a nice restaurant in Le Marais. As it happens, this was the same restaurant where Avalon and I ran into two years ago and where my love for falafel and hummus sort of began. 

So, we felt a bit like being in Tel Aviv anyway. The next morning, after Jordi and I did a morning run across the Seine and underneath the Eiffel Tower, we sought the vibe of another world city, namely: London. Where, how, what? We visited Shakespeare & Co, an awesome book store near the Notre Dame, full of cool covers and antiquarian books. Unfortunately, not that many cheap second hand novels, so I ended up not buying anything. Not that that mattered, cause I had money to spend on cocktails as well! After we spend the rest of our day in Montmartre and in the park - where we all got shitheaded by pigeons, not even at the same time (!) - we were ready for food and drinks.

The food was not that fancy - a Chinese caterer - but the cocktails made up for everything. Although... We had planned to go for drinks with a few of Paula & Jordi's friends from Amsterdam, and I had been advised to go to 1 of the 4 best cocktail bars in the world. It was a sort of secret bar, for it looked like a taco shop from the outside, but appeared to be a fancy bar in the basement. The people were damn pretty, the waiters professional and the music good. The only problem: we made the wrong cocktail choice! And that ain't good when you pay 12 euros per drink! But well, we only live once, and you don't always make the right choice. Non, je ne regrette rien!

On Wednesday, Paula and I - Jordi had to apply for a job at Disney fucking Land! - did make the right choice, by going to the Louvre. Someone else tipped me about a secret - yet official - entrance to the museum, which is near the shopping mall (don't tell anyone else!) This way, we avoided a line of at least 2 hours, and since we are also students, we could get in for free. I had never been there, so first things first: visit the Mona Lisa. A lousy tiny painting, if you ask me. I don't even find her face appealing. Despite this, it was extremely busy near that wall and the space was full of selfie stocks. Worst invention in history, if you ask me.

So we walked through different halls and eventually had enough of all the art, so we decided to do another cultural thing: go shopping! We walked to Le Marais, the vintage area, where we saw many fashionable boys and girls. We were both dying to buy a typical French 'je ne sais quoi' camel coat, but ended up not buying anything. Wise, yes. Satisfying, no. In stead of desperately buying something we didn't wanted, we decided to buy the thing we didn't have any problems with: food and wine!

That night, our last night in Paris, we drank two cheap ass bottles of wine at Jordi's home and gave him his present. Paula had come up with the great idea to make a book for Jordi with an assignment for each week. We came up with pretty awesome things, such as: hug everyone who is mean or arrogant to you. And honestly, those kind of people, you have them a lot in Paris! After this surprise, we went to Bastille, which was supposed to be the most crowded area to go out. It probably will be on Fridays or Saturdays, but Wednesdays definitely not. Everything closed at 2... But that didn't stop us from drinking mojitos and having discussions on the Paris streets in the middle of the night.

The next day we had one thing to cross of our list - better said, my list - that is: visiting Jim Morrison's grave at Pere Lachaise. I actually already had been there about 8 years ago, but in that time I had no idea who The Doors were, how much I would love Jim Morrison in the future and how mysterious graveyards were. Unfortunately, our planning wasn't perfect, so we ended up stressfully walking across the graves, looking for a grave in the giant maze that is Pere Lachaise. Eventually, we stumbled upon Mr. Mojo Risin's resting place. It was a subtle grave, yet good to see it finally.

After a few quick photos, I had to rush to go to the bus station, since my bus would leave that afternoon. Paula would stay another day, since she had more time and I had things to do on Friday. Working life started again... It may have been a short trip, but it was a busy and enjoyable one for sure. We'll be back in a couple of months, cause a friend who lives in Paris, is a perfect reason to go a bit more often than normal. Though we don't need a reason of course, for Paris is always a good idea! 

Summer's Over

Well okay, technically summer isn't over. It's just starting again in Amsterdam. It's been so bloody cold and rainy recently, but today the sun reappeared on the Dutch skies. As for my freedom, it's been lessened, since university is starting again tomorrow.

Time really flew this summer. Since I decided not to go to Israel - and had the feeling my summer would be dead boring this year - I've been busy almost every day. It was mostly work that occupied me, but festivals, parties and couchsurfers as well. Anyway, that fun may not be over, but fact is that the books are back!

