Collection at the Tate Modern

I visited the Tate Modern on Thursday, taking in a lot of the permanent collection. Honestly I found the art kind of underwhelming, although few pieces stood out. I didn't think it had anything on MoMA. However, the building itself is incredibly impressive. Massive and virile and industrial. And there are stunning views of the Thames. An enjoyable afternoon.

Gala Flamenca at Sadler's Wells

On Wednesday we saw Gala Flamenca at the Flamenco festival at Sadler's Wells. This company was wonderful. Contemporary and dramatic takes on traditional Flamenco. The singing was haunting and the dancing superb. One piece that really stood out for me was a long solo number performed by a woman on toe shoes. Flamenco en pointe! Who'da thunk? I thought it was really pretty incredible.

Choral Music at Wigmore Hall

On Tuesday night we went to Wigmore Hall, a beautiful venue where we enjoyed lovely choral music. At times it was monotonous, but the tones were so pure and beautiful. It was very relaxing.

Victoria and Albert Museum

My first day in London we went to the V&A Museum of Design. This sprawling museum is the largest of its kind, holding a vast collection of all forms of design. I particularly enjoyed the furniture galleries and the glass galleries.

I have to say, I prefer the smaller, somewhat chicer and much more manageable museum of design here in NY near Columbus Circle.

Vanity Fair

Last night I watched Vanity Fair on Netflix, Watch Instantly. I had seen it about ten years ago and really liked it then. I was curious to watch it again, as I recently got a little over halfway through the sprawling novel.

The novel is satirical and goofy and makes fun of all the characters. The film too mocks a number of people, but largely it is presented as a drama, and I think this was a good choice.

The story has a lot of dramatic elements, following the social climbing on Becky Sharp, who largely relies on her charm and wit (get it? "Sharp"?). I thought Reese Witherspoon was wonderful in this role, feigning sweetness and sincerity while scheming and keeping her eye on the prize. The interrelated story lines all captivated my attention, and I found the movie satisfying.

There is one thing I'm curious about. In an online description I read of the novel, they mention something happening at the end that didn't happen in the movie. I don't want to say what it was, because it was an intense plot point. This makes me want to revisit the book, just to get to this possible ending.

Kathe Kollwitz

After the El Anatsui exhibit I checked out Kathe Kollwitz: Prints from the War and Death Portfolios, on another floor at The Brooklyn Museum.

I love Kollwitz's work, and these prints had devastating and dark beauty. I just wish there had been more of them.

El Anatsui

 Today I went to Gravity and Grace: Monumental Works of El Anatsui at The Brooklyn Museum.

The incredibly beautiful installations took my breath away. Truly stunning works made with found metal objects, glistening with rustic majesty.

I no little of this artist who lives and works in Nigeria, but I was very moved by the vast and dramatic pieces.

One unfortunate thing, I think I missed part of the exhibit, as there are a number of works pictured on the website that I didn't see. I just might have to go back.

Pictured are "Wall" and "Drainpipe" from the museum website, which were two of my favorites.