Category: LIFESTYLE

New music to know: fresh fusion of Turkish & Egyptian indie sounds by Selin Sümbültepe

Hemhal

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Posted: 28/10/2024

MDLBEAST Records, renowned for championing innovative talent across the MENA region, proudly unveils the “Hemhal” EP—a mesmerising blend of Turkish and Egyptian indie music. This five-track release underscores the label’s devotion to the alternative music scene, boldly traversing cultural and musical boundaries with a sound that defies convention. “Hemhal” is a tapestry of sounds and styles, weaving indie pop with the rich traditions of Turkey and Egypt. At the forefront are the evocative vocals of Selin Sümbültepe and Maii Waleed, whose voices soar over the meticulously crafted soundscapes by producer Zeid Hamdan. The EP delves into themes of love, identity, and the universal human experience, inviting listeners to embark on an emotive journey. Selin Sümbültepe, celebrated for her albums “C?zgan” (2017) and “Ben Estim Sen Esme” (2021), brings her multi-instrumentalist prowess and storytelling flair to this collaboration. Her Turkish roots and the vibrant culture of her hometown, Hatay, infuse her sound with authenticity and depth. As she works on her third studio album, Sümbültepe continues to push boundaries, with “Hemhal” showcasing her adeptness at genre-blending. Egyptian indie sensation Maii Waleed adds a complementary layer to the EP with her hauntingly beautiful lyrics that explore love, disappointment, and identity. Known for her influential “Moga” EP (2013), Waleed solidifies her place as a leading voice in the Egyptian indie scene with this latest project, adding emotional richness to the collective work. At the core of “Hemhal” is the visionary Zeid Hamdan, a luminary in the Middle East’s indie music circuit. Dubbed one of Lebanon’s cultural icons by… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, MUSIC

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Art is a serious subject: the UK campaign to reignite the study of creativity

Royal Academy imagination

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Posted: 28/10/2024

The value of art in our schools is immeasurable. Urgently, we need to bring it back. Yes, times are hard and budgets are tight. But that’s not why art is drying up in our schools. The truth is more complicated. Over time, our school curriculum (both primary and secondary) has been re-structured to focus on core subjects and tests at the expense of everything else. The knock-on effects of these changes are damaging art education in the UK. Schools are measured – and judged – on what’s tested, so teachers have to focus their time and energy on those subjects. On top of that, teachers don’t get proper training in art education, while those who are trained are leaving the profession. No art teachers. No art rooms. No art lessons. And none of the mind-expanding, question-prompting, wild creativity and confidence art brings to the classroom. It’s all going, going… Each one of these changes is hard to reverse. You can’t magic up art teachers and art rooms once they’re gone. It’s time to fight for them. The ‘easy option’ has never been harder “Art education has rarely been taken as seriously as other subjects in schools, and studying art is all too often understood to be an ‘easy option’”. Vanessa Jackson RA. Yet art teaches children to question. It wakes up imaginations. It builds confidence. It encourages children to see the world differently and to make their mark. But making and studying art in our classrooms is getting harder and harder. A curriculum that focuses… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, ART, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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Masterpieces of French Impressionism return to Melbourne at NGV

French impressionist painting

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Updated: 28/10/2024

In a world where art speaks louder than words, the 2025 presentation of the French Impressionism exhibition at the NGV is set to be an unmissable event for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Originally unveiled in 2021 but quickly shuttered by the pandemic, this exhibition offers Australians a second chance to dive into an ocean of artistic rebellion and beauty, featuring one of the most significant collections of French Impressionism ever to grace our shores. On loan from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, this collection charts the daring trajectory of the late-nineteenth-century movement that shook the art world to its core. These French Impressionists had a flair for the dramatic, boldly rejecting the rigid conventions of the state-sponsored Salon to showcase their ‘impressionistic’ masterpieces independently. This exhibition captures that spirit of defiance and innovation, inviting visitors to explore the thoughts and musings of the artists themselves, preserved in letters, journals, and articles. Through their words, the exhibition reveals the intricate web of social connections, artistic inspirations, and personal rivalries that united this band of creative mavericks. The exhibition design is nothing short of a masterpiece itself—an immersive experience that transports audiences into the vibrant world of Impressionism. With its distinctive brushwork, striking use of colour, and unique perspectives, the exhibition takes you on a visual journey to the beloved locales of the artists, such as the bustling streets of Paris, the serene Fontainebleau Forest, and the idyllic gardens of Giverny. It’s like strolling through a gallery, except the gallery is alive with… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, MELBOURNE

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Try The Backyard pub in Melbourne this summer

