Miksa Roth and Art Nouveau in Hungary.

(Stained Glass Window, Miksa Roth)

Miksa Roth was a stained glass artist for the Imperial and Royal Court who lived from the mid 19^th century to the mid 20^th century. Although he specialized on medieval and classic stained glass paintings, he was one of the pioneers of art nouveau in Hungary. Miksa Roth was also famous for producing mosaics which earned him two grand prizes and one silver medal in the World Exhibitions of the early 20^th century. By 1908, his great and outstanding mosaics had already earned him a position as a member of the International Jury for World Exhibitions – that is how good he was!

Roth learned the technique of his art from his father. He opened his own studio 1885 and developed his style from the medieval stained glass painting tradition. He became the best antique glass painter and mosaic artist in Hungary and his works can be seen from the sidewalls of Saint Stephen Basilica, here in Budapest to the church in Mariensdorf, Burgenland, Austria, the Royal Palace of the Netherlands, and even the glass dome of the Teatro National, Mexico.

(Rising Sun. Mosaics. 1900)

One unique thing about Miksa Roth is the employment of a pragmatic and progressive mind in his works. This could be seen in the way that although he trained and developed himself as a medieval stained glass painter – which he never compromised – he nevertheless took the development and perfection of the art nouveau in Hungary, combining both elements to create his style. His progressive mind, intelligence, hard work and experimentation with art styles paid off when he became the first to apply Tiffany-glass for glass windows in the Art Nouveau within the boundaries of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.

Without being seen as overemphasizing or singing the praise of an outstanding and highly talented artist, I would recommend that you visit his museum at Nefelejcs utca 26, 7^th district and see for yourself how good and influential he was for his contemporaries and the art nouveau in Hungary. The museum building was also Miksa Roth’s residence and you can see his personal collections, see how he lived and feel his spirit.

The general information is as follows:

Miksa Róth Memorial House
(Róth Miksa Emlékház)
1078 Budapest, Nefelejcs utca 26.

Opening hours:
between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.,
Tickets can be bought until 5.30 p.m.

Closed on Monday!

Home Sweet Home

One of my best friends celebrated his birthday few weeks ago. We met a week before his birthday and he told me how much he missed home and not celebrating his birthday at home. Well, once you are out of home, you sure would miss home. But the rate at which you missed home depends on how comfortable you were at your home then. I would argue that even if you hated your home and people around you, if you have been away for a long time - say two years - you would definitely feel homesick at some occasions.

I missed home. Although am not planning moving back soon, but sometimes I wish that time would fly so fast so that I will finish my programs and aim of coming here and go back home. Why am I so interested in talking about how much I missed home? Well, my home I believe is closer to nature - with all due respect to Hungarians, Europeans or Westerners. Since I came to Europe I hardly hear the beautiful sounds of nature like birds singing - except for the stubborn pigeons pooping everywhere. What about trees? I grew up in a place with lots of palm trees and squirrels. A place where you will sit under the pear tree at your backyard and bloat yourself with the fruits. OK! let me not get too emotional.

Anyways, since my friend missed home, I gave him a souvenir of my 'idealistic' home, which is the painting that is above this write up, for his birthday. He deserved the gift because he understands me. He knows that am an alien like him. We missed home :(

Digression:

El Niño, the wonder man:

If you love football both on the club or national team level, you should by now be familiar with the name Fernando Torres. A dear El Niño (meaning the kid in Spanish) ‘the wonder boy’ for the Spanish people and a striker per excellent for the die-hard Liverpool Football Club of England fans, Torres have already proved that he knows his onions! Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid for a whopping sum of £20 million - a club record transfer fee - in 2007 after having scored 75 goals in 174 La Liga appearances. By the end of his first season at Anfield (Liverpool’s F.C. Home) he scored more than 20 league goals, a feat achieved only by Robbie Fowler in 1995 – 96 football season. December 2009 saw him made another history in Anfield by being the fastest player to score 50 league goals. What more could be said?

His impeccable calculation and strike is one that every defender dreads. Torres has achieved so many feats which am not ready to list here, but I really duff my hat for this unassuming and dear striker as a phenomenon in the football world. For those of you who might doubt my statement or say that he has not reached the level of being called a football phenomenon, know it that he is just 26 years. If you know how tight and physical the English Premier League is, you will understand that he has archived more compared with his likes in the Spanish, German or Italian Leagues.