Am I sorry for it? Not that much, to be honest. Yes, the obligations will be paying off, in a few weeks I will be stressed and depressed again, but on the other hand, I love to learn, I love to read and I love to be busy. A nerd is what you might call me, but a proud nerd is what I am.

That also has something to do with my courses. Few people would deny their coolness, seriously. I mean, 'American History', 'Music & Psychology' and 'What is Creativity?' Can't wait to find out what they imply :)

The downside is that I already know I won't be having a lot of time, since I will also be working a lot, working on my portfolio and planning to spend more time relaxing - as in: read more, buy more records and cook more. With whom, that's the question, but myself is good company as well. What's the downside, you might wonder.

The downside is that I already know I won't be posting as much as a year - or two - ago. You might have been used to it the past few months, but I just wanted to excuse myself, before you begin to hate me! Okay overreacting now, but I do want everyone to know I love to keep my blog up to date and will be putting all the effort in it I can - even though that might not always work out the way I want it. But a cool Paris post is coming up, so even if you've lost track of my blog because of the few posts, keep an eye on it this week! 

Good luck on your new year as well and may everyone have a splendid September. Cheers!

Wild Romance

God, how I love this editorial. The extremely handsome bearded man you see is Michiel Huisman, a Dutch actor. He was one of the leading parts in my favourite show as a child: Costa, a corny Dutch show filled with sun, sex and Spanish coasts. Now, 14 (!) years later, he has a part in one of my current favourite shows: Game of Thrones. I haven't seen that many episodes, so I haven't seen him perform yet, but looking at these photos, I'm sure it's gonna be a hell of an experience :)

Fashion editorials starring a guy and a girl are always quite tricky. They can look oh so cheesy but also very good. This one turned out to be breathtakingly beautiful, if you ask me. The simplicity, the environment, the Wild West feeling to it, perfect. Don't we all wish to have a romance like this in the wilderness?

Credits:
Glamour August 2014
Photography: Will Davidson
Models: Michiel Huisman & Valentina Zelyaeva

Lauren Bacall: Last of the American Girls

She was said to be cold, she was said to be arrogant and she was said to be self-centered. Things they often say about a powerful, beautiful and succesful lady. Bacall herself said it was only an image - she was vulnerable and she was shy. Whatever idea is right - an image stays an image after all, there's no right or wrong one - we know for sure that Lauren Bacall has led a tumultuous life, yet has always stayed on the right track. No death at 27, no suicide, no drug addictions, men were probably the biggest frustration in her life - after Bogie died. Something many artists can learn from.

Only a day after the news of Robin Williams's suicide came out, another death of a movie star was announced. This time the star was a bit older and this time the star died under more natural circumstances. With the death of Lauren Bacall a generation of leading ladies has died too. Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo and Bette Davis. Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jean Harlow. Of course, we've got our own contempory stars: Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman. Yet, none of them will come close to the grace and elegance of stars like Bacall.

Lauren Bacall was born in the Bronx in 1924 as Betty Joan Perske. Both her parents were Jewish and originally from Eastern Europe - something still visible in Lauren's striking face features. When she was five, her parents divorced and Lauren took her mother's Rumanian name. She didn't see her father anymore and that's where her daddy issues have probably been rooted.

As many actresses, Lauren started her career as a model. Her jobs weren't the slightest. Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, every fashion magazine loved her cat-like appearance. In 1942, she took lessons at the American Academy of Dramatic Art, and a year later she first appeared on Broadway. Yet it was while working as a model, that she was discovered by director Howard Hawks' wife. She urged her man to do a screen test with Lauren for 'To Have and to Have Not'.

Lauren Bacall with Ernest Hemingway

Hawks was blown away by her and turned her into a sort of project. He signed her to a seven-year personal contract, turned her name into Lauren and his wife taught her the fashion and taste guide lines. On the set, she was opposite Humphrey Bogart, who was already a major name in America. Though he was still married - and despite their age difference of 25 years - they began an affair. Three films followed in which they appeared together. Bogart and Bacall had an outstanding spark on the screen and also off the screen. In 1945, the 45-year old Bogart married the 20-year old Bacall. They had two kids and remained together until Bogart's death 12 years later.

