art – VAGABOND IMAGES

Paint and glitter in Himalayas at Roerich Art Gallery

Upendra SwamiDecember 26, 20204068 Views0

First time I passed through Naggar was way back in summer of 1990, while returning from Manali during my first ever trip to Kullu-Manali region. Barely I had any idea at that time that it was just the start of my fascination and association with this magical place. Since then, there have been number of trips for trekking, camping, biking, leisure, et al. Each of them have been unique in its experience. While pursuing a career as a full-time journalist, I had started trekking as a serious passion in 1992. It was in January 1993 when I came across the news of death of Svetoslav Roerich. News of his death was associated with follow-up news of his wife legendary Devika Rani, grandniece of Rabindranath Tagore, and their Tataguni estate on the outskirts of Bangalore. The view from Ro...

IndiaNews

When story transcends literature and becomes an art and drama

Upendra SwamiFebruary 8, 20201570 Views0

We all have listened to stories in our childhood. And, I am certainly not talking here about text book stories but about bedtime stories listening to grandmas in particular. It never used to be a simple narration. Grandmas will be sourcing all elements of theatrics to make it as dramatic as possible. That used to be its most fascinating part even if content in the story was good for nothing. That is perhaps the strength of story telling. A very good content can be very boring to listen, while an ordinary story can be made captivating by a story teller. And, it has nothing to do with being a kid. A good story mesmerises adults equally. Fortunately, art of storytelling has seen a great revival recently. From audio stories to story telling festivals, people are enjoying it. Udaipur Ta...

InternationalNews

Diwali in Brussels! Almost, with the illuminated city

Upendra SwamiJanuary 18, 20202944 Views2

When it comes to Brussels, things keep getting bigger and brighter, literally! Its time for capital city to get illuminated again as we are nearing the Bright Brussels, a festival of magnificent lights. This time a new route of around 20 works and animated illuminations will light up the capital. From 13 to 16 February 2020, Festival of Light will enchant several of Brussels’ neighbourhoods. A new route of monumental luminous installations created by Belgian and international artists will take over several of the capital's emblematic sites. This year, for the first time, a luminous bicycle parade will kick off the festival on Thursday 13 February. Bright Brussels Festival © visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy For 4 days, the Halle Gate, Marolles, Sablon/Zavel and Mont des Arts/Kunstberg...

International

Open House Jerusalem – A lifetime opportunity to view unseen architectural and artistic treasures

Upendra SwamiOctober 17, 20191129 Views2

This one is for connoisseurs of art and some aficionados of interesting architectures at one of the holiest cities in the Israel. Some of Jerusalem’s most fascinating architectural treasures will open their doors to the public for the Annual Open House Jerusalem festival, which takes place this year from October 31 - November 2, 2019. As part of the international Open House festival, one weekend a year Jerusalem offers a once in a lifetime access to unseen artistic treasures and private spaces, including designer lofts, urban villas, unique synagogues, architecturally significant public buildings, curious construction sites, plazas and gardens. During the event weekend, the public can visit, explore and attend lectures about these sites. Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Scienc...

InternationalNews

Art, food, wine & comics – September fun in Brussels

Upendra SwamiSeptember 4, 20191499 Views2

September is so interesting in Brussels, my favourite international city. Although Brussels remains occupied with various activities almost round the year, but September is when it hosts some of its most famous events. Events which truly reflect the essence of Brussels, enjoying things Brussels is truly famous for- its art, its comics, and classic wines as well as food. Its one of the best times to be here. eat! Brussels Photo © visit.brussels - Eric Danhier Contemporary art makes a comeback From September, contemporary art will take centre stage on Brussels’ cultural scene. From the unmissable Brussels Gallery Weekend to the Chiharu Shiota exhibition at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Accessible Art fair, the shows and exhibitions honour artists from all walks of life. Bru...

