Rundgang @ HGB Leipzig

On Thursday, the HGB (Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst) opened its doors to show where those young and creative talents and artists are on their phase of development. I love art such as graphics, photography and paintings, but still it needs alot to attract my attention. This year I was a bit disappointed when it came to their final, university-ending projects. Last year a lot of pictures took my attention and left me excited, but this year almost nothing surprised me. I know, it is hard to say such things as a non-artist, but if you open doors for the public noone can expect that everyone has these certain art-skills - and the motivation - to look through a picture and see the work behind it. It is always the new and the unknown and of course the controverse work that is drawing the attention. I heard some people whisper it's because there is no Neo Rauch anymore hosting classes. Well, wherever this lack of excitement has its source, I am sure and I hope it won't be around anymore the next year, when the HGB shows the world its blooming talents.

Hello, Stranger!

(picture: Lesley Kerr)

14 january 2010

smyrna, georgia

the smyna thrift shop

i met mr. keith several months ago, when we found ourselves reaching for the same light blue smith-corona typewriter at the smyrna thrift shop (and as a sidenote: we're both collectors of old things. and, he generously let me to it).

his wife has been in rehab at a local nursing home since before i even met him, and he goes to see her every day. he stops by here on his way home and finds treasures (most of which i envy. he's certainly in good with the employees, and i'm convinced they set aside all the wonderful things for him).

i'm not sure what was on his mind but he was quieter than usual today, and when we walked out together, he couldn't take his eyes off the sunset. i asked to photograph him and he replied, "of course. i want to look at that sky, though, if that's alright with you".

(picture: Lesley Kerr)

18 april 2009

smyrna, georgia

the side of the road

on my way to the thrift store, i passed this delightful fellow walking the opposite way and i debated back and forth if i should turn around (and i did only because i knew i'd regret it and didn't want to tell wesley that i'd resisted the urge).

i turned into the vet and he was walking right by my car, so i said,

"sir! may i take a polaroid of you? i like the way you look. i like your glasses"

"oh thanks! yes."

"hi, i'm lesley."

"lesley, nice to meet you. i'm joaquin."

"do you enjoy being photographed?"

'yes ma'am, as a matter of fact, i do."

Lacking of self-consciousness myself, it is just astonishing to see how people are making their way around this planet so easily and invite strange people into a conversation, even if it's just a tiny one.

Lesley Kerr wasn't afraid of strangers and the result was a small resource of delightful encounters that shows me that this should not be so hard, if you see what it can bring to you. A smile, a new acquaintance and a great portrait.

Talking shit about a pretty sunset

(pictures by me)

So if winter doesn't end, it is up to us now to scare it off with warm thoughts!

Winter is such a waste of time, breath and nerves. If it would be up to me, than always during the winter time I would pack up my belongings and go onto a great trip through countries who are covered in the warm smell of summer!

Until I have the money and time to do that - and so long I have to stand the cold, freezing thing of a season - I will curl up in my room and think about all the great summers I have been enjoying so far.