Art: ‘Vincent van Gogh – Life and Light in Provence’

The National Gallery (October 11, 2024): Journey to the south of France and witness the landscapes that so inspired Vincent van Gogh and the painting techniques that have made him famous today. Travel through Arles and Saint-Rémy – from the banks of the Rhône to the hospital where he stayed.

See for yourself the locations that made their way onto Van Gogh’s canvases. ‘Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers’ is a once-in-a-century exhibition that brings together paintings from across the globe, some rarely seen in public. Track Vincent’s work through 1888 and 1889, the two most artistically fruitful years in his life.

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers 14 September 2024 – 19 January 2025

#NationalGallery #ArtHistory #VanGogh #VincentVanGogh

Urban Architecture Tour: ‘Upper House’ In Brisbane

The Local Project (October 11, 2024): Addressing the issue of connection deficit in vertical living, Upper House fosters a sense of community among residents. Crafted by Koichi Takada Architects on behalf of developer Aria, the ultimate penthouse and spacious apartment building proposes a new, healthier way of inhabiting a city. Set in South Brisbane, known widely as a social and cultural hub, Upper House sits close to art galleries, theatres, bars and cafes.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to the Ultimate Penthouse 01:22 – Including the Surrounding Culture 02:07 – The Facade Inspiration 02:48 – The Calm Interiors and Layout 03:59 – A Neutral Material Palette 04:35 – The World Class Design 05:37 – A Walkthrough of the Wellness Retreat 06:17 – Creating a Connective Space

The project takes cues from the suburb, inviting people to come together: while the building offers 1000 square metres of communal amenities, it also embodies a work of art and features the ultimate penthouse. Michael Hurley, development director at Aria, describes the design as “a series of dancing balconies” with timber ribbon running up the facade and a triple-height timber rooftop.

“[The design] just screamed out and said ‘world-class, never-been-done-before’. It was curvy, it was organic, it was unique, and it was Aria” he says. At the base of Upper House, a large podium displays work by Indigenous artist Judy Watson. The piece recognises the Turrbal people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which the project is built. Beyond the podium, the facade is inspired by Moreton Bay fig trees – what can be viewed as ribbons are timber ‘roots’ framing the main structure and the ultimate penthouse. Curling around the edges of the roof, the bold details form a pergola and shading device that protect the open wellness retreat.

#Penthouse #HouseTour #Wellness

The New York Times Magazine – Oct. 13, 2024

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THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE (October 11, 2024): The latest issue features ‘Al Pacino Is Still Going Big’…

The Interview – Al Pacino Is Still Going Big

Al Pacino has been one of the world’s greatest, most influential actors for more than 50 years. He’s audacious. He’s outrageous. He’s Al Pacino, and I’m pretty sure you know what that entails.

Why France’s Most Controversial Novelist Is Also Its Most Celebrated

Reviled as much as he is lauded, Michel Houellebecq holds up a mirror to a world we would rather not see.

Should Famous People Be Telling Us This Much About Their Illnesses?

For some celebrities, revealing all is part of the product. For others, it looks like a deeply unpleasant chore.

By Mireille Silcoff

News: Zelensky Tours Europe For Arms And Support, Israel In Gaza

Monocle Radio Podcast (October 11, 2024): Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky launches a European tour to rally more arms and support from the West. But as the war heads into its third winter, what can he realistically expect?

Plus: is Washington’s patience with Israel’s Gaza offensive wearing thin? Plus: we check in with the team at the Monocle Quality of Life Conference in Istanbul.

The New York Times — Friday, October 11, 2024

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Airstrikes in Beirut Kill at Least 22 and Level a Building, Lebanese Officials Say

Israel was behind the attack, Lebanon said, and it came on the same day that the U.N. said Israeli forces had fired on its peacekeepers, an episode that drew international condemnation.

Trump Spreads His Politics of Grievance to Nonwhite Voters

Eight years ago, he won over many white voters, who were often called the forgotten Americans. Now, he hopes to make inroads with Black and Latino voters by stoking resentments and pointing to scapegoats.

Republicans Appear Poised to Take Control of Senate, New Poll Shows

The latest polling from The New York Times and Siena College shows Republicans leading in key Senate races in Montana, Texas and Florida.

Ethel Kennedy, Passionate Supporter of the Family Legacy, Dies at 96

She never remarried after the assassination of her husband, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and she devoted herself to working on behalf of the causes he had championed.