InternationalNews

When a city gets illuminated: Bright Brussels

Upendra SwamiJanuary 20, 20191975 Views17

Brussels has got a many amazing things and Bright Brussels is one among them. European capital gets light up like no other place you would have seen anywhere. We in India have our own festival of lights- Diwali, but Bright Brussels is pure art. Its a magic, you can witness coming February. From 14 to 17 February, Bright Brussels will showcase the historic heart of Brussels. Large-scale lighting installations designed by national and international artists will draw all eyes to some of the capital city’s iconic venues. A new route of 14 illuminated artworks will illuminate the capital Bright Brussels Festival of Light CHASING TWILIGHT (JJMA - 2018) Rue L√©on Lepage - L√©on Lepagestraat ¬© visit.brussels - Eric Danhier - 2018 For four days, the Quais and Sainte-Catherine districts wi...

InternationalNewsPromotions

Historic Al-Ula springs to life with violin strings at Winter at Tantora Festival

Upendra SwamiJanuary 6, 20191189 Views1

In a landmark concert, French violinist Renaud Capucon dazzled crowd at Saudi Arabia’s historic Al-Ula on Friday, 4th January 2019. Capucon performed at Al-Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia as part of the first Winter at Tantora festival and concert series. Capucon is the latest internationally renowned musician to perform at the home of one of the Kingdom’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Renaud Capucon performing at concert. Photo credit: Center for International Communication (CIC), Ministry of Media, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Winter at Tantora, which opened on December 20 and runs until February 9, is hosted by the residents of Al-Ula, a small town next to the ancient Nebatean site of Madein Saleh. Many weekend cultural events and musical performances by world-famous artists w...

CruiseInternationalNews

When hulk of a ship becomes an artwork!

Upendra SwamiSeptember 19, 20181438 Views1

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed that Eduardo Arranz-Bravo, the award-winning Spanish artist, created the hull artwork for the fourth and final ship of its Breakaway-Plus class, Norwegian Encore, debuting in Miami in November 2019. A representation of his modern and abstract style, the ship’s hull will feature a labyrinth of color inspired by Arranz-Bravo’s life by the sea in Barcelona and pay tribute to the vibrant guest experience for which the Norwegian brand is recognized. Norwegian Encore by Norwegian Cruise Line “Norwegian Cruise Line is a dynamic, pioneering company known for its innovative experiences and breathtaking collection of beautifully designed ships,” said Arranz-Bravo. “I am honored to not only bring that vibrancy to life even more on Norwegian Encore but also sh...

InternationalNews

Helsinki’s cultural quarter gets a new skylight!

Upendra SwamiAugust 27, 20181084 Views0

Finland’s capital Helsinki has gained a major new cultural institution and a striking new public space with the completion of Amos Rex. The art museum opens after a five- year, €50 million project designed by architecture firm JKMM, which has seen the refurbishment of the landmark 1930’s Lasipalatsi building in Central Helsinki. At the heart of the museum, 13,000 cubic metres of rock has been excavated to create a new 2,200 sqm world-class flexible gallery space topped with a series of domes and skylights that form the new undulating landscape of the Lasipalatsi Square. Amos Rex’s exhibition programme extends from the newest, often experimental, contemporary art to 20th-century Modernism and ancient cultures. Amos Rex aims to present captivating and ambitious art refreshingl...

InternationalNews

SMURFS: A BELGIAN CREATION READY TO TOUR THE WORLD

Upendra SwamiJune 18, 20182429 Views2

Holy Smurf! Come along to an unusual immersive experience that will prepare Belgians (and all Earthlings) for Smurf life. In 1958, Belgian writer Pierre Culliford, also known as Peyo, fell in love with the mischievous little blue gnomes while writing a Johan and Peewit story (The Flute with Six Holes). Sixty years later, Smurf Village 2.0 has come to the Brussels Expo. Come and meet Peyo’s star creations from 9 June 2018 until the 27 January 2019 in Hall 4. Their empire includes more than 50 million comics sold in more than 90 countries, 272 TV episodes broadcast in more than 100 countries, 41 YouTube channels, 3 feature-length films and 4 theme parks. If you haven’t heard of the Smurfs by now, ghastly Gargamel will turn you into salt dough! 2018: YEAR OF THE SMURFS Only a country a