Honey in the coffee

Polly Borland, Untitled 2010 Photographic print Inspired by Take the Money and Run (feat Nick Cave) It has been a full on London night with lots of artwork and interesting people to talk to. When I arrived it was a bit earlier to enter so I went with my friend Chiara to the nearby cafe' where, with big surprise and joy, I noticed Nick Cave sitting down on his own at the front door table. What to say, what to do?? I just smiled and went to sit further down. I have to confess I was really happy and excited about the meeting but no words to him came to my mouth. Everything would sound to silly to me. "Oh hello, nice meeting you, you are my favorite musician and songwriter ever!!!". I felt lucky about the meeting but I didn't give myself the chance to talk to him. So he left first, then it was our turn to leave to join other people to the opening show. Once inside the wonderful space of Haunch of Venison and while looking at the artworks, I noticed a photogr...

LA NOUVELLE VAGUE. ICONIC NEW WAVE PHOTOGRAPHS BY RAYMOND CAUCHETIER 14 July – 28 August 2010 I am so glad I didn't miss this exhibition at James Hyman Gallery. It ends tomorrow. An exhibition that celebrates, at the same time, the 50th anniversary of Jean Luc Godard's A bout the souffle (1960) and Raymond Cauchetier's 90th Birthday. These photographs speak to my heart and my memories. Back in my university years, at La Sapienza in Rome, I remember spending numerous nights watching classic films. One of my course was on French Cinema in the 60s, the Nouvelle Vague mouvement with auteurs such as François Truffaut , Jean-Luc Godard and Agnès Varda amongst others. My days were fulfilled by B/W images of French stories. I could see them on my wall, on my desk, on my books, on my tv screen, on my long conversation with other students at the university Cafe' and definitely, in my dreams. Jean-Pierre Léaud /Antoine Doinel was my idol! Truf...

A recent journey to Central London is still in my 'visual thoughts'. My steps were intentionally guided to enjoy Ernesto Neto 's site specific installation at the Hayward Gallery, The edges of the world. In a gloomy summer day in London, the colourful fabrics, materials, scents, spices, softness, hardness and excitement in Neto's work allowed a sensuous feeling of warmth. Photographs by Steve White Only few steps away from the Hayward Gallery, in Trafalgar square, placed on the forth plinth, here appears the giant Nelson's ship in a bottle by Yinka Shonibare . I have been waiting to sail on this ship for long time. I stand still admiring the work. My mind goes to a quote by Nietzsche in the book I am reading, The Black Atlantic by Paul Gilroy: We children of the future, how could we be at home in this today? We feel disfavour for all ideals that might lead one to feel at home even in this fragile, broken time of transition; a...

Venetia is a lovely coffee shop situated on Chatsworth Rd, in Homerton/Clapton area. It is a historical landmark in my Homerton years. A precious gemstone that my dearest friend Alison shared with me. On entering, what immediately draws your attention is the welcoming and cosy atmosphere. You can just go there, sit for a couple of hours on your own or with a friend, and feel just comfortable as you feel at home. Venetia is a place with his own energy. The magic recipe is a mixture of simplicity, attention to detail, splashes of bright colour and good food (try the almond croissant!); they also make a great cappuccino. The background music adds to the ambience, and the staff are absolutely friendly (some of them became very good friends). The interior is pleasing: wood-paneled walls, antique mirrors and a lovely brick fireplace, all offset with a collection of eclectic retro pottery. In summer, the back garden also welcome more customers. Last year, the café s...

Roberta Ridolfi’s pictures are just like a perfect day: fresh, bright and spontaneous. Each image is powerful as only a smile can be; it is delicate and yet, vibrant at the same time. As a photographer, Roberta is equally comfortable with fashion, music and portraits, but it is definitely through fashion photography that she finds a way to express her vision of the world, and what she likes most: to document a day, in the life of a youthful girl. The girls in her pictures are often young models (who she selects with care for each photo shoot) or talented rising artists caught, most of the time, in this incredible time in life where the subtle line between adolescence and adulthood, fades away. Roberta captures, with her camera, these girls’ fresh approach to life, all the dreams in their eyes and their great potential. She seems, somehow, to recall this special time in each picture. But what does it mean to her to take pictures? “I can’t really say”, she starts “I nev...

Berlin and special moments with my friends. If you plan a trip to this wonderful city, make sure to have time for a coffee+cake break at the unique Blumencafe' in Schönhauser Allee. Florist, coffee shop and parrots share here the same soul. BLUMENCAFE' Schönhauser Allee 127 10437 Berlin, Germany

Wolfgang Tillmans Wald (Briol I) , 2008 Courtesy Maureen Paley, London Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2010 Designed by Jean Nouvel © Ateliers Jean Nouvel Photograph: Philippe Ruault My heart beats are now entered Les archives du coeur by Christian Boltanski. Track nr. 001428

PROJECT 50, (17 NATIONS) (2010) Adeniyi ('Niyi) Olagunju Wood pallets, house paint Variable (approx 230x580x17) Fred (London) installation shot http://www.fred-london.com/index.php?mode=exhibitions&id=70 5th August: First Thursday of the month and it is again a big time for the East London’ art world. After a deep immersion in Vyner Street - where I appreciated a great show at Fred (London) by artist Adeniyi (‘Niyi) Olagunju, Structures of Trade - I then joined Lava Collective at The Rag Factory for their new show presenting works by Jo Peel and Stik. http://www.jopeel.com / http://www.flickr.com/photos/stiklondon

Saturday morning. Grey sky from my window. I need a kick!! This video by reggae singer Patrice is absolutely incredible. I watched it with a big smile on my face, admiring the artwork by JR coming to life. ...and I sing (to remind myself): I got my hair, I got my head I got my brains, I got my ears I got my eyes, I got my nose I got my mouth, I got my smile I got my tongue, I got my chin I got my neck, I got my boobs I got my heart, I got my soul I got my back, I got my sex I got my arms, I got my hands I got my fingers, Got my legs I got my feet, I got my toes I got my liver, Got my blood I've got life , I've got my freedom I've got the life And I'm gonna keep it I've got the life And nobody's gonna take it away I've got the life http://www.patrice.net/ http://www.jr-art.net/

About four months ago, I was contacted by someone who introduced me to The Golden Filter music and artwork. Since then, I found my senses were replenished by a combination of their ethereal images and the vibrant sounds of Voluspa, their debut album. The Golden Filter show a magic way to combine music sets with an inspired and poetic imagery. Indeed they love to create their own films and photography. I see their world as a mirror game where one thing reflects another… and everything happens through a golden filter lens. This is an experience not to be missed! http://www.thegoldenfilter.com/#/hideme-teaser http://thegoldenfilter.tumblr.com/