Monthly Archives: March 2009

Chen Chong Swee, and the Singaporean Salon

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Sotheby’s Auction House hosted a charity event in 1994. The intention was to raise one million dollars, which would go to sponsor visual artists. One hundred fifty one pieces of art were sold at this auction, and the majority of them were by the artist Chen Chong Swee. This is an interesting fact considering that Swee was well known not only for his artwork but also as a teacher. Swee taught in many schools and was known for his lectures on Chinese Ink Painting. He was born in China in 1910 and studied art, with a focus on water color and ink printing, at Xinhua Academy of Fine Arts. He moved to Singapore after he graduated.

Swee had a style of of own, which was a blend of traditions modernized to fit his personal concepts. His life in Singapore had a strong influence on his art and was the primary reason for his venturing away from traditional styles of painting. This did not remove the fact he was grounded in the theories he learned from his studies at Xinhua. One tradition in particular to which he stayed true was idea writing, which was the art of putting written words into the painting. The intention with this practice was to assist the viewer with the story and or meaning behind the paintings. Swee believed strongly that the task of the artist lies in communication with the public. He was considered to be a modern painter, however his emphasis was on forging a connection to the viewer.

In 1953 Swee founded the Salon Art Society. Also in that year he went to Bali with three other prominent artists. It was during this trip that he, Chen Hen Hsi, Lui Kan and Cheong Soo Pieng gained the inspiration for a new theory of painting and founded the Nanyang School. Each of these artists had been established in their own right, and their paintings had been seen in the best galleries and boutique hotels in Singapore. After this trip they had their first group show. The collection for this exhibit was a selection of works they completed while in Bali. Much of their inspiration came from the beauty of the country. These artists remain well known today and are strong sources of inspiration for new artists.

The Modern Appeal of Dubai

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When most people picture the Middle East they conjure up images of sand, traditional customs and dress, and religious extremists. Most likely they also imagine a backward, third-world environment with camels, hovels, and limited food choices.

Cities such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates counteract that image. Over the last decade Dubai has transformed itself into a tourist playground, with state-of-the-art facilities for business, commerce, sports, and entertainment. The local rentals and hotels offer every modern convenience, including world-class restaurants founded by some of the top chefs from around the globe.

The city does preserve its rich heritage. There are forts, museums, and tours through “Old Dubai” as well as open markets that offer a more traditional experience. However, the city is bursting with designer boutiques, modern office buildings, and all of the other standards that are expected in a global center in the twenty-first century.

The beaches of Dubai are the main draw. Taking full advantage of the Persian Gulf, resorts, shopping centers, and restaurants dot the coastline along with a variety of entertainment and recreational options. There’s a water park, golf courses, and countless opportunities to induge in activities such as scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and sailing.

Some of the more modern activities to experience in Dubai include taking a helicopter tour of the city or going on a desert safari – taking a 4×4 vehicle dune bashing in the desert outside the city. For a more sedate excursion, try a hot air balloon tour.

World’s Largest Eco Bag at KL Design Week

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Displayed on the Kuala Lumpur Tower is the “World’s Largest Eco Bag.” The bag measures 29.65 feet in width and is 51.5 feet long. It is on display as part of the Kuala Lumpur Design Week 2009 Festival. Organizers hope that the bag and the Festival will draw attention to the cutting edge innovation and creativity that mark Malaysia’s design industries.

Design Week, which runs from March 27th through April 4th, will showcase the works of forty designers and is expected to attract at least 10,000 visitors to the city. While the emphasis is on local artists, designs will be featured by designers from 15 different countries. Over 1000 designs will be exhibited during the nine-day event.

The mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail, officiated at the opening ceremony and is excited about the effect the event will have on the local economy. The hope is that KL’s design reputation will begin to make headway into international markets. In addition, the festival itself will draw numerous designers, vendors, media, and other interested parties to the city on an annual basis. This is good news for Kuala Lumpur Malaysia hotels as well as other hospitality-based businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and spas.

KL’s Design Week is being held in seven locations across the city, including the KL Tower, the KLCC, the National Art Gallery, and The Annexe Central Market.

2009 is the inaugural event of what promises to become an important annual event for the city of Kuala Lumpur. It includes speakers, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and social events.

Dubai City

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The Dubai Municipality is usually referred to as Dubai City in order to distinguish it from Dubai the emirate. Dubai has become the jewel of the United Arab Emirates and a center of business, tourism, and entertainment for the entire Middle East.

In recent years the city has become a desert paradise for business and leisure travelers.  The government has worked with developers to attract business and tourists. The city is full of modern high rise offices, entertainment venues, and climate-controlled shopping malls and designer boutiques. The Dubai UAE luxury hotels offer every modern convenience and technology and many of the top chefs in the world have opened restaurants in the city, bringing global cuisines to this former trading post.

While Dubai is full of architectural and historic landmarks, it is the beaches and coastal resorts that attract the most visitors.  In order to increase the available shoreline, Dubai has built several artificial islands that are home to even more resorts, shops, theaters, golf courses, and even a water park and an indoor ski slope.

Sports have become big business in Dubai. Golf, cricket, tennis, rugby, and horse racing are all popular in Dubai. International tournaments and competitions are held in venues around the city. The Dubai Sports City is expected to open in 2010 and house 50 million square feet of competition space as well as sports academies.

Where else can you go windsurfing or scuba diving one day and dune bashing the next? Haggle with a merchant at a souk in the morning and leisurely stroll through a huge shopping mall in the afternoon? Take a camel ride and then have dinner in a world class restaurant? Dubai city offers a wide range of experiences to visitors from all over the world.

Changing Times for Majorca

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Beginning during the Spanish Civil War, and since hundreds of years prior, into antiquity, Majorca has had to fight in defense.  Being and island, attacks happened from all sides.  Majorca had to defend itself throughout much of history.  Now known as a popular tourist site just off the coast of Mainland Spain, with beach resorts, and 5 star hotel Majorca, and spas, this islands history is hard to imagine.  As early as 124 BC the island has been occupied.  Under the rule of Italy the economy did flourish.  Majorca is still known for its production and cultivation of olive trees, wineries and salt mines.  Then, in 534 the island was overtaken by the Byzantine Empire.  Churches were built during this time, and it was a period of religious transformation, as most of the churches were of the Christian faith.  Beginning in the early 7th century the island was being attacked by armies from various Muslim countries, Africa being the main invaders.

The list of wars and invasions goes on and on.  From the development of industry, agriculture, tourism, and irrigation this island has overcome the history of turmoil.  In 1983, the city of Palma, located on the island of Majorca, became the capital city of all the Balearic Islands.  Since the early fifties, tourism has increasingly flourished.  What was once an island of chaos and war, is now a destination sought out and ventured to by all of Europe, and the rest of the world as well, as a place of tranquil beauty and peaceful summer days.  Tourism has changed the local colour of the island in that more people are visiting, and more people are moving to Majorca in search of jobs in the booming industry.  Traditions are still held, local festivals dating back to paleolithic times are still celebrated, but it is all just a bit more economically driven.  And now, instead of invaders traveling from such countries as Italy, South America and Africa, there are workers from such countries, seeking jobs and a peaceful way of life that had for so many years, alluded those living on the island. Now days, there are the resorts and the restaurants and shops, offering up to summer and winter vacationers, strolls through the towns, the beaches and the vast landscape.

Festivals and Fun in Mallorca

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The island of Mallorca has been long known for fun and relaxing vacations.  Relaxing in the way of beautiful and tranquil beaches, long strolls through cafes, shops, and luxury hotels Mallorca offers it all.  For fun, the city of Mallorca has a long tradition of festivals.  Parties, dancing and a lot of Spanish flavor make these festivals for all those traveling here on vacation something to remember.  Most festivals occur annually.  One such night is the night dedicated to celebrating Saint Antoni.  This is the Patron Saint of Animals.  Working animals to be specific.  This night is celebrated in many cities across the island, all fiestas occuring at the same time.  There is much to eat, to see and to participate in.  Devilish performers in outrageous costumes and make up provide the entertainman and the drive for the dancing that lasts all night long.  Many party goers are disguised as well, and this is known as a night of debauchery.  Muscatel flows freely and the night is well known to become a bit of an erotic affair.

Another such costumed festival is the Night of Fire.  Although this affair tends to be a bit more subtle as far as the drinking and wildness is concerned, costumes are donned and the live music provides the inspiration for the all night dance parties.  This festival marks the beginning of the summer festival season and is becoming a widely popular event.  The most attended festival however is the Domingo del Angel.  The celebration was abandoned for approximately 400 years.  However in 1982 it became once again the traditional festival it once was.  This night happens on the Sunday following Easter.  While there are still feasts to attend and dancing to be done, it is a bit more of a reverant affair.  This day signifies and honors the poor, and is characterized by the hope and prayers for those less fortunate.  There are activities designed just for children and this tends to be more of a family night then a party night.  Mallorca has many more parties and celebrations that make this a grand tourist destination.

Destination: Cape Town

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Anyone planning a trip to South Africa will want to schedule plenty of time to see Cape Town. As the legislative capital of the country, Cape Town is home to the National Parliament and a number of government offices. It is also a center of music, food, and art and culture for South Africa and the surrounding region.

The multicultural heritage of this exciting city is what gives Cape Town much of its energy. Indian, Africa, Asian, and European influences can be found in varying degrees throughout the city’s food, music, and various art forms.  This is especially evident in the wide-range of cuisines to be had in the city’s many restaurants where Chinese, Indian, French, and Italian food are nearly as popular as local African dishes.

Visitors in Cape Town will find accommodations that suit just about any budget. There can choose from a Cape Town luxury hotel, numerous guesthouses or even rent a private villa. Youth hostels and tourist resorts offer more budget-friendly options and backpackers will find a number of lodgings that cater to their particular needs.

The city is full of intersting attractions to explore. The Rhodes Memorial and the Castle of Good Hope are must-sees. Neighborhoods such as Bo-Kaap are popular destinations and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront offers countless shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues to explore, including some restored and re-purposed historic buildings.

Anyone visiting the city will be struck by the appearance of Table Mountain providing a majestic backdrop for Cape Town. The National Park there is worth a day’s visit to see the beautiful vegetation and mountain views.  Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens also provide a change to experience the natural beauty of South Africa.  The city is home to a number of museums and galleries that can round out a cultural tour.