Some pointers that highlights that he is going to be a legend are as follows. Do you remember the only goal that the Spanish Team used to silence the extremely organized and disciplined German Machine at the UEFA Euro 2008 and won the title, it was scored by El Niño. Do you remember the timely calculated movement and strike Torres made between the defender Philipp Lahm and the goal keeper Jens Lehmann at the 33^rd minute? Impeccable! I don’t think that the German Football fans will ever forget this embarrassing moment. Most recently, he silenced the tough and self acclaimed English Premier League winner, Chelsea Football Club and stopped their seven match unbeaten run by scoring a brace – the only goals of the match, again! According to Chelsea Manager, Carlo Ancelotti, “He (Fernando Torres) scored two fantastic goals” The first goal was awesome and the second… sublime! Now we know that Chelsea is not invincible, at least not this season and probably not with Torres fit and starting the Liverpool line-up.

What else could I say, we have seen the CR9s, Ronny’s, and Henrys in the English Premier League but Torres is one guy that knows when to score the goal that matters. That is a sign of a legend and the Liverpool Fans know that once you tag Steven Gerald and Torres, you will never walk alone, at least not in Anfield! With 76 goals so far for Liverpool, history beckons more for El Niño. One piece of advice for the striker I admire, keep yourself off injuries and give us more sublime goals.

Oh Budapest, finally, am loving you!

Last weekend, I got many calls from my friends back home, all wanting to know if am OK due to the unfortunate toxic sludge that painted the lush green town of western Hungary red, less than a fortnight ago. In as much as I understand how concerned you guys are about my well being, I think you should know that I live in Budapest not in Devecser. But then, I guess that this ecological catastrophe has made some people notice that there is a country in Europe called Hungary. If you have no idea where Hungary nor Budapest is, Google it!

But do not be angry that am too harsh... I have something that you might not get from Google. I live in Budapest and I can tell you what is happening, where to go and what to see - if you are planning on visiting Budapest or any other city in Hungary.

Budapest is a great city! Unfortunately, if you live here, you may be buried in the fact that there are less smiling faces - if there is any at all - than any other place you have been before. Where I came from, people smile a lot, even in the face of uncertainties. That is our signature! Beyond the long faces of the waiters or the departmental shop and mall staff, Budapest is old, and like an old wine, it tastes better!

Some architectural monuments are quite striking. I would not give you the list of them, but if you follow this link, Discover Budapest from the eyes of aliens, you will get a great guide to help you when you visit. The website was designed by the students of McDaniel College, Budapest Campus - an American Liberal Arts College with main campus at Westminster, Maryland - as a part of their June Term course in Travel Writing. One big advantage of this great guide is that it was prepared by the International Students who has been living in Hungary for quite some time now.

All in all, if you happen to come to Budapest, try to discover by yourself why it is called Buda Pest. Look closely, you will feel the awe. I did and was inspired to do this painting about the physical link between the Buda and the Pest side and also the mindset of Hungarians... guess? Below is the painting titled The Chain Bridge. Oil on Suede 50x50 cm.

Digression:

If you are following the European Football, you will be highly surprised to see Liverpool F.C. sitting at the bottom three of the English Premier League. How are the mighty falling... For the Club fans, I give you something that will cheer you up,... you will never walk alone!

LAST MAN STANDING

Am so sorry for not updating the blog for some months now. I have been busy with the Summer Vacation and rest. School just started and I just finished a painting. Oil on suede. 50x50 cm. I decided to share the idea behind the art work.

Imagine how people stood in awe when the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 for the World's Fair in Paris, France. Standing 324 meters (1,063ft), it was the tallest man-made structure in the world - then! Now, compare it to the Burj Khalifa (mostly known as Burj Dubai or Dubai Tower) in UAE, which stands at an overwhelmingly awesome height of 828 meters (2,717ft), the Eiffel Tower would seem unnoticed in the cityscape of Dubai. But then, what should we say about the Great Pyramids of Giza, in Egypt completed around 2560BC. With the height of 146.5 meters (480.6ft) it used to be the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. Am sure it now looks like a midget when placed beside the Burj Khalifa.

I do not mean to disrespect French National Icon, the Eiffel Tower, nor underestimate the historical relevance and importance of the Egyptian Pyramid. But then, in this architectural competition and geometrical growth, I wonder if we are not going to witness - for real - the reenactment of the mythological Tower of Babel in the Bible soon! Man seem to seek what is higher, what is above. This yearning which used to be interpreted and manifested in the Religious section of our society, is now being taking over - if not already taken over - by the Secular section of our society. From architecture to outer space expeditions. Note that there is a huge difference between Religion and Spirituality. Spirituality does not build physical structures, Religion does.

The peak of our city architectures used to be the bell towers and domes of the cathedrals and basilicas. But from the 20th century, the city skylines has less bell towers and more IT masts. From the Empire State Building (New York), the Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur), to the Taipei 101. The list looks endless - or will soon be endless... if the competition between the UAE and the Asian giants continues.

The tug-of-war continues... Some city icons pulled down in the name of Religious extremism... or economic 'who-is-the-boss-now? - No offence!

