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!