At every situation, we have a choice of being ourselves or block ourselves from being what we believe. I realised that it takes a lot of energy to not be ourselves and it doesn't even make us feel better. The world needs us and what we bring into this world rather than fit into other's expectations.
Being authentic seems to be a presence of flow. There's no point of blocking the flow and suppressing ourselves.
I have travelled a lot of places for a different reasons. And everytime I've been learning different ways of traveling. Just before I began to travel a bit of Europe, I attended a lecture by Brindusa on 'Contextualising ME in the world' by Brindusa. She emphasized on the concept of Flaneur, the act of strolling the spaces being an acute observer, without any other purpose. Also she suggested to create some rules on our own to follow and immerse onself in the act of strolling.
I began to contemplate on the act of strolling and sensing the spaces in our own ways. When I landed in Leuven, I decided to create a rule on my own and stroll around.
1) Turn Towards A- Whenver I notice the first alphabet of the word to be A, I turn towards it.
I didn't think much about creating a rule and I began to contemplate on how I may immerse myself in noticing only the alphabets. In the beginning, I was always noticing the text and ignored anything around as I walked. As I began to notice the alphabet-A and turn towards it, I was wondering If i'd be missing out other places because of the rule I've created. As I turn towards new streets and look for the alphabet-'A' again, I was sensing the place, people, texture of the buildings with keen attention. After a little bit of distance I noticed 'A' again and turned. There were times where I had to turn thrice in less than a minute and such turns/changes were too fast to grasp. I was feeling my discomfort with the quick change. Where will this take me? Why can't I visit any famous monument and sit there? I thought. I continued walking and didn't force myself to look for A. I immersed myself to observe the place and ran into different sculptures, garden and got interested in it's stories. Eventually, I forgot the pressure of looking for A. As I kept walking, If I looked at A, I turned and if not, I continued to walk as my feet took me. There seems to be an act of surrender in this type of traveling. Had fun and explored the place in different way.
2) Take a turn whenever there's one
As I reached Ghent, a port and university city, it has a rich history as it was capital of flemish region. With port on it's side there are a lot of Canals in the town. With little bridges, there are a lot of junctions and connecting roads. Walking in the town, I came up with the rule- 'Take a turn whenever there's one' Spending some time on Ghent, the rule came very naturally sensing the turns and connecting roads. Following the rule, I visited a lot of bookshops, thrift shops, cafes and old buildings. I realised how our idea of success is always straight. All the rules seems to teach me the act of surrendering and navigating in life. I never felt I'm missing out experiences and important monuments due to this travel, as I embarked on the famous cathedral and market squares naturally.
3) Song suggestions and Stations
I have a travel pass where I can get on any train in Belgium for a limited time. I had an option of traveling to a certain place and spending time or hop on trains and arrive at any town and stroll around. Why do we always have to reach the famous places, who makes places famous, I pondered.
I hardly use social media when I'm traveling. To be more open rather than judgemental about anything, I decided to use social media in this trip. I asked my friends to share their favourite songs. Whenever, I notice the first alphabet of the song, I'd get off the train and take a new one. Seemed very interesting. I received my first suggestion and got off the train. I also realised, I can't spend much time waiting, I need to get on the next available train. Thanks to my data network, I was solely relying on the train wifi. Hence, I was not keen to check social media whenever I was on train between the stations. I checked my phone only when I reached any particular station. I changed 7 trains while I got a chance to meet my senior by coincidence. I got off the train,went ahead to meet my senior and spent 3 hours catching up on our journeys and resumed my journey. It seemed worthwhile rule as I met my senior, serendipituously.
4) Don't wait too long. Move forward.
I began my journey in the wallonia region of Belgium and was amused to travel through the hilly region. As I reached the border of Belgium and Luxembourg, I walked out of the station and got on to the bus provided by Luxembourg. In Luxembourg, the public transport is free for everyone. I got onto the bus at Gouvy and traveled through Luxembourg. I was amazed by the nature and weather. It's a small country with places that can reached within 40-50 minutes. Everywhere I went, I waited less than 4 minutes and got onto the bus that's heading to a different place. Like that, I ended up entering Germany as well. I met interesting people and travelers on my way. It's another story for another day. By evening, I ended up at Bastogne, the place where battle of bulge is fought. Watching Band of Brothers- HBO Mini series on war, I have a lot of affinity to these places. So happy to end up here. I'm glad I kept moving forward and embraced the experiences.
