Life: What's on- V&A Museum London

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain

Sat 13 June 2015 –Sun 31 January 2016

"Explore the transformative power of footwear from around the world as we present over 200 pairs of the most extreme shoes from the last 2000 years.

This exhibition highlights the euphoria and obsession shoes can inspire and brings together exceptional footwear for men and women from key designers, famous wearers and collectors alongside the latest innovations and a dazzling range of historic shoes, many displayed for the first time.

Sponsored by Clarks

Supported by Agent Provocateur; with additional thanks to The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers

Image: ‘InvisibleNakedVersion’ Andreia Chaves, 2011, 6 Photo by Andrew Bradley"

http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/5150/shoes-pleasure-and-pain-696789408/

The Fabric of India

Sat 3 October 2015 –Sun 10 January 2016

"The highlight of the V&A India Festival, this is the first major exhibition to explore the dynamic and multifaceted world of handmade textiles from India.

The exhibition showcases over 200 objects from the 3rd to the 21st century, including Tipu Sultan's spectacular 18th-century tent, a stunning range of historic costume, highly prized textiles for international trade and cutting-edge fashion by celebrated Indian designers. The Fabric of India brings together the best of the V&A's world-renowned collection alongside renowned masterworks displayed for the first time.

Supported by Goodearth

With additional thanks to Experion and Nirav Modi

Part of the V&A India Festival"

http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/5957/the-fabric-of-india-1611992049/

Life- Mindfulness

***MINDFULNESS***

It's easy in this day and age to get so wrapped up in our busy lives that we can fail to appreciate now.

We often look back to the past or try to look ahead to the future and by doing so we can easily miss key moments in life and our lives in general.

I have recently got a few books on mindfulness and have also been to a workshop and I'm really enjoying this thought process. 

I noticed how much of my daily tasks or routines I perform on auto-pilot and have started to be more aware so that I am present in my life!

It is said that paying more attention to the present, your own thoughts and feeling, you could drastically improve you mental wellbeing...Who wouldn't want to do that?

So what is Mindfulness?

"Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally"

http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/mindfulness.htm

Why not take a moment every day to really focus on NOW!

What do you feel?

What can you smell?

What can you see?

Do it for a few days and pay attention to what you think and feel, do it for you...it really can't hurt!

Amazon have a great selection of books on Mindfulness.

 

 

Also, check out this video on Mindfulness from Oprah-Super Soul Sunday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVHkYG4864Y

Stay Mindful!

@MsShayDivine

Events- Art In London

***West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song at British Library***

Until 16 February 2016

@ The British Library

96 Euston Road

London

NW1 2DB

"Delve into the history and culture of West Africa without leaving central London as the British Library presents West Africa: World, Symbol, Song.

This ambitious exhibition showcases literature, faith, politics and music from Ghana, Nigeria, Maliand other nations from the region. Spanning the various empires of the Middle Ages through to colonialism, resistance, independence and modern life, there is a vast range of intriguing and informative items on display.

Highlights from the archives include rare pamphlets, film, audio, textiles and manuscripts that detail everything from protest songs to the thoughts and ideas of leading West African literary figures and leaders. Of particular note is an annotated manuscript for a poem written by Africa’s first Nobel prize winner, Wole Soyinka. Littered with doodles and corrections, it contains the basis of his famous poem Idanre, a work inspired by a deep mythological experience. Also celebrate work by the internationally acclaimed musician and human rights activist, Fela Kuti.

The guest consultant for the exhibition is Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, the writer and presenter of Lost Kingdoms of Africa."

http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/42342546-west-africa-word-symbol-song-at-the-british-library

***No Colour Bar: Black British Art in Action from 1960 to 9990***

@ The Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AE

Untill 24/01/16

"Guildhall Art Gallery's upcoming exhibition is an innovative look at Black British cultural identities, heritage and creative voices - and the struggle Black British artists faced to have their voices heard - from the 1960s to the 1990s. Prominent Black artists include Eddie Chambers, Sonia Boyce and Denzil Forrester. 

The show runs until January 24th 2016, and includes a multi-sensory recreation of the Walter Rodney bookshop created by renowned artist and curator Dr Michael McMillian and Dubmorphology, sound and visual specialists, that sits at the heart of the exhibition.

Influenced by the emergence of newly independent African and Caribbean states, global liberation struggles, the fight against unfair discrimination and an insistence on dignified citizenship within Britain, these artists found expression by way of ‘creation for liberation’. The exhibition will explore these struggles and celebrate their contribution through four powerful themes: ‘Elbow Room’, ‘Broad Shoulders’, ‘Clenched Fists’ and ‘Open Arms’.

The Guildhall Art Gallery is part of the City of London’s evolving ‘cultural hub’ and will be open daily providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the significance of Black British culture and the importance of its historical contribution to the UK."

http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/whats-on.php?event=157567

***Shoes: Pleasure And Pain at Victoria & Albert Museum. ***

Until 31 January 2016

"Over 200 pairs of extreme footwear from around the globe. The development in footwear technology can be seen alongside the change in dramatic shapes."

http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/42877978-shoes-pleasure-and-pain-at-victoria-and-albert-museum

***The Fabric of India***

V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum) |
 
3 Oct 2015 – 10 Jan 2016
• "Unravelling the technical mastery and ingenuity of Indian textiles – from ancient fragments to contemporary fashion."
• 
  
• http://www.artfund.org/what-to-see/exhibitions/2015/10/03/the-fabric-of-india-exhibition