If you are going to see the exquisite Hokusai showcase at the National Gallery of Victoria, or even if you aren't, the temporary exhibit Buddha's Smile is worth a look, and a listen. I'm not suggesting a direct link between the exhibits, by the way or even a broad, 'let's lump all the Asian art … Continue reading Review: Buddha’s Smile
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Review: Syria – Ancient History Modern Conflict
The Ian Potter Gallery at the University of Melbourne is displaying Syria - Ancient History Modern Conflict until the end of August. I took a look because (no surprise at all) I'm fascinated by old things. But also because of a sense of a need to bear witness to archaeological and preservation work that can … Continue reading Review: Syria – Ancient History Modern Conflict
Nightswimming (classes)
Nightswimming deserves a quiet night. I made a decision when I was sick some months ago. Simple as sending an email when I couldn't sleep to change, put things in reverse. And learn. Now in my second term, the water seems more welcoming. Still. It's so much clearer. Each evening I leave my stuff at the water's … Continue reading Nightswimming (classes)
Review: Dreamland Japan
The National Gallery of Victoria is currently exhibiting more than 150 works of art (prints, books, manga, cloth items etc) by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. Even if you haven't heard of him, you may know one of his pictures, because it is now one of the most famous and reproduced scenes in the world: … Continue reading Review: Dreamland Japan
Doctor Who: a Time Lord’s winged chariot
You'll got the Andrew Marvell reference To His Coy Mistress for the episode titled World Enough and Time yeah? It's apt. Not just this episode with its portents of doom, and accurate time dilation Black Hole physics. No. The entire series has indeed felt time's winged chariot hurrying near. Most episodes have felt overtly rushed or truncated, except … Continue reading Doctor Who: a Time Lord’s winged chariot
Doctor Who: Roam where you want to
Apologies for the delay, but as with so much of this season, Doctor Who feels like it's biding time until the big finale. Having said that The Eaters of Light, promised a bit and delivered more than recent episodes. I acknowledge I've been hard on them, but when a great thing falls a little way from being … Continue reading Doctor Who: Roam where you want to
Doctor Who: Here’s a thought
Themes in Doctor Who repeat because history repeats, and stories do too, as per The Lie of the Land. I am endlessly interested in how stories are in and of their time but also universal, cosmic, mythical. How any story set today can refer to 'fake news' but also be about the first story humans … Continue reading Doctor Who: Here’s a thought
Review: Much have I seen and known
Maybe at another time I will provide a more considered and thorough critique of the following film and its performances, but right now it is too much with me and all I've got are raw feelings. Do you remember when you were young? When you rushed home from school full of energy, even after an … Continue reading Review: Much have I seen and known
Review: Love in art
The usual blockbuster events gain all the attention for the National Gallery of Victoria, and like cosmic detritus around a black hole, all are pulled by way of its gravitational attraction. And this is no bad thing, so go see Vincent van Gogh and the Four Seasons if you can. What these starry-eyed fans may … Continue reading Review: Love in art
Doctor Who: Blind faith
The doom monks of the previous episode Extremis are back in Doctor Who's Pyramid at the End of the World. As the latest Big Bad, these aliens are eerily reminiscent of the crypts of actual mummified Capuchin friars that hang from walls and ceilings. These aliens are even dressed the same (Capuchin indicates hooded). If you … Continue reading Doctor Who: Blind faith
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