In retrospect, all the rules seem trivial but, they are very close and relatable to whatever is happening in my life. Very intuitively, listening to the inner voices, I came up with these rules and explored the places. Now, it's time to travel inwards and outwards trusting our voices rather than relying on some external fears and standards set by others.
Friends ask me how people strike a conversation deeply the minute, they cross paths with me. I don't have an answer but my experiences push me to continue to trust as I cross paths.
On a windy day, I strolled in the streets of Amsterdam, just returning from a windmill's place where I was intentional in celebrating friends' birthdays who are far away across the sea.
Passing the canals, I kept strolling, absorbing the space and the sounds it had to offer. There's a lot of hustle and crowd. I kept walking watching around. Suddenly, I saw an art gallery and entered it without a second thought. I was awestruck by the paintings.An intimate experience to see the paintings all by myself without any distraction. Later, a lady walked in striking a conversation.Planning to travel is a very intense task as it takes a lot of energy to move. Wherever I live in a certain place, I call it a home. And leaving the home for certain time drained me a lot in the past as I've to change the routine once in 3 weeks. As I got ready to travel again for long time, I got reminded of the days when I clean my house before I leave. I used to wonder whom am I cleaning the home for. When I leave, I clean the home and return after two to three weeks. As there'd be people who clean the space I used to live for three weeks, I get used and I don't clean the home. The moment I had to leave, I realise that no one would clean the space and I have to clean it by myself and I hurry to clean it.
The pattern just got repeated. I cleaned it and got late to bed and rushed to the airport. Hope I change the pattern soon.
After a long time, I got a chance to watch a full length TED talk and thoroughyl enjoyed it.
Ever since I began to attend the concert, I always planned to attend the concert organised by Migros. This is the second orchestra, I'm listening to. I like the conductor who has his pecuiliarities. He had a drum by his side and gave a rhythm at times. Loved it. After the performance, a orchestra full of cellosist behind the flautist and people with Japanese drums and opera singers walked in. It was a fabulous 2 hour performance. Soon after the performance, the whole hall was silent for a minute. I felt the power of silence then. People were in trance as they were immersed in the performance. Enjoyed it well. Great day.
As I drafted the message and shared it across, a couple of friends walked into exhibiton and shared their response. Grusha & Anirudha shared as they checked out the exhibition. Shabon and his friends joined and appreciated my efforts. They helped me in placing the posters in right way. As I headed to the class and got back, found few friends. One of the persons whom I shared my art class with shared that he love the pieces. At the end of day, walked along with Tanya and shared a conversation.
I learnt that my art is out there and doing it's job. I may not be there in person but, my art is evoking someone who pass by and interact with it. Do I need to know what emotions is my art evoking? Do I need to know if my art found it's purpose? Do I need to know how it's affecting? I do not know. Also, I wanted to write an introduction for myself and struggled a bit.
I realised that to hardest part is to tell about yourself. The more aware of who you are, the better you articulate yourself.
Here's the introduction I wrote-
________________________________________
Abhinay Renny currently lives in Geneva, pursuing master’s in international development studies at Graduate Institute, Geneva. He authored 4 books- 2 novels, ‘In between the bridge’, ‘Rainy Summer’, 2 books of poetry- “The Wordless Conversation,” “Colourless” & got poems published in a few international anthologies. Along with it, he had Art exhibition at Bangalore & Jaipur in India.
In the past 6 years, he worked in IT Industry as well as social organisation. Curious to perceive the world, not in silos, he began his journey to Geneva to explore the themes he’s passionate about- Education, Technology, Environment & Art- its effect on humanity.
Staying in the questions- ‘What it takes to trust others?’ & ‘What it takes to say- ‘I don’t know’ Abhinay Renny has taken up hitchhiking in India, trusting strangers and seeking help from them and striking conversations with them.
Continuing to trust people around him, share a space with others, he has decided to put his art for sale.
