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Biopredation

This show centres around our love of books, love of technology, changing times, unchanging themes, possession, belonging, narratives. Brendan Fox, the artist, has been asking people to rip the very last page out of their books, for real, and send them to him to be included in this show. Alongside the display of pages will be a book and a dramatic film scripted and directed by Fox, both compiled out of final sentences. He notes that the overwhelming themes that occur at the end of a story are love and death. A retaliation that I love has has been that the people who (willingly) did tear from their books their endings, have en mass found ways to replace the words they mis-took, some have scanned the page onto their computers, photocopied and tucked it back within the novel, or even hand written the tale onto the back inside cover. How lovely. 

Carmen

Carmen is the story, by George Bizet, of a soldier 'seduced by the wiles of the fiery Gypsy' (as Wiki puts it). Culturally iconic, it features in the very first Simpsons series and in an episode of the Animaniacs. But why not head outdoors for once and stop staring at the 'goggle-box' (as my granny puts it), would you. Director Morgan Crowley has put on two previous versions of Carmen, you're in good hands, and assembled a cast of about 10-14 people, all home grown talent, had the girls dressed in flirtatious and arousing costumes and the males in army fatigues and Toreador ensembles. What’s not to love about a rollicking, expressive opera, an absolute classic. Anyone was present at last week’s Opera in the Open, Figaro, and sat happily through bursts of rainclouds followed by the rewards of a dramatic sun-shining finale will surely be re-attending. 

Full le cool Dublin issue - HERE -

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Basic Space website launch

You want to impress people. You want to know what's relevant and new and impressive. So I'll tell you, pay attention. Basic Space. It's what the Irish art crowd are proudest to brag about. You may be familiar with them from playing host to an air-hanger-sized warehouse behind Vicar Street, an exercise in branding pop-up shop and a NY Times feature. Since then a summer residency at IMMA and an exchange with young French artists has entertained them. Oh, and they built a boat and sailed it up the Shannon. However, right now is key. Where are they now? Accustomed to only the best working environments they accepted an offer of a Tiger era retail space (open plan, concrete and glass front). A Basic Space sign has been installed, a brand new website launched and they are inviting all along for a visit because, just like you, they want to impress people.

Full le cool Dublin issue - HERE -

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NINA HYNES at the Peppercanister Church

My mum just called me and asked if this was 'too indie' for her to go to with me. She's considering going to the cinema instead. No way, Mum, c'mon. Well maybe a Nina Hynes album launch in the Peppercanister Church is a little bit indie. It has made Nialler 9's gig of the week list. I think, more than anything, this is just a rare event, not-to-be-missed. Mrs Hynes, a lady who has been covered by Jane Birkin, mainly lives in Berlin these days so we don't see as much of her, and the venue is certainly very intimate and niche. This will be my first time to experience her performing live and I couldn't imagine a nicer initial encounter. Maybe at her Other Voices performance, where Glen Hansard introduced her as someone who writes songs 'like maps of places where people don't live'. I can't think of being in a room with that, surely that's perfect for anyone.

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Merchant Market

Given my level of practical perfection, it took a while to think of a resolution this year. I decided, ultimately, to concentrate on improving my surroundings. One motto of mine is 'always take the scenic route', which might very well surprise if ever you saw the shabby landing in my apartment. It needs to be shown some serious love and I do love a make over. (Cher's main thrill in life is a makeover, it gives her a sense of control in a world full of chaos.'- Dionne) In order to get some decorum in the house I held my Merchant (indoor) Market debut in Dublin's docklands. Watch out for the Lichten-style graffiti, you're headed the right way. I bought a small mother of pearl tray, a stunning cut glass lamp and a pretty mirror but I lusted after the unreal ornate puppet theater and a couple of vintage cocktail bars. Grab a cup of tea and a biscuit while you peruse.

Full issue - HERE -

http://www.merchantsmarket.ie/