Monday, January 31, 2005

Goodbye Mr. Architect-with-Ubercool-Specs:


Philip Johnson, 98, passed away last Wednesday. [nytimes obituary - registration req'd, but it's free] {Via UnBeige - reading design news via the flaky broadband at home means I'm half a week behind everyone else on the planet.}

Philip Johnson is the only textbook Architect-God I have ever met*, and even though we only spoke for 10 seconds, I could never forget his cheek, and those eyes of his, shining with child-like mischief. [see 12/09/2002] From him, I also "discovered" a pattern with Architect-Gods: to be one, you MUST wear wacky glasses - ones that you designed yourself, preferrably.

* Richard Meier is still only on the mortal "rockstar" caste in my scale of architectural godliness.

Saturday, January 29, 2005

Born into Brothels:


Have been meaning to blog about this ever since I saw the documentary on my last day at Christie's. The movie felt like a calling, and I knew I had to tell people about this.

Back in 2000, Briski, upon witnessing the daily horrors experienced by children living in Calcutta's red light district, founded Kids with Cameras: -

Fascinated by her camera, Zana thought it would be great to see the world through their eyes. It was at that moment that she had the idea of teaching photography to the children of prostitutes.

To do so would involve overcoming nearly insurmountable obstacles � brothel owners, pimps, police, local politicians, and organized crime syndicate.

Zana held weekly photography workshops between 2000 and 2003. There the children learned camera basics, lighting, composition, the development of point-of-view, editing, and sequencing for narrative. To Zana's delight, equipped with inexpensive point-and-shoot 35mm cameras, the children produced incredible work. Their images are explosions of color: self-portraits, family pictures, street scenes, stunning tableaus of Bengali life.


Through teaching photography to children of prostitutes and social outcasts, Briski offered a 'way out' to these kids who otherwise have no chance of receiving education after primary school.

"The photographs taken by the children are not merely examples of remarkable observation and talent; they reflect something much larger, morally encouraging, and even politically volatile: art as an immensely liberating and empowering force."

Do go and catch the film if you can. Bring some friends, bring some Kleenex; (it does get emotional) it'll be worthwhile, 'cos the proceeds do go to support the children's education. The film's won an Audience Award in Sundance 2004, and it's the sort of film that keeps my faith in humanity.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

My bookcase is raining....

Dead termites. GROSS. *shivers*

The exterminators came round, sprayed the study with insecticide, and now them maggot-like creepy crawlies are falling out of the half-eaten wooden bookcase in the study, like rice grains. Right next to the computer, where I HAVE TO DO MY BLOODY JOB APPS.

*sigh* the inconveniences of unemployment.

Friday, January 21, 2005

14 Alleged Chinese "terrorists" roaming free in Boston

With news like this, there's no hope for a yellow-faced girl like me to ever get hired as:
Puma Assistant Footwear Designer /
Elle Decor Editorial Assistant /
Gagosian Gallery Archivist /
Intern at the Met or the Dia Art Foundation /
Matthew Marks Gallery Asst. /
Yoshi Gallery Asst./
McKee Gallery Asst./
WGBH Asst. Producer for Curious George

Hell, I don't know if customs would even let me in to get my stuff back from the suburbs of Boston. Bugger bugger bugger.

UPDATE: [1/23]
The 14 dudes are of course, not terrorists, but I.I.'s who didn't pay up their smugglers. What is it with the FBI? Non-Caucasian does NOT = bomb-carrying suspect.

Thursday, January 20, 2005

So you wanna work for Jeff Koons?

A crazy lil' gem I came across on NY Foundation for the Arts while browsing for jobs. Actually, it's more like a 10 carat D-grade diamond.
Too bad I can't paint to save my life.

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

RIP cyw555@mit.edu 1999-2004

*waves a teary goodbye to my school e-mail and my free Athena webspace*


That's it. MIT's spitting me out.
For anyone who still cares about my existence, they are very welcome to show their sympathies and compassion by writing to: seewhy at gmail dot com.

Monday, January 10, 2005

Kafka on the Shore


Spotted in the bookshop next to my neighbourhood post office.
Mental note: add to my things-to-read list, after Colour: A Natural History of the Palette (which is taking me forever to finish) and Life of Pi.

Friday, January 07, 2005

Death by Chocolate


Simply couldn't put this record down when I spotted it in the Clearance section of the store. How can any self-respecting chocoholic not fall instantly in love with the band name? AND they do that 60's psychedelic go-go thing, which is totally up my vintage alley. Pitchfork might hate them for their monotone singing and crappy lyrics, but there's nothing better than "together we can zap - the - world!" when you're feeling down and out.

Check these tracks out - While I'm still young, Ice Cold Lemonade [both mp3's on Quicktime]