Monthly Archives: November 2013

Grayson Perry, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl

Grayson Perry

This is a very easy read, split into lots of short chapters and so easy to dip into whenever you have five minutes. GP seems to have crammed a lot into his younger life and it’s interesting to see how his experiences and thoughts have manifested themselves in his art. But I have to say I didn’t recognise some of the things he did with his friends as art; it seemed like a bunch of exhibitionists dressing up (or not) and indulging themselves in the name of being creative.

This biography will be enjoyed by those who are interested in Grayson Perry but it left me feeling a little flat. His recent Reith lectures are much more vibrant and entertaining.

NW

NW

The first section of this is compelling, with its lovely stream-of-consciousness style. I couldn’t connect with the second section quite as much but the plot is still interesting and kept me turning the pages. The third section was extremely hard work, with its many many numbered sections. They are obviously very clever, but a little cryptic. The penultimate section is fairly edgy and menacing. The final section contains some kind of resolution.

This is an unusual book, entertaining and real. There are definitely aspects of the female characters that I relate to and it feels very much of the present time. The only problem is that doesn’t hang together as a novel for me, although I suppose it didn’t help that I read the book over a long time. I’m not familiar with that part of London either, which is a shame as the setting is almost a character of its own.

In summary I would say that NW is thought-provoking but unsatisfying.

Guardian podcast: Zadie Smith on NW

Library of Birmingham

Today I visited the Library of Birmingham for the first time. When I first set eyes on the circular metal cladding (months ago) I didn’t like it at all. Somehow it makes more sense to me now, having been inside the building and up close to the cladding. The design has definitely grown on me; I now think of it as an unusual and inspiring building.

There is lots of light and space inside and it feels very clean and modern, futuristic even. I expect the new library to attract lots of young people, with its funky chairs and beanbags for the kids. Hopefully its primary purpose will still be as a place for people to gain knowledge.

On approach


View from the Discovery Terrace

View from the Discovery Terrace

View from the Discovery Terrace

Book rotunda

Book rotunda

Secret Garden

View from the Secret Garden

View from the Secret Garden

View from the Secret Garden with Clent Hills in the distance

View from the Secret Garden

View from the Secret Garden
IMG_4438

Shakespeare Memorial Room

Shakespeare Memorial Room

Grayson Perry

While in Manchester Heena also took me to see Grayson Perry’s The Vanity of Small Differences exhibition:

The adoration of the cage fighters


and I absolutely loved it. I watched the C4 programmes about it afterwards. I think it was better to do it that way round i.e. to see the tapestries without any preconceptions whatsoever.

I then searched for what else Grayson Perry has done and discovered that he gave the Reith lectures this year. I’ve heard the first three out of four and they’ve been brilliant: witty, thought-provoking and inspiring.

Grayson Perry

Norway in general


In brief:

Holidaying in Norway is very, very expensive. Food and drink is two to three times as expensive as it is back home. Travel costs are high but, as at home, it is possible to book train tickets in advance and save money. Hotels are expensive but there are reasonable prices to be found when booking online in advance.

The weather is similar to British weather, perhaps a little colder and wetter.

Norwegians are very friendly, polite and helpful.

Public transport is excellent; it is extremely efficient and tourist-friendly.

The landscape is absolutely breathtaking. Whether it’s taking a boat right into the fjords, or a bus or train which looks down into a valley or fjord or up at a waterfall, Norway as the most natural beauty of all the countries I’ve ever visited. Even in poor weather it is magical but also haunting and forbidding. In good weather you get the full spectrum of colours: a blue sky, lush green valleys, the mostly black cliffs, pure white waterfalls, reds, yellows and browns of vegetation and the blue-green water. Simply spectacular.

The food is ok. The food culture that has recently developed in Britain doesn’t seem to have caught on here judging by what is available in supermarkets. There is decent food to be had, especially fish, but, whatever the quality of the food, you can rely on it to be expensive.

Everyone speaks English, although often with an American accent.

Norway Day 7

Today we did the journey back to Oslo, taking in Sognefjorden and the FlÃ¥m railway. The latter forms part of the Bergen-Oslo route: one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys.