Markus Lüpertz in China

I always end up seeing a lot of exhibitions that I normally wouldn't go to back home, and often it's a bit hit and miss but Saturday was a hit.  I hadn't heard of Markus Lüpertz, but I was keen to get into some cool air conditioning after a long walk and 10 RMB seemed like a good deal. 

It's not a huge exhibition but the work is really interesting - I actually loved the paintings. While the sculptural pieces are not my thing, they contrast well in the room and the multiples make them fun to look at.  The quote at the end is a winner too: : Artistic creation should be independent from the prosperity of art market.

Redtory

Redtory is a fantastic space which has been repurposed as an arts precinct. Not a great lot to see in terms of art practice, but an interesting area to mosey around on a Saturday.

http://www.redtory.com.cn/english/gallery.php?cid=3

Dogs of China # 1

"Her name is Vicka - she is very mean."

China - week one

Observations? Let's be honest I haven't seen the true side to this city in any way, but week one was filled with nice people, German bread, Korean pork and familiar Asian city smells. There were hot humid days, rainy mornings, swollen feet and an unfortunate hacking cough. I'm surrounded by dark floorboards, lots of velour and the steady hum of air-conditioning. Even up high on the 9th floor I can hear the bus take people home. And right now at 10:30 pm it's 30 degrees. I aint in Canberra no more.

Negroni - GZ style

So today I taught some peeps how to make a Negroni (not an easy feat given my non Chinese language skills). And while it ended up being the biggest Negoni known to man, it was pretty flipping good.

Japanese restaurant GZ

To be honest I still don't have any idea where I am half the time. I'd love to tell you where this restaurant is...but I can't. Aside from saying you go into the International Apartment Building and then take the lift up to the second floor. Then if you are lucky the restaurant will be full and you'll be shown around the back through a garden, up a cobblestone path to a washing machine and clothes horse filled with fresh washing, casually drying under the sky scrapers. 

Terrible photos - I'm trying to make a good impression on my first week by not papping everything that moves. Next week I'll go nuts. 

Spotted and hearted on the walk home from work #2

The big peanut.