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

After lectures today I went to the Student Common Room at the Basement, and the only useful thing I could do was to try playing the Piano. Fair enough, I tried to do a cover of Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright or Leonard Cohen - actually I wasn't specific with whose lyrics and style to chose - so it is kinda my style. I must confess that it is a little bit slow and boring. Come to think of it, the lyrics of the song makes the song to be rendered in a boring way. Ok, my voice wasn't good! The lecture was very boring and you can feel it from the way I was playing the piano and singing. The camera is not really that wonderful and am not auditioning for X-factor or American Idol - though I wish I could contest :(

Anyways, if the piece could send you to sleep, then I think my job is well done. If you yawn too much, then you are not getting the point LOL. Last word: am still learning how to play the Piano. Right now, am on the 'pure amateur' list!

Ps... I will really appreciate it, if you watch this video. Thanks

Kc

My cover of Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright or Leonard Cohen

Odon Lechner and Art Nouveau in Budapest

I got a feedback from my lecturer today as regards an article I wrote about a Hungarian Architect Ödön Lechner. He was one of the pioneer of Hungarian and central European Art Nouveau. If you ever visit Budapest - a city I have come to love - I recommend you go and see his works. Actually, we were asked to write about things to see in Budapest, kinda a guide for tourists. We are also creating a website for it and I will give you the link when we are done! Seriously, you really have to check it out - I mean the website - especially if you are planning to visit Budapest or Hungary. It is new and every information is current - unlike most tourist websites that has stale informations.

Let me give you a hint why you should visit the website. Pecs, a city in Hungary is one of the European Capital of Culture, 2010. I wrote an article about it! And so many other current information about Budapest and Hungary. This website is unique and exclusive because it is created by Student from different countries who lives in Budapest. So you will see Budapest not only from a Hungarian or EU eye, but also from an American, British, Chinese, Venezuelan, Nigerian and Indian eye. Interesting right?

Below is a summary of the article, hope you enjoy reading it!

Thanks

Kc

Ps... the Picture is The Museum of Applied Art Budapest - one of Lechner works. Got it from Wikimedia Pictures.

Lechner’s place in Budapest Art Nouveau.

If you are living in or visiting Budapest, you probably may not have heard this name ‘Ödön Lechner’ but I doubt if you have not noticed the striking Museum of Applied Art building standing at the corner between Ullői ut and József körút or the more subtle National Savings Treasury at Hold utca. These art nouveau buildings – which characterized Budapest architecture in the late 19^th and early 20^th century was lead by the Hungarian architect, Lechner. From the Museum of Applied Art Budapest and the National Savings Treasury, to Saint Ladislaus Church, Kőbánya, the Geological Museum, and the Hungarian Railway Pensioners Building, all in Budapest, the diversity of the application of his style in the Art Nouveau elements can be felt.

The one striking feature that Lechner’s buildings have in common is the glossy ornamental ceramics that decked their roof. It is called the Zsolnay tile patterns. Inspired by old Hungarian and Turkic folk art, it is a mixture of the ancient eastern Islamic and traditional Hungarian architectural elements, with that of the modern materials – such as Iron – used during his time. This is the Art Nouveau of Budapest as a city and Hungary in general.

The green ornamented, porcelain like roof tiles with the contrasting yellow – or should I say golden – neo-gothic spires gives you a strange (or even an eerie) feeling of not knowing if you are in an European city or one of the Persian cities. Although they have something in common, each building is different based on the idea of its conception and function. The extravagantly ornamented Museum of Applied Art gives way to an average roofed Saint Ladislaus church – if talking about extravagantly roofed church in Budapest, the Matthias Church says it all – to the endearing blue roofed Geological Museum at the Stefánia utca in the western part of Pest.

Based on the significant, the roof of the National Savings Treasury tells you the story behind the structure and its function – if you can decipher that without the help of a guide – which could be summarized to be the yellow color for the bees making honey (read in between the lines). Lechner married these style and ideas in architecture and got many adherents as well as critics, but one thing stand strong; it is unique and it is exclusively Hungarian.

Ok... Let's Blog!

Ok... Let's Blog!

This is an introduction to my Music and Art Blog. What should you expect here? My reflections on the realities in this world, my music cover, gigs, and other 'Ooops/funny' stuffs. My Fine and Graphic Artworks, your critique and feedback... you name it!

Ps... the picture is my painting called 'Change'. Remember, the only permanent thing in life is change!