Hyperreality

Burn it!

I came across this today and I have to say I really like it. This diptych is by Ayman Baalbaki, entitled 'Burn it I' (as if you can't read) and i love the combination of media used here. (acrylic, collage and neon light fitting on canvas) it reminds me of Bruce Nauman and Richard Prince (whose work i love also)

Sadly its a little out of my price range at $70,000-90,000.- but maybe it's in yours? Coming up for sale at bonhams dubai on october 11th...

Psych!

There's just something about the word 'psych'. I love it.
I am bringing back 'Psych!' if it's the last thing i do!

Nasimi

How can I sum up Nasimi? Ministry of sound + bikini's + alcohol + uae = Surprisingly fun!

I arrived at nasimi with my new pr friend to be greeted by what appeared to be newcastle on a friday night. Girls in bikini tops with a jean skirt, next to guys with tight jeans and v-neck tshirts. Shudder. I freely admit i expected the worst. After parting with a three digit sum to get in the door, I was greeted by something else much more up my street... food. Yes indeed, stir fry noodles and shawarmas of all varieties (well two - but still, i was happy!) i didnt sample these until much later (due to the fact i had filled up on some of that guacomole i mentioned in an earlier deet) but when I did I was happy.

The music was fun - which very much surprised me as a certified hater of all dance music. Turns out, it isnt that bad. combined with some Sol, some dancing and a shawarma and it was a good night all around ...

the icing on the top of the cake? watching drunk people in bikinis try to swim and dance at the same time. Its worth a visit just for that!

The Empty Quarter

Fashion - the story of a lifetime

So my first arty event was tonight at the vernissage for Fashion - the story of a lifetime at The Empty Quarter in Dubai's elegant DIFC. My local pal SS showed me around and introduced me to lots of fabulous people who I am looking forward to getting to know. The gallery space itself is really special, with partition walls throughout that hang from the ceiling - allowing such a versatile space. I am already looking forward to their next exhibition so that I can see these walls in action - I wonder what shape the room will take? For 'Fashion' the gallery was split into smaller galleries, each space displaying a different photographer and their work. I have always loved fashion photography, but tonight i saw some really beautiful work I hadn't come across before - such as the work of Parveen Shaath and Melvin Sokolosky. I loved the mixture of photographers brought together to make a show as a tribute to fashion. The crowd reflected this mix with a wonderful grouping of people from all over the world, in true Dubai style.

After the view I headed over to Zuma (my first experience of the Dubai venue) which was packed with people but a lot of fun - then headed home to J1.

The exhibition runs until october 17th - I will be back.

Guac Attack

Made some awesome guacamole tonight
Full deets below:

One avocado - mushed up
Half a small indian/red onion chopped up super tiny
One garlic clove - also chopped up tiny
some crunchy red peppers
chopped chilli

Mix it up and serve with tortillas... yammers!

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove
Last night I was craving an authentic Indian curry... So I headed down to Coconut Grove at the Rydges Plaza with an equally hungry companion. And boy, was I happy! The restaurant itself - on the 9th floor - was quiet at seven thirty, but instead of being weird it felt private and we could laugh all we liked raucously without disturbing anyone. We decided to start the night with some cocktails which came in holiday-ish glasses with maraschino cherries and slices of lemon... they were indeed as retro as the decor, but they were delicious and totally worked with the vibe of the restaurant. We tucked into onion bhajis to start - served with a huge dollop of ketchup. ketchup?! The bhajis were delicious with a light batter and just the right amount of spice!
For mains we tucked into Goan fish curry, coconut rice, veggie biryani and a daal makhani - which were all fabulously authentic and spicy! The buttered naan was wonderful also. In retrospect for two people I would suggest sharing a rice and a naan, as it seemed (although we were indeed stuffed) that we had hardly eaten a bite.
Tasty food washed down with some cool draught Tiger beer and good views? I am on it!
8/10 :)