For those who are advocating for a checkmate of the climate change. They should look around. The climate is not the only thing changing - every other aspect of our living, being, and earth is! Everything is changing drastically! The world is in a roller-coaster and we are all enjoying the ride - are we not? The engineers and architects should not forget that they are building on earth and nature does have her own roller-coaster. I hope we are ready to ride with her and at the end know who is the last man standing.

Digression:

The 2010/11 football season is on in Europe and the clubs in the giant leagues are set to battle for the different silverwares. Italian Serial A, English Premier League, Spanish La Liga etc and the continental UEFA Champions League and Europa League. The agony and the ecstasy. The thrills and chills.

Jose Mourinho, the special one, is still enjoying his 'never-satisfy-with-a-club' coaching with his new herculean task at club Real Madrid F.C., - hope he will be relishing each moment of the task. While Sir Alex Ferguson is as content in his 'one-and-only-known-club' Manchester United F.C. as he has being managing for as old as Christiano Ronaldo, and still aiming at his 12th Premier League Trophy while some clubs have not smelled any!

The question is; can FC Barcelona maintain the idealistic and cherished understanding and debate that champagne football brings trophies? Can FC Internationale Milano retain their Serial A and Champions League title without The Special One? Can Chelsea Scare off the pressure from Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur?

Am mostly watching the English Premier League and Chelsea FC seems to be on fire, while Liverpool FC seems lost in the quagmire of 'who-is-the-owner-of-the-club' - I pray that it will not be bought by any of these Arab or Russian business mogul - Manchester City FC is enough treat financially and quest for silverware.

When the winter is over, we will see who kept himself as warm as should be. Am rooting for my dear club Arsenal. Good football pays, but my patience is running out! Arsene Wenger, the players and the management of Arsenal Football Club, please give us a silverware - how much longer are we going to wait? The 'invincibles' may not be realizable but a silverware is. Never outGunned!

THE FACE OF THE CHILD

Phew!...

Am finally done with my last two art works. The concept was hard and the representation?... HARDER!

Anyways the first is titled 'The face of the child' which shows the African child suprise and confusion on the... should I say 'the clichés' about him? Anyways, that is just one of the perspectives.

The second is titled 'The job that brought us here'. Very simply represented, but I hope you can decipher the image and message from the title. Good Luck. Both were done with Charcoal, Gouache and Water color.

Digression:

I have been also busy with the FIFA World Cup Matches going on in South Africa. I love soccer! Few things I have observed.

First, Africans really know the definition of hospitality. They gave their positions and 'food' - by this I mean their goals - to their visitors. So they keep loosing their games just to make sure that their visitors (the rest of the world) are happy. The well known aggressive football Cameroons where the first to throw in the towel. Then came South Africa, the laid back chief host. And Nigeria, Algeria followed suit. I advice my lovely brothers Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire to do the honorable thing.

But let us face the truth. If you play a sloppy game, you are out of the competition. You may have a thousand and one excuses, but the bottom line is that YOU ARE OUT, LOSER! French Team knows better - no offence!

And for Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands et al, you guys are really prepared. Good job!

On a more serious note, are the stars of this tournament jinxed not to score goals? Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, Wayne Rooney... have they exhausted their goals on their local leagues or what? Anyways am happy that Cristiano Ronaldo has broken the jinx - in a hard way. Others should follow suit. And we keep having the thrills, excitements and agonies...

I Love Football and the World is in South Africa LOL! :)

Ciao

Kc

Waka Waka eh e eh... This Time for Africa!

“Ugly worm to a beautiful butterfly.”

This was the Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s statement as he tries to give the world what I would call the perfect picture and representation of Africa. Why the statement and what happened?

Tonight is the Concert of the FIFA World Cup™ Kick-off Celebration in the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa. Here is the review of the highlights of the three hour event, my spontaneous reaction and reflections, but I have to say that if you didn’t watch it, you really missed the most energetic and colorful event of the year!

Before the event began, President Zuma of South Africa made a remarkable statement saying; “it is Africa that is hosting this Event. South Africa is just the Stage.” You would say that it is not a big deal. But, oh dear! It is a big deal - a very big deal. From the politics behind winning the bid to host this event, to the doubt and negative perception of ‘if Africans have what it takes to host the world highest anticipated sporting event’, the truth is that IT IS HAPPENING!

The event began with Archbishop Desmond Tutu paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, the father of Modern Africa and architect of South Africa 2010 saying; “Oh! Am dreaming… wake me up… no please don’t wake me up because I love what I am seeing… is this real? IT IS REAL!” He continued “Can you see it? Can you feel it?... I CAN, and I AM!” This lovely and emotional recount of reality is in consonant with what the American R&B pianist and singer-songwriter John Legend said about the event of the night, thus; “Football and music are universal languages that bring diverse people and cultures together. That’s why I’m so excited about being part of a global event like this, one that transcends nationality or race and brings us all together”, I could not agree more! For the next 4 weeks, the eyes of the world will be in Africa – show stopper!