Food bowls

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Posted: 28/10/2024

Ah, Melbourne in the summer. The city comes alive with its cultural tapestry weaving together the best of art, music, and, of course, a good pint. Just when you thought Melbourne’s summer scene couldn’t get any better, along comes The Backyard – a new outdoor pop-up venue that’s set to become your summer obsession. Located in the heart of Eastland’s Town Square, The Backyard is a collaboration between two legends of Melbourne’s hospitality scene: The Suburban and Mountain Culture Beer Co. This dynamic duo has come together to create a space that screams good vibes and great stories. Picture this: a courtyard with a laidback urban atmosphere, heritage-listed street art as your backdrop, and the hypnotic hum of live music filling the air. It’s like walking into a friend’s backyard, if your friend happened to be an artistic genius who threw epic parties. This pop-up isn’t just about the looks; it’s got substance too. With Mountain Culture Beer Co. bringing their award-winning craft beers to the taps, you’re guaranteed a taste sensation. These guys have been voted the best in the business at the GABS Hottest 100 for the past two years, so they definitely know their hops from their malts. And if you’re more of a wine or cocktail aficionado, The Backyard’s got you covered with a selection of local wines and expertly crafted cocktails. “We are pumped to be able to show off this incredible outdoor space,” says Andy Croucher, director of The Suburban. It’s not just about the drinks; it’s about the… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE

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Lotus Bowral at Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral Now Open

Food plate table

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Posted: 28/10/2024

If the country is your thing and food isn’t a far off second, then news of the Southern Highlands and its new culinary jackpot is for you. Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts has rolled out the red carpet for its spanking new gastronomic extravaganza, Lotus Bowral, nestling in Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill dining experience; we’re talking a swanky partnership with none other than the celebrated Lotus Dining Group. The result? A groundbreaking Asian feast complete with a cheeky local flourish to tease those taste buds. Not content with just dishing out crowd-pleasers from the Lotus catalogue, they’ve gone ahead and concocted fresh menu options that showcase the Southern Highlands’ stellar produce. And if you think that’s all, Marilo steps onto the scene with a fusion flair, adding panache to everything from in-room dining to conference nibbles. Leading this culinary expedition is Executive Chef Tiffany Jones, teaming up with Lotus’ very own Steve Wu. Their mission? To spotlight local ingredients while fostering talent in the hospitality world – no pressure. Marilo isn’t just stopping at Asian delights either; they’re serving up a smorgasbord of contemporary Australian cuisine, all thoughtfully crafted to please everyone from the pickiest eaters to the most adventurous gastronomes. For those of you who can’t get enough, Lotus plans to be a regular feature at breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, aiming to dazzle the Highlands food scene. Oh, and did I mention the picnic baskets? Perfect for those idyllic explorations, plus there’s a bevy of takeaway choices right at the… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK

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Why you should revisit Aria on Sydney Harbour next date night

Food Aria SpringSummer2024 JurassicQuail 2

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Posted: 23/10/2024

After a quarter-century of dazzling Sydney’s fine dining scene, Aria is shaking things up with a fresh approach to dining that’s as bold as a kangaroo on caffeine. This iconic restaurant, helmed by culinary maestro Matt Moran and the Solotel group, is renowned for its contemporary Australian flair, and it’s now embracing a new chapter with a dynamic menu that promises to keep diners on their toes. Gone are the days of the prescriptive seasonal menu. Instead, Aria is rolling out a flexible array of dining options that cater to both the casual lunch crowd and the full-blown gastronomy enthusiasts. Whether you’re popping in for a two-course lunch or gearing up for an eight-course culinary marathon, Aria’s new offerings are designed to accommodate any appetite. The choices are varied: a two-course menu at $120 per person for a quick yet sumptuous bite, a three-course at $180 for a more rounded experience, or dive into the five-course ($240) and eight-course ($290) tasting menus for a complete sensory journey. Restaurateur Matt Moran shared his excitement about this evolution, saying, “Aria was created with the vision of bringing an exceptional dining experience to Sydney; 25 years on and we are still creating unforgettable experiences for those who dine with us. The eight-course menu will include a few surprises that do not feature on the main menu, providing a true taste of our team’s talent.” A significant shift also sees Aria’s kitchen aligning with Australia’s top producers, ensuring the freshest hyper-seasonal produce graces their plates. This means more frequent… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

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New exhibition at Ames Yavuz: Andre Hemer’s Techno Dreaming

Ames Yavuz

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Posted: 23/10/2024

Ames Yavuz, a leading contemporary art gallery in the Asia Pacific, is currently showcasing an intriguing solo exhibition titled Techno Dreaming by the renowned New Zealand-born, Vienna-based artist André Hemer. Open to the public at the gallery’s Reservoir Street location until 9 November, this exhibition promises to captivate art enthusiasts and the curious alike with its innovative approach to exploring the intersection of digital technology and artistic creation. In Techno Dreaming, André Hemer invites viewers to navigate through a series of new paintings and video works that delve into the artistic possibilities birthed by digital technology. Hemer’s creative process is an intricate dance between nature, generative algorithms, and artistic labour, prompting reflection on what it means to create art in an era where the lines between physical and digital experiences are increasingly blurred. This marks Hemer’s fifth solo exhibition with Ames Yavuz, where he unveils vibrant floral landscapes in radiant hues of blue, gold, and orange. The series is born from a unique AI ‘dreaming’ process, where software trained on Hemer’s personal archive of paintings, photographs, and recordings reimagines each work anew. This fusion of soundscape, video work, light projection, and acrylic on canvas pushes the boundaries of traditional painting and imagery, inhabiting the space between reality and imagination. Hemer elaborates on his thematic exploration, stating, “I chose to title the exhibition Techno Dreaming as it’s an evocative way to describe the unknowingness of AI generation. Like our own dream state, it’s elusive and you can never have the same one again. That’s what art… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE

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Sugababes are touring Australia

Sugababes SUGA COLLAGE RED RGB 5000px @ 72dpi 1

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Posted: 23/10/2024

Get ready Australia, because UK pop sensations Sugababes are set to hit the stage Down Under this January! Presented by Untitled Group, this tour is a must-see for anyone who has ever found themselves belting out the lyrics to “Push The Button” or “Round Round.” With shows scheduled in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, the iconic trio is ready to bring their chart-topping hits and incredible harmonies to eager fans. Formed in 1998, Sugababes quickly ascended to pop stardom with their debut single “Overload,” capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Their journey through the modern pop era has been nothing short of spectacular, with a slew of hits like “About You Now” and “Too Lost In You” cementing their place in music history. After two decades, the original lineup—Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan, and Siobhan Donaghy—has returned, captivating a new generation and proving that their music is as timeless as ever. 2023 has seen Sugababes at the forefront of the music scene, making history with a standout performance at Boiler Room’s Colour Factory in East London, which racked up over a million YouTube views. Their recent collaboration with DJ Heartstring and the homage paid by UK producers Two Shell to their classic “Round Round” further highlight their lasting impact on the music landscape. Their electrifying presence at Glastonbury, where fan demand was so high it led to a stage closure, underscores their enduring appeal. With six UK Number One singles, millions of global sales, and multiple multi-platinum albums, Sugababes’ legacy in pop music is undeniable. As one… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC

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New way to wash windows: Ecovacs has launched a window cleaner

Ecovacs window cleaner 2

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Posted: 23/10/2024

ECOVACS ROBOTICS, a trailblazer in service robotics and a market leader in Australia, has unveiled its latest innovation: the WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI robotic window cleaner. This cutting-edge device promises to revolutionise window cleaning with advancements that make the process more efficient, safe, and utterly hassle-free. At the heart of this breakthrough is the innovative in-base OMNI station, which not only enhances the cleaning process but also ensures a clutter-free experience with its smart cable management system. With a high-capacity battery, the WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI delivers uninterrupted, power cable-free cleaning for up to 110 minutes, effortlessly covering window surfaces up to 55m². This makes it ideal for tackling those hard-to-reach windows, regardless of their size or orientation, whether they’re floor-to-ceiling, frameless, or tilting. What sets this robotic cleaner apart is its exclusive Three-nozzle Wide-angle Spray Atomisation Technology, paired with the WIN-SLAM 4.0 intelligent planning technology. These features ensure windows are left spotless, while the robot’s 12-stage safety system guarantees peace of mind during operation. ECOVACS has redefined window cleaning safety with measures such as a robust suction force and a reinforced safety rope, making the WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI a reliable choice for any household. Karen Powell, ANZ Regional Director for ECOVACS Robotics, highlights the significance of this launch, stating, “Australia is full of stunning landscapes and spectacular views, so it is no wonder we often design our homes with large windows. The WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI takes a generational leap forward in automated window cleaning, its breakthrough station design helping customers to embrace… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

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National Gallery London offers chance to see magnificent Carracci cartoons

magnificent Carracci cartoons

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Posted: 23/10/2024

Next spring, art enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to witness the magnificent Carracci cartoons up close at the National Gallery. Displayed in Room 1, these extraordinary works, created around 1599, are not just impressive in size—nearly four metres wide and two metres tall—but also in their delicate execution using charcoal and white chalk. Given their fragility and grandeur, these masterpieces are seldom exhibited, making this a truly special occasion. The Carracci cartoons entered the National Gallery’s collection in 1837, thanks to a generous gift from Lord Francis Egerton. Before that, they belonged to the esteemed artist Sir Thomas Lawrence. Originally, these grand drawings were crafted as preparatory works for the painted ceiling in the gallery of Palazzo Farnese, one of Rome’s Renaissance treasures, now housing the French Embassy. The commission was initiated by Odoardo Farnese, a cardinal and the younger son of the Duke of Parma. In 1594, he enlisted the talented Carracci brothers from Bologna to adorn his family palace with artistic splendour. Upon their arrival in Rome, Annibale and Agostino Carracci drew from the grandeur of antique sculptures and the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael to conjure an idealised vision of the classical world, celebrating the loves of the gods. The resulting ‘Galleria Farnese’ became a beacon of inspiration for generations of artists. The two cartoons on display are largely the work of Agostino, though Annibale is believed to have contributed to their creation. They depict scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses—stories of transformation that were integral to the frescoed ceiling in the Farnese… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

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