Sanket and Poorvi walked into the rooftop, mentioning that others would join. I joined them and I got reminded of my Sirohi days where we used to play basketball everyday. Following the old style of flipping hands and choosing the teams, we changed the teams frequently and played for hour or more. S took the role of DJ and played peppy music. Half of the time, I find myself grooving to the tunes rather than stay focussed to the game. Had fun.
S shared the song that I enjoyed listening. This time, it's an acoustic version. Thanks S. Enjoyed listening to it.
We didn't have empty space to host the empty space art exhibtion. I wanted to keep the space empty on the first day. However, it was not empty at all. I had to wait till things are removed and I walked at 10 am, prepared to set the exhibition up. I got reminded of all the friends who were there during this journey. In Jaipur I had the whole gang who were there through out and supported me. In my first exhibition in Geneva, Ann and her friend joined to help me out. This time, I went alone carrying all the paintings, taking my own time to process the changes in life.
As I began to set it up, I fumbled with the orientation and height. I walked here and there. I kept moving around watching the empty space. Playing Aadujeevitham songs, I organised the art within 2 hours. I placed it on the ground to see how it looks and it took me a lot of time to set it up.
Sanjna walked in and loved the canvases more than the postards. She offered orange. So thoughtful of her. I was working continuously without taking a break. It was indeed a needed. Later, Puru walked in and was amazed by the size. Happy to see the reactions. A few others passed by and felt that I'm insane by producing the huge amount of work. I do not paint when I'm free. I make myself free to paint. After few errands, I continued setting it up catching up with Jaya.
As I began to bring it on the wall, people began to stop by and wondered what this is all about. Anthony walked in and appreciated my effort. Others were curious of it. Adhira joined me in the evening and within few minutes, she showed me the way to stick the post cards in smart way. Smart lawyer pondered on her life decisions but, I'm confident she'd figure out soon and celebrate her life.
As the golden hour passed, everyone left the space and I got a chance to catch up with myself and the emptyspaces. Shruti joined me and suggested a few changes as I set up the canvases. It indeed came out really well. I'm so happy with how the the exhibition is turning up. A long day. Time to celebrate the hard work.
Contemplating on the exhibition and the pursuit of art, I called up Harry and shared a word.
"Sir, I have my art exhibition is coming up. For a month. And I'm exhibiting a lot of work. I'm anxious about it." I said.
"Congratulations. The longer the better, the more the better."
"How did you handle your big days- book launches sir?" I posed another question.
"What theme are you working on? asked Harry
"Empty Spaces- more about migration."
"That's nice. Look at your art through your theme and see it's full potential. What do you wanna to take the idea forward. Once you intend to see it's full potential, your conversations, your presence, your approach with the art reflects the same. There's no mistake if you shout from the rooftop, there's no mistake if you don't shout from the rooftop. Just try to see it's full potential."
"I'm scared of my intense conviction to paint more and write more."
"The more the better again. It's nice you've the urge to express, you don't need to suppress it."
After the conversation, I stayed with these thoughts and it helped- Seeing the work to it's full potential. Being comfortable in expressing yourself more through art is always okay.
La Farce has helped me to get a good routine. As I got into LaFarce, every thursday, a few hours are dedicated to grocery shopping and book shopping. As ever, I went to the library and picked few books, picked veggies, had a crepe and joined Jyot. Most of the times, I run into Nadeen at random places. I ran into her at LaFarce as well.
Did a few Lidl errands with Jyot. After a real long time, caught up with her. Had a great time catching up with her and sharing what's happening in each other lives.
A very interesting play. An old man and a young woman in tradition french dress walks around, bring props on their own, chaning lights on their own and adding music on their own. Everything is part of play and everything is a play. For a strange reason, I didn't understand the language but got affected by it very intensely. I related the play mostly with oppression, patriarchy.
Eliane has hosted a lunch for our contribution at Wellbeing week. It was attended by the welfare committee presidents, facilitators & performers. Over lunch, we talked about language, social sciences, engineers and a lot more. As ever, I was the last one to finish the food while others finished their lunch and heard my random tales patiently. It was a lot of fun to catch up with everyone over sumptuous full buffet. Thanks Eliane for the treat. Had a great time catching up over the food. Wishing each other a nice weekend, S and I walked towards GM, sharing stories and some tales. Good day.
