We set off with plenty of time to spare as the boss let us wrap things up around 16:30. Google promised us it would be a 10 minute cycle, damn you Google for inspiring such a relaxed demeanour in these intrepid art explorers. 'Trying to find a poorly sign posted art gallery, in Nordhavn, in gale force winds, while the entire area is being redeveloped for the new Metro', is apparently not a generic option for one's Google Maps journey (although there is an option for cycling as your mode of transport when in Denmark). By 17.05 the realisation kicked in that we had travelled down the same road we were on 3 times before, therefore we decided that the door through the steel mesh fence, which was apparently 'not the door you're looking for' (think Obi-wan in 'A New Hope' mind trick but performed by an unenthusiastic Scandinavian lady), was in fact the correct route. 2 minutes later we found the Faurschou Foundation and it was definitely worth the effort!
The exhibition on show at Faurschou was Ai Weiwei - Ruptures. The title alludes to the way the artist's practice has been interrupted by the Chinese government in recent years. It amounts to a concise but generous overview of his work from 1983 to 2015. In my humble opinion it cements Ai Weiwei's status as the most important living artist. The way he integrates visual awe and beauty with solid political observation in such elegantly simple outcomes, is astounding and inspiring. If you don't know about Ai Weiwei this film will give you a good starting point to explore.
I've been to three great gigs recently. DR Koncerthuset was the venue for Kamasi Washington. Big thanks to Alan at Wah Wah records in Wakefield for introducing this musical genius to me! The opening bars of 'Change of the Guard' sent chills down my spine and set the tone for an amazing performance. Every solo was cheered rapturously by the crowd. It seems Copenhageners love for Jazz is deep, which brought a very comfortable vibe to the gig, like being in a room full of old friends. An awesome moment was when Kamasi's Dad joined the stage to play flute on 'Henrietta our Hero', a song Kamasi wrote in tribute to his grandmother.
A week later, I was sheltering from a heavy rain shower in a great little cafe near to my flat in Østerbro when I happened upon a leaflet for a venue called Global. The listings promised an eclectic mix of musical pleasures from 'World jazz' to 'New Jewish Music' to 'Nordic Folk and Klezmer'. What really stood out was the 'Etho-jazz and Afrobeat' of Addisabababand (I'm not making this up honestly, click the link!). Needless to say these guys blew me away with funky psychedelia of immense proportions, with tracks merging into others, 5 minute percussion breakdowns and crazy keyboard and sax noodling.
This track has been on heavy rotation everyday since watching Thundercat. Think that's about all I need to say on that subject....
A week later, I was sheltering from a heavy rain shower in a great little cafe near to my flat in Østerbro when I happened upon a leaflet for a venue called Global. The listings promised an eclectic mix of musical pleasures from 'World jazz' to 'New Jewish Music' to 'Nordic Folk and Klezmer'. What really stood out was the 'Etho-jazz and Afrobeat' of Addisabababand (I'm not making this up honestly, click the link!). Needless to say these guys blew me away with funky psychedelia of immense proportions, with tracks merging into others, 5 minute percussion breakdowns and crazy keyboard and sax noodling.
This track has been on heavy rotation everyday since watching Thundercat. Think that's about all I need to say on that subject....
I feel I may have given Nordhavn a somewhat hard time earlier. True, it can seem like a brutish industrial nightmare at first glance, especially in contrast to central Copenhagen's grandeur, but in the right light the area has a serene charm which can be a great antidote to the bustle of city life. This district is obviously developing from shipping warehouses and offices to a more vibrant mix of business and residential buildings. One of my fellow interns at normann even invited me to a nice little after work 'Friday bar' at an architectural office in the area where I had my first experience of Glögg, a Scandinavian christmas tradition akin to the German Glüwein (but with extra rum). If you're not sold on Nordhavn yet, have a gander at my photos below, where I managed to be in the right place at the right time to capture some of Copenhagen's famous pink sky.
Finally, I'm planning to do a full round up of record stores in one of my last posts but I had to include this photo of a pop-up store in Nørrebro which was called
'Kald Vinyl, Varm Kaffee', even though I made some terrible purchases (what the hell happened to Billy Cobham on 'Power Play'?). Until next time hej hej.
'Kald Vinyl, Varm Kaffee', even though I made some terrible purchases (what the hell happened to Billy Cobham on 'Power Play'?). Until next time hej hej.