To Have and Have Not

Bacall never really found another love like Bogie. Romantic, on the one hand, since they must have had a great, passionate and mindblowing affection for each other. Though she probably saw him as a daddy figure as well... Sad, on the other hand, since Bacall was only 32 when Bogie died and so she had to spent almost 60 years of her life without him. Of course, she did have some relationships. Frank Sinatra for example, though this only lasted for a short time, and Jason Robards Jr.

Lauren Bacall with Frank Sinatra

Shortly after Bogie's death, her career became stuck. Bacall didn't feel like acting that much anymore. A shame, since she had made many great films before, such as 'How to Marry a Millionaire'. During this film she met Marilyn Monroe, and they were often photographed together. These two girls together on a photo, that was magic, if you ask me.

Bacall, Bogart and Monroe

In her later career Bacall did a lot of parts. In the seventies and eighties she came back, and in 1997 she won a Golden Globe for her role in 'The Mirror has Two Faces'. Even though she was extremely old already, Bacall kept acting. Her last role was in 2014, as a guest vocal appearance in Family Guy. Yesterday, she suffered a massive stroke in her house in Manhattan. Bacall was 89 when she died and left a giant list of achievements behind.

As for her coldness and arrogance, we will never really know her personality. Fact is that her voice was low and her face was hard - yet beautiful, I think - and those features may come off as distant. Yet, Bacall lost the love of her life and I don't think this left her cold. Rough she may have been, but there was something about her we can all take with us in our lives. Even after the loss of Bogie, she kept on going, winning awards and choosing interesting scripts. In her own words: 'I am not a has-been. I am a will be'.

Turn your lights down low

Been in an old school R&B mood lately, love this one!

Couchsurfing Craziness

Shame on me, even in my vacation, at home in Amsterdam, I can't find any time to keep my blog updated. But, to be honest, that's also a good thing. I should've been in Israel at this time, and I was so afraid I was going to be bored as hell if I just stayed at home. Guess what, I haven't been bored a single moment. So what have I been doing? Well, mostly working, a lot of drinking and trying a new thing: couchsurfing. 

You might remember my post about London, in which I told you about my great experience surfing at a couch of Chen and enjoying a cosy house party. This time I decided to open up my house - and the house of my 16 roommates, okay - and invite a bunch of travellers here! I have to admit, I have been a bit picky but that's only because I get about 10 requests a day. Yes, yes, I'm very popular (can't wait till internet invents a way to put sarcasm on the screen the way my tone of voice can!) and everyone wants to stay with me.

No, let's be serious here. I'll tell you a little bit about the concept of Couchsurfing. I've created an extensive profile a while ago, which has my life motto, interests, goals, favourite films and music on there. What do I expect of life, and what do I want to live my life like. Pretty much my person in a couple of sentences. Furthermore, there's this reference system, so people I stayed with and people I hosted can write a positive (or negative) story about me and other people see this and think: 'Wauw, such a great person, I want to meet her!' I'm sorry, I'm having difficulties talking seriously about myself here.

Anyway, I got two great messages last week. The first was from Austin, a guy from Oklahoma who moved to NY a couple of years ago to follow his dream: becoming an actor. It sounds like the typical American Dream story - it is - but he's actually very good. He came over with his cousin, who still lives in Oklahoma, and they stayed here for 3 nights. Though I had to work two full days, we did some great things. We saw the typical Amsterdam streets, ate pancakes, went to the Red Light District and smoked a joint of course. The last night we all went out - a few of my roommates and friends joined as well - and that was a lot of fun! Austin invited us to come to Brooklyn (NY) whenever we wanted to, so hell yes, I'm gonna book my flight next year!

Yesterday, another American family came. This time only for one night and this time a girl and her sister from Riverland, South California. The three of us spent a day in the city, talked a lot about the differences between American and Dutch culture and visited the Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam Noord. They gave me the best tips for California. Not only San Fran of course, but also Big Sur (picture), about which my hero Jack Kerouac wrote a book, Napa (the wine valley), Santa Barbara and Seattle. Even though my American friends didn't drink wine, so we didn't go out (those two things go together, yes), we got along really well ;)

I'm not sure if I'll host more people this summer, but that's only because I have to work a lot and am going to Paris for a couple of days as well. But it's been an amazing experience and I can recommend it to everyone. It has opened my mind even more, improved my English and gave me contacts in America - not a bad thing! The only downside: my desire to travel has grown even more. But hey, next year it's my turn to surf, and surfing I will!