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January 24, 2010

BAD & GOD in Stockholm

There were so many excellent exhibitions going on in Stockholm I just had to see them all. Aah. Rare Russian Ballet costumes in Dansmuseet, new Shirin Neshat video in Kulturhuset, Caspar David Friedrich in Nationalmuseet and contemporary Japanesekimono variations in Östasiatiska ... Off we go!

After a hectic week we started the weekend in Finnish way, from airport we went to sauna. Friday habit!
In Swedish sauna is BAD which was not very tempting as a sign but once we were inside Centralbadet next to Hötorget, we felt GOD (good in Swedish). The food was excellent, interior (1920´s) was charming and the last surprise, mysterious big pool with dim lighting was like a strange dream. David Lynch could film there…

The next day we met dancer-choreographer Virpi Pahkinen at the opening at Art Academy. The people and building itself were more interesting than the art. Outside we enjoyed the sun
and cold (-17) and chatted about our forthcoming work plans. In the evening we had a nice supper in celebrity packed Sturehovet.

Marita and Virpi, photo by Pia Pho, (other photos by Marita).

Every time I meet Virpi, she says something, which stays in my mind for days. In Sturehovet she dropped a sentence: “one has to have confidence in subconscious”, with glint in her eyes, followed with a grin. Those who are able to read Finnish, check her fresh book Käärmeensyöjä, The Snake Eater. Virpi is truly talented storyteller, contemporary for our common favorite, adventurer-author Isabelle Eberhardt. Virpi´s site: www.pahkinen.com

Next day we got happily stuck in Dansmuseet because the exhibition was really well made and there were lots of original dance pieces on video - next to the original costumes. Fabulous Nijinsky choreography for Stravinsky´s The Rite of Spring…I saw the costumes first time. Male dancers seemed to be around my size in 1920´s, which is 160 cm! From the small but full packed bookshop I found some rare ballet videos I have been looking for. The stylish café offers one of the best views to Stockholm.What a treat for all senses!

Posted by marita at 10:10 PM