The posters and pictures are here. Work for the exhibition has begun. I have a bittersweet feeling as the exhibition commences. Anxious about how this is gonna be, excited for this month long exhibition and also worried if I can pull this off. A lot of emotions as I flow through the empty spaces. It's time I tell myself, "Trust the process and flow through!"
Thanks Shruti from Fab for the posters.
This movie has garnered a lot of attention and buzz amongst the movie goers. I was suggested to watch this movie when I was in India. I procrastinated it as long as I could and finally I watched it today. I have a lot running in my mind as I watched the movie.
Vikrant Massey played the protagonist role and it's impressive. A story of a young boy from a small village, aspires to be honest and become an IPS officer, travels out of home and his success journey is the story.
As I watched this movie, I could think of all my friends who aspired to crack UPSC. Whenever I heard from others, UPSC has always been the feather to showcase the caliber and I never bought the story. Achieving something to showcase our worth was something that I always ran away from. Am I running away because I'm not capable to compete was one thought I always had to nudge with. Whenever there was a point to prove my worth to deserve respect, I always walked away from it. UPSC was always one.
Until 24 years, I thought, I can try to attempt for UPSC exam to appease my parents but, I learnt that I was sure of what I don't want to do and never followed the path. But, at the end, the protagonist mentions how his intention is to reform the country by being a change agent rather than attain a position. In the act of service, one can find their purpose- I contemplated. Enjoyed watching this.
What an energy! I got reminded of the time, I attended Shilpa's session. Loved this storytelling piece.
Ever since I attended the lecture of Brindusa's I was inspired by her work and her words. I am lucky to attend a few of her classes on Global issues & perspectives & political languages of art.
I was able to catch up post workshop. After a long workshop, she agreed to listen to me and share a word. I shared my idea of empty spaces and how her lecture inspired me to shape my work in the way it is now. The way I looked at my art and explored my art work through an art manifesto. It helped me to look at myself and my art work in a different perspective. Brindusa shared few thoughts on how history has been passed through several mediums and how art is great gateway to perceive the world. The idea of perceiving the other world and the world we live in and sense the connectedness all through out.
After looking at my work, she wanted to purchase one of my works. It was a special moment to sign my initials, mark the date and present it to her. I got reminded of my first autograph on my novel. A moment that I'd cherish all my life. Thanks Brindusa for inspiring me by your words and works. Very grateful for your time and words.
After traveling with the theme of Empty Spaces, I've come up with this abstract for my upcoming show.
Empty Spaces- Flow
In the dichotomy of emptiness and fullness, we move around the world, filling
ourselves & the space with the places we lived in, places we wish to live in and
places we leave to live in other places. Sensing spaces in our own ways, what do we
carry along with us?
Living in different places and leaving people, memories, emotions behind, I walked
on the colorful rope of grief and gratitude. Grieving for the loss and being grateful for
the abundance.
Living with what we carry, I pondered on what do we bring to a space and how do we
affect it and how do we let it affect us?
In the constant flow of emptying, filling ourselves and spaces with memories,
emotions, rational thoughts, do we seek meaning out of the movement or do we
create a meaning to the movement?
At times, the lines are the borders that divides and derives the fullness of emptiness.
At moments, the lines are also the journeys humans and spaces flow through.
At times, the colors are the spaces that hold emotions. At moments, the colors are
the spaces that convey the emotions.
As there’s flow, how does space affect forced migration & forced migration affects
spaces, humans, who are the cause and the effect of it.
What’s full in an empty space?
What flows in an empty space?
Exploring and visiting different church Organs has become favourite past time. I visted the Holy Trinity Church that's built in 1853. The bus stop infront of the church never inspired to walk in and explore the place. However, I decided to check it out. I found the place calm and got amused by the paintings on the glass. The art work seemed to be inspired of cubism.
After spending some time, I joined Snigdha, Grusha and Aniruddha for a cold dip at the lake. I always wished to take a dip but, never pushed myself. S is really good at keeping the energy high and inspiring people to push their limits. All of us got into the water and had great time taking the dip. For the first few minutes, I found it cold, later, I had a very different burning sensation, as I spent more time in cold water. My feet turned sensitive, body burning and there's exhiliration of energy. I loved it. Spent some time while S swam a bit. After the cold dip, thanks to the planning by the group, we had a piping hot tea.
