From Valence to London



THURSDAY - 26 NOVEMBER '09


JOHN SOANE MUSEUM

Humbly sat in the heart of town, with a facade that resembles just like the houses next to it. A different world lies behind the door, brings one from a concrete jungle into the ruins of Rome, open to the sky. What struck me most were not just the unrealized architecture designs of Soane but a fascinating collection of Hogarth paintings and his library of books that ranges from The Poems of Robert Herrick to Memoirs of An Author to Letters From Italy. An 'enchanted isle and its inhabitants' lived behind those walls for decades to come…


GROUP VISITS ( MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD/ METAL SHOP ON HACKNEY ROAD )

Took a ride to London's East End, and found us standing on 212 years old Hackney Road. Heard about the blot's dad who roamed these streets with the Kray twins (the foremost perpetrators of organized crime during the 50s and 60s). Visited the V&A Museum of Childhood that contains the countless memories held in the huge collection of objects/toys that brought us through the years of imagination and creations. Bummed into a woman who got lost and another handcuffed on Bethnal Green Road, within minutes. Exchanged some quid for forgotten memories and neglected pieces at Spitalfields Market.


TATE MODERN

Dressed in black for the illuminating black box of Miroslaw Balka for The Unilever Series at Tate Modern. The light at the turn on the end saw the silhouettes of travelers from across the countries. The shadows of our feared souls overcame. The intimation felt by the guards, the rules unbent after a labeled-performance created a scene to be ended. We moved to Cargo.




FRIDAY - 27 NOVEMBER '09


WALTER'S WAY ON HONOR OAK PARK

On the rail to Southeast London, Lewisham. A frozen morning despite the sun in the clear blue sky. We gathered around listening as Alex Rich and Jürg Lehni spoke of their passion and briefly of their heartache for a particular project. Walter Segal's designs for the houses seem just like the perfect dwelling. They were honest, simply beautiful and the ability for modification was capturing. If only we could live by Walter's Way.


GAMPER'S WORKSHOP

What a better way to live by Walter's way than to start off building our kitchen for food and a cinema for entertainment. Sawing, drilling, improvising, scraping—(simply) making. Creativity bounced across the cold walls; pickles and cheese on bread filled our stomach. Imagination warmed our hearts.


VEKTORKAT AT THE RCA ARTBAR

Getting to know everyone through music, cigarettes and alcohol. We made merry and danced the night away…




SATURDAY - 28 NOVEMBER '09


BILLINGSGATE FISHMARKET

Hung over or not—fresh fish, fresh minds, fresh start for a wet weekend.


CINEMA BANQUET

The kitchen crew prepared lunch and the builders completed the furniture. Tables set, candles lit, 2 films (Fischli & Weiss's Der Lauf deer Dinge & Mike Leigh's Nuts In May) played concurrently, miso mackerel and belham soup served. Small talks and sweet affections exchanged. The atmosphere and experience was—priceless.


D.I.Y. PINGPONG TOURNAMENT

Pool blue table with striking pink linings. Did-it-ourselves pingpong rackets: lighten bolt, scoop, scrape sheets, pyramid, double crackers, peddling stick, palm, 2-meters rod, 'P' handle, glove board, chopping board, etc. you name it. First prize went to Oman with his thunderous bolt. If only we could play pingpong all day, all night!



SUNDAY - 29 NOVEMBER '09


BATTERSEA CAR BOOT SALE

The crazy weather and unbeatable rain had made the day extremely challenging but entertainingly fun. Shopping, selling, touting, experimenting and singing in the rain! 20p, 50p, a quid and perhaps, free. Like any other days of the week, this day is irreplaceable and definitely unforgettable!


LEILA'S SHOP AT ARNOLD CIRCUS

A cup of tea to warm us from the harsh London weather and an introduction to Arnold Circus by an Ian Brown's music video, Keep What Ya Got. Bertrand Blier's Les Valseuses played and we were teleported to Valance in the 70s where two whimsical, aimless thugs harass and assault women, steal, murder, and alternately charm, fight, or sprint their way out of trouble. They take whatever the bourgeois characters value: whether it's cars, peace of mind, or daughters. What a way of life! Apparently only one third of the entire conversations were translated on english subtitles but I had loved it already. The humor and reckless adventurestime travelled. Sourdough bread, cheese and red wine accompanied this evening.


BIRDCAGE

More drinks to mark the end of the week 'round the corner of Leila's Shop. Pool techniques exchanged with a local lad and amongst the boys. Chatting, chirping through Monday morning...