Musing

11. May 2010 · Categories: Culture, Marion on a Mission · Tags: , ,

Besides being a trade fair jet setter, I am also an art junkie. I need regular arty fixes to make sure my emotions, brain and senses connect and function together.

Wherever I travel, I search not only for the big museums but also the small art galleries and events. In Bangalore,  as this is where I reside, I am allowed the luxury of a continued search, looking for and occasionally finding art in this high-tech and fast-moving city. My access point is Time Out Bangalore; I’m yet to find something more edgy. Bangalore is an intensely shiny city but, with determination, art can be found here and there.

Gallery Blue Spade programmed a painting exhibition in January/February featuring a local painter. It’s not far from the small Galleryske, which is more adventurous in its choice of artists compared to the others I’ve seen so far.

On a more classical yet institutionalised front, I think the National Gallery of Modern Art, which  opened recently, is worth a visit. It’s a nice summary of its sister gallery in Delhi and perhaps, if they have more visitors, they might open their cafe on Sundays. Not far away is the Veda Art Gallery, which I’m yet to explore.

Last week I caught the last days of ulm: method and design/ulm: school of design exhibition, held at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath School. Very refreshing! The exhibition traced the history of the Ulm School, presented as more than just a chronology. The structure of the teaching was clearly explained, there were several models and prototypes on show and a few video interviews of former tutors and students. I felt transported back to my student years in Paris and London; Ulm bears a broad influence in design teaching today. Interestingly this was organised by the Institute for Cultural Relations and the Goethe Institute Bangalore (and I’ve just discovered their wonderful rooftop cafe and good bread!).

At the Gandhi Smriti Memorial in Delhi, I felt like a little girl looking at the life of Gandhi recounted in miniature scenes displayed in delightfully vintage-looking TV-type cabinets. This place has recently opened a number of beautifully made interactive displays. However, I found all the interaction overwhelming. Maybe I’m too old… I don’t know if it was the number of things to play with, a lack of explanations or the keen staff that were very quick to demonstrate how to interact, which killed the discovery factor for me.

Entering the larger museums is like beginning a large, rich meal. I start with enthusiasm but slowly wane and become overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of things to see, read, learn, understand, take in and digest.

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Rubber stamp

23. February 2010 · Categories: Culture, manufacturing, Marion on a Mission, On A Mission · Tags: ,

The first thing I’m getting made in India is a rubber stamp showing my name and local mobile number to print on my existing business cards. Finding a place to get it made is easy; you just have to process a lot of makeshift signs that say, amongst other things, “rubber stamp”.

I go to the first one I find. It’s a tiny stand in an average building that houses many other small businesses. I explain what I want to the man there, show him my business card and indicate where and what I want the stamp to print. It’s a mere Rs150… I resist the Rs400 offer of a self inking stamp.

When I go back, it’s a different man. He seems to know what I’m there for and without uttering a word, simply demonstrates how my new stamp works. There are two spelling mistakes in my name.  Since I left my card with my name in print, there’s little to discuss and I’m promised it will be done the following day.

Back in the car my driver tells me: “Ma’am, in India, to get something made you need to come 2 or 3 times”.

When I finally pick up the stamp, the name is spelt right but the number has an extra digit, which was not there in the first place. This minor mistake is swiftly erased: the rubber stamp shop keeper takes it off with a knife and a smile. I also makes it easier to read.

The final mistake is mine. Since most of my business cards are coated the ink does not stay on. If you need something made make sure it’s a really good idea.

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