Over a long walk, we headed home and over creative Dal, Rajma made by S, coconut fish curry, Jeera rice by Grusha we shared stories and enjoyed each morsel being in the present moment. Soon after that, Snigdha and I walked to home sharing how we organise our days. S always comes up with striking thoughts. "Structure enables creativity. It helps me to stay flexible," she shared, how organising her week helps her to have a fulfiled feeling over things she does. I got reminded of the habit I used to follow at my work- Write 7 things to do in a day according to priority. It has helped me to be more efficient at work. I realised I don't need to stick it to work. I can use it during my college days as well. Time to organise a bit.
Soon after returning home, I rested a bit and realised I have a concert to attend. I rushed to the concert, collected my ticket and began to enjoy the performance. Attending several performances, I began to admire few musicians. I love the veteran who plays flute in Harmonie Nautique, also the conductor Eric Haegi. This time, the group collaborated with choir, Musikairos. Loved the energy. Thoroughly enjoyed the performance and was thrilled to see the group performing 3-4 additional pieces, as the crowd was not ready to leave the hall without listening to them again. Enjoyed it. Eventful sunday.
Malavika shared this lovely note on trees with me. Grateful to have friends who help me in appreciate and learn more about art and nature.
Mirrors. Waters
what's blue that doesn't
convey love?
Headbands.Painted Stones.
what's a wish that doesn't
convey care?
In seeing what we have
In cherishing the silence we share
Blue is the language we wear
Love is the time we share
Mirrors. Waters
Mountains.Myriad smiles.
Mirrors.Waters.
Boutinful blessings
To senes all that we have
Blue.Love.Laughs.Life.
I never tried my hand at Yoga. I never got a chance to try it out. Whenever I think of Yoga, I get reminded of Carolyn and the way she began her journey into Yoga. As GM has a yoga session hosted by Grusha, I decided to give it a try.
Grusha walked in, greeted and began to play Indian flute music. Giving instructions gently, she helped us to be comfortable in our body and brought awareness to our breath and the sensations in our body.
At times, I found it difficult to follow the instructions but, it was fun. All the poses reminded me of our warm up and warm down exercises post basketball game. At times, I was totally zoned out with breathing and got startled as Grusha walked in to help me get the pose right.
Yoga seems to be one way to get awareness into the body and release the tension from the body. Enjoyed the session. Looking forward to attend more in future.
A put out a fabulous video out on Instagram. Inspired by it, I penned down these words
The spring is here
The tree called it's lovers
One little tree
Three little birds
Finding love as they
Flicker their wings
Finding fragrance of light
Sharing their stories of longing
That they endured in their winters
The spring is here
The tree called it's lovers
One little tree
Three little birds
Witnessed the life
as human stopped by
To breathe
To pause
To live
To sense
In their own humane ways
This time, we changed the venue of our lunches and dinners. I visited S place and I began to play with colour while S managed to prepare sumptuous meal sharing his stories through frames. He shared his (Banaras) travel stories, I continued playing with pastels. Here are some works I created.
How does silo thinking helps us to be specialised however, it does not help us to work on the complex probelms. As everything is connected and I perceive the world to have more of polymaths being passionate about what drives them rather than be specialists and ignore the other streams, problems to empathise with.
There are days where I'm stuck in my own small room and don't dare to step out and then there are times where I'm mostly outdoors walking in random streets and watching the crowd as they pass by. This sunday, I decided to walk out and took a 5 to walk into the familiar place, Place de Neuve. Attended a concert and walked around the park, the longest bench, called up few friends and walked into the old town. Strolling through the old town, I walked across Bel air and reached Cornivan.
All across the walk, I could sense the place with a lot of memories and words exchanged with friends. Also, the water is almost present everywhere and it has a calming effect throughout. I walked to the shawarma place, ordered one for me. Enjoyed the meal and walked again.
This time, I walked to the cafe, picking an english book and sat, reading it for 10-20 minutes. I badly wanted to finish the book but also wanted to go home. I read couple of chapters, headed to the bus stop and reached home.
