Being back in London almost felt like returning home in a strange way. As previously posted I fall in love with London more and more each time I visit and although the place is still kinda strange and daunting, it's definitely where I see myself in the very near future.
Unfortunately I only have one photograph of the Hirst exhibition (which I was strictly told off for taking, although I saw no signs prohibiting photography) so I think it's probably best that I don't upload it on here just in case the Tate come and kidnap me and force me to work underground making missiles for World War III or something. I can however tell you that the exhibition is a feast for all five senses (you'll see what I mean when you see it) and although parts of it are ugly and perhaps an oddity to the collection on display, most of it is carefully thought out and incredibly beautiful in a unique way. The use of colour and sentiment comes across strongly throughout the exhibition. This is a photograph of my favourite item, titled "The Inescapable Truth":
After Hirst & the Tate, myself, Nathan, lovely fellow coursemate Jade and our tutor Fenella took the Tube to Whitechapel, where we went to see an exhibition by Birmingham born artist Gillian Wearing. This was a combination of film and photography based on the idea of people "hiding" their true selves in public, and looking at the difference between how people act when out in public, and how they act when in private and/or comfortable spaces. This included several short films (most of which were incredibly disturbing) a selection of photographs of Wearing dressed up as family members and idols, wearing wigs, prosthetic masks and even painted on abs and scars to achieve a realistic look (she makes a very convincing man!) and a booth which Wearing set up, inviting members of the public to come in, don a mask and wig and confess their deepest, darkest secrets. These ranged from sexual abuse to domestic violence to a man who likes to drink women's period blood. I think I'm going to leave this degree mentally scarred.
The four of us then went for lunch in a really cute family run pizzeria three doors down from the gallery, which Fenella kindly treated us to. Fenella then went home so we then headed back to Victoria via a stop in Brick Lane at Rough Trade Records' store, where we had a browse and took some photobooth pictures (as you do). Brie and bacon panini's and very large coffee's were also purchased. Unfortunately we missed our train and the tickets myself and Jade had meant we had to stay in London until after 7.15pm because we couldn't travel at peak times. So we said goodbye to Nathan (who could travel home) and went window shopping down Oxford Street, where I took several silly photos in Pull&Bear's photobooth in the guys section. Here are the fruits of my labour:
We then caught the train back to Brighton, where I had to walk home in the rain because my card got declined at the station's cash machine - uh oh! I now plan on doing absolutely nothing for the rest of the evening.
How was your Wednesday?