Tutu continued; “Welcome Home… Africa is the cradle of Humanity… so, you are welcome home… to where it all began.” Enough said!

The event was a first of its kind in Africa – unbelievably awesome!

The musical artist selection for the night was quite good. From Will. I. Am the and Black Eyed Peas to Soweto Gospel Choir, African hip-hop artist K’Naan, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Toure, the Colombian pop sensation Shakira , Hugh Masekela, Amadou & Mariam( the blind duo from Mali) and Vusi Mahlasela – you probably do not know some of these artists.

The Alicia Keys rendition of the African version of Grammy Award winning songs ‘Falling’ and ‘No one’ was so spectacular and touching with the drumming and vibe that I keep on falling in and out of…

Shakira’s hip is more like that of a charming gazelle in ‘Hips don’t lie’ – am I lying? Her Zebra Clothing… Safari! And for her singing a song I have known from childhood, I chorused along “Zamena mina eh eh, waka waka eh eh…” Africa is full of life and energy!

The energy in the Rainbow nation Climax with African-Canadian hip-hop artist K’Naan rendering the one and only motivating song of the Tournament ‘Waving Flag’ that made people singing the song minutes after he left the stage. Oh goodness, I wish I was there to wave my flag – anyways, I did it alone in my flat.

And for those who knew how important this event is for Africa, I would love you to remember the souls of Miriam Makeba and Lucky Dube… I could feel their spirit smiling down on us tonight.

African is not only in the world, the world is in Africa!

Kc

For the Love of Life - Save our Children!

So, UNICEF is the winner!

Surprised? Am talking about the Football match today between England and world XI. When I say football I mean Soccer, not the American Football. Am not a sport analyst - though I live and eat, Art, Music and Football, and I am a die hard Arsenal Football Club Fan! This unique UNICEF charity game is to raise money and awareness about the plight of children of Madagascar who are suffering from many diseases like Polio, Malaria, etc. With just 2 British pounds, 3 euros or 3 US dollars you could give a free child vaccination and save the life of these future leaders - or simply let me not sound philanthropic or diplomatic - save a life, it is worth doing!

The game was worth watching. Not only that you will start smiling and asking yourself if this was a football game or a fulfillment of ones fantasy or childhood dream - reality check, some of these guys that played the game may never get another opportunity to play at Manchester United's Old Trafford Stadium, with over a 70,000 fans live, watching, cheering and wishing to get their author-graph, though they seem to have had enough fans on Hollywood!

Why did I mention that you would start smiling, or even laughing your head off? The game was between the English Team captained by Robbie Williams - yes you heard me and he played the 90 minutes of the game; and the World XI that has Nicky Byrne, Simon Baker, and even Woody Harrelson? LMFAOF! Anyways, this is like the appetizer, the main course is the FIFA world cup in South Africa next week, where it will neither be the likes of the X-Factor Olly Murs nor the History Boys and Mama Mia's Dominic Cooper on the field.

The game was also graced by some of our football legends like Teddy Sheringham, Alan Shearer, and Jamie Redknapp on the English Team and Henrik Larsson, Zinedine Zidane, Ryan Giggs, Luis Figo and Sami Hyypia on the World XI - though the names and nationalities didn't quite represent the 'world' - simple excuse, the guys are off to South Africa!

The high point of the night was the Penalty shoot out - after the 2-2 draw at the end of 9o minutes, because we must have a winner at the end of the day - though the English Team would have settled for a draw instead of losing at the Old Trafford, but don't worry it is not the Wimbledon Stadium! Seriously, some people are not destined to be footballers. Simon Baker and Dominic Cooper would have scored theirs if the game was directed by James Cameron, but unfortunately, football doesn't have a script writer - you are on your own dude or mate or whatever!

And for our captain fantastic Robbie Williams, England lost thanks to you not scoring your penalty, CAPTAIN! And for the records - which you are very good in producing - your football, sucks! Ok, I have said it LOL :p

For my hero of the night: Woody Harrelson may not be the Oscar favorites, but he sure knows how to fire a team to victory with his penalty. Thanks once again Harrelson, you rescued the world from the hand of the English - phew!

And so UNICEF is the winner!

Lastly, please donate to save life of these kids... they really need your help! And if 3 dollars could save a life, what are you waiting for?

Follow these links and donate: http://www.unicef.org.uk/socceraid2010/

or http://www.itv.com/entertainment/socceraid2010/

Remember, like UNICEF said, "denying child rights is wrong, put it right!"

Thanks

KC