These are the days, where I feel, I'm treating myself well by doing what I love and listening to my body. Good day.
Graduate Institute, Geneva is hosting Well being week and as a part of it, several workshops are being held. I'm co-facilitating in the creative workshop through out the week. It's exciting to get back to the table and draw, paint, sketch.
Along with Kiana, I'm facilitating this workshop. Kiana is from Iran and has special interest in water colours. She got Iranian sweets which reminded me of home-Hyderabad. As the meeting got started and ideas were shared, I was pepped up by the brainstorming.
As usual, got the ticket and entered the hall and to my surprise, there was an installation on the stage. I got very excited to see the lighting and aesthetics of the stage and walked to the front seats to get a good view. Placed in an semi oval shape, the empty chairs and us, the audience were waiting for the show to be started.
I was elated and curious to witness this performance. Contrechamps is an ensemble which is into experimental music, interested in collaboration with varied artists. I witnessed this ensemble's performance at Nuit electroacoustique and was thrilled at it. Composed by Jurg Frey, the one hour music concert was uplifting.
I closed my eyes for sometime and got immersed in music. There's a lot of silence and fragility in the piece and also there's clear space for different instruments leaving us to ponder on the rhythm. Adding to this, there was an installation by Catherine Bolle that seemed to be sensuous and airy.
I enjoyed watching my favourite violinist, the old chap and a celloist, who is very keen to observe the instructions of the conductor. Every musician seemed very distinct in their performance and behaviour. I wonder what it takes to concentrate and perform at these kinda concerts, as there were some noisy sounds- baby cry, dropping phone, a few sneezes and coughs, from the audience.
Friend shared a thought on how time is measured through memories and how the friend remembers the happy memories vividly and do not remember anything when the time was bit depressing. I wrote this piece, trailing with the thought- we measure time through memories.
Musing on the thought that we measure time through memories.
I contemplated on how memories are influenced by attention and intention.
I wondered how a man with seven second memory talked of memories and music.
Attentive or intentional, the body keeps memories that we like, dislike, accept, reject until we feel the feelings that arrive like clouds in the sky, I felt.
The act of being attentive to life and moments, am I treasuring up more memories?
Treasuring up more memories, am I feeling all the feelings I got?
I walked down the memory highway and measured time, it was cold, cozy, painful, dawn, dusk, ecstatic, warm, weary, worrisome, blue morning, twilight, tiring, tornado like, hot, heavy, heartful, teary, spring, sulking, monsoon, GMT and all that's perceived through my attention and intention.
It's time, I better measure up my laugh and laugh.
During my college orientation, the first person I noticed was Chandu. Tall, handsome, full of smiles, was playing some funny sounds on phone and was giggling as it was retorting to the boring speech of the day. I remember his smile very well. Chandu got into automobile engineering and myself in mechanical engineering. Both the branches shared same building and also both of us were hostlers. I remember spending some fondful memories in my first year. My birthday in B6 and conversations at B11- a happening place for Chandu, iragam, swapnil and other friends. Chandu is into gaming and we often ran into each other in hostel and hung out casually, sharing stories. As the boys moved to Bowrampet and Rahul used to hang out with them the most, thanks to gaming, we caught up with them now and then in college, at Bowrampet Villa and other parties.
I always found Chandu to live in the moment and also acts more than contemplating on what to do. He got into many ventures and did a lot. Will miss his smile, will miss his presence. Keep smiling Chandu wherever you are.
This time, Argha, Shivam accompanied me to La Farce. Over a walk and discussion on courses, we reached the place, picked our veggies, headed to Lidl, bought our own poisons- Argha, Shivam a coffee, and I got my orange juice. Munching the croissants with our favorite beverages, we enjoyed the cloudy evening with the company of pigeons.
I cherish these weekly errands.
Athene bus stop brings up a lot of memories. Everytime, I pass it, I think of the times, I spent there waiting for the bus and also think of waiting as metaphor in life and muse in my own world. This time, I walked across the bus stop into Athene hall. Got wished by the receptionist, collected the schedule and songs lyrics.
Before the show began, a french gentleman walked in and narrated a lot about the poetry and the times it was written. I didn't understand a word but got amused by the way french language sounds. Soon after the intro, pianist Martin Surot walked in black suit and to perform suprano, arrived Louledjian in a dazzling red gown, with purple flower in her hair, to recite poetry on Flowers and birds. There were few poems I enjoyed listening. Le Coquelicot, La marjolaine et la verveine, La fleur d'oranger.
Enjoyed the evening and got impressed by the attentive audience. At the end, they kept clapping, getting performers on the stage thrice to perform once more. A good way to end the winters.
As I spotted a cover of We are the World sung by friend, I enjoyed it and forgot about it. As I was browsing Netflix, I could spot a documentary on how the song got ideated, written, sung and spread through the world. Activist Harry Belanfonte wished to do something on the lines of what Band aid group did for charity and reached out to Ken Kragen and approached musicians. Lionel Richie & Michael Jackson wrote the song, Quincy jones produced it and managed to get all the legends in one room and sing for a single purpose. To be there for each other and help others in need. This time, under the label USA for Africa, they've sung for famine relief.
This song is a testimony of how we can come together to help each other. I loved the way Quincy managed to bring all these star musicians and never bothered to pamper their ego.
Tales narrated through the technical crew was also interesting. Loved to witness the whole process. Enjoyed it.
What is it to suffer? How does pain manifest in our body? There seems to be different types of pain. The ability to be aware of pain is to still be aware of our humanness. There's physical pain, there's mental pain. Is mental pain different from emotional pain? The learning experience I got on pain was during one of the meditations at Vipassana. I was sitting for long stretch of hours trying to meditate. With a lot of physical pain due to restricted movement, I was overwhelmed by it. As I began to be aware of my body parts, I realised that I didn't feel the physical pain whenever I shifted my awareness on other things. Attention and awareness seems to help us to either suffer, love, feel be humane.
As I caught up with Harry, sharing what's happening in life, he mentioned of the lesson he was talking in his last class.
Flow.
"We can keep working on skills, techniques and along with that, mental preparation is critical. If we are not in right mind space, we can be more effective. Mostly it's about the beliefs."
I immediately could reflect on how I wanted something in life but, had a contradiciting belief about it. I could witness the impact of beliefs on us. "True Harry," I began to share my story of how I received a money help after I began to work on belief that 'I'm not worthy enough of having money in life.'
As we continue to work on our beliefs and be in the growing mind space, we can be more aware on how
Also, a lot about projecting. Many a times, we project our unacceptable feelings on someone and react to them. When we are upset with other's behaviour, it could be the behaviour that we're judging and being upset. Or many a times, we're denying such behaviour in us. I could reflect on the times, I was projecting a lot on others. Time to reflect on what I'm upset in other's behaviour.
http://harimohanparuvu.blogspot.com/2024/02/thought-for-day-how-to-stop-projecting.html
In Colourless, the last poem I wrote was-
Drapes of Rituals
Drapes of rituals
Tears of longing
Colors of grief
Let everything wait for, we want to breathe
I wrote this poem when I visited Pushkar, witnessing woman grieving for the lost ones. A man got a veil and women walk towards him, get veiled up, puts her head on his shoulder and vent out. They cry their heart out. A few performed the act as symbolic and a few vent out their emotions. I was puzzled by the ritual and the burden one put on women to grieve as I haven't noticed other gender performing this ritual.
How burdensome this ritual could be forcing women to grieve and be in that emotional state, I thought. Staying with these thoughts and emotions, I ended up writing the above poem.
Flash forward to Colourless book launch in Bangalore, I grieved for the loss of my friend Madhukar, on the stage. I never thought about the emotion- grief. Happiness, sadness, anger, rage, melancholy, confused, rejected. These are few emotions I slept on but, never pondered or discussed with any other people on 'grief.'
Surprised by the way grief showed up on May.27.2023, I was open to this emotion and pondered as it came. I assume, that's when the grief has peaked out and showed me the way to be aware of that emotion.
Fast forward to Sep.2023, I began to work on series Empty Spaces-Mayanadhi, curious what water is all about and how I relate to water, river, lake and people in my life. People have walked in, walked out. I have walked in and walked out. I couldn't articulate the idea in words but, with the help of a song Mayanadhi and inspiration, I began to work on the idea.
I interpreted the art, projecting my trauma related with loss of friends on the art and inspiration. Reflecting on the journey I embarked through Empty Spaces- Mayanadhi, I experienced grief and what it means to grieve for the loss of self and other people in our lives.
Every day, we're growing and does growing means, we're losing ourselves?
Do we need to grieve for the self we lost?
Do we need to grieve or be grateful for the new we got?
When we flow in life, how much do we grieve for the past?
What it means to stay with the flow?
Continuing to flow with the idea, I'm positive to stay open, receive and flow in life.
Orange juice and croissants became a routine whenever I go out with S. Picking the juice and croissants, we walked across the lake to pick on a boat and walk to our own destination. Over a walk, recollecting our past and talking of morning sun, we reached out spot and enjoyed sipping the juice and the food we got.
Walking around the neighbourhoods, we wondered what it is to live in a non-welfare state. S puts up with me as I keep walking around without a particular destination. We watched the sunset and returned to home sharing how we enjoyed the walks. In the last minute, S invited me home for dinner. I cut the vegetables, he cooks the rice. I cherish the social connection we got.
I found out this new place where people can gather and create art, share conversations and do workshops on ideas, crafts one is interested in.
I walked in with my painting gear. So far, I've visited UN spaces, institute, galleries, clubs but this space reminded me of Lamakaan of Hyderabad. Artists from different walks of life gather and share their evening over food, drinks and colours. I had a bit of food whose name I'm not aware of. Just before I was leaving, I got a chance to interact with founders of this space. A year ago, it was started by four friends and are consistent at hosting this space. Interested to check this space and catch up with more people.
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| Composed this piece in the new empty space |
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| The New Empty Space |
When I found out about a night full of electro acoustic performances from 7PM to 4 AM. I was excited and went ahead to check it out and reached the 6 Roofs- The Laboratory of living arts.
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| Zeynep Toraman's composition |
As I walked in, got my ticket, a stamp on the wrist and reached into a dark room. Musicians were behind the screen performing the piece composed by Zeynep Toraman. A lot of abstract visuals were played out infront of them. I noticed that none of them were recording it on their phone. They seemed to be attentive to the experience rather than rushing to make it as a memory. I was the only one trying to record a moment here and there. It was a melancholic ecstatic performance.
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| The Solo Cellist |
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| Halim El Dabh's session |
After that performance, I walked to Athanor, to witness the performance of 4 cellist. Surrounded by 4 cellist on 4 sides, we sat around them and witnessed the performance. It was thunderous and therepeautic. I noticed that the average age group of attendees are 40. There are some outliers in the group like me and few other people. Raed Yassin's Disco There were 3 other music installations under 3 different roofs. Halim El Dabh's compositions on vinyl record was being played out in the room with room full of summer/beach chairs. It got reminded me of equinox performance I attended in the month of september.
Wassim Halal with his ensemble
Another two installations consisted of video with a lot of abstract visuals. Raed Yasin's installation consisted of several videos with one narrative. Narrative of artist's memories and his past. Soon after checking out the installations, we were ready for another live performance. While waiting for the performance, got a chance to catch up with one of the audience who's enthusiastic of art and culture. Stories were exchanged and we discussed our first year experience of Geneva. Thriller Performance
Concert by Wassim Halal along with music ensemble consisted of Harp, flute, violin, Darbuka, Japanese drums, percussion and a lot of electro synthesizers. This performance has pushed my imagination of rhythm and scale. Rhythm is dependent on time. In a stretch of 40 minute performance, a few snippets seemed noise but in a larger canvas, everything was rhythmic and had a melody. Witnessing this electro acoustic performance has stretched my imagination and perception of sound, music & noise. Glad I attended this. Checked in at the multiple venues
With 20 minute break, there was a repeat show of the same set. I couldn't stop myself from attending this. I took my front seat and waited to witness the magic trying to immerse myself and be as attentive as possible.
Soon after the performance, I got a chance to catch up with a french speaking person who translated the words of Wassim and shared a bit about music ensemble, and about the music being played. She also helped me in moving to the other venue.
Along with other participants we moved to Cave 12, a 20 minute walk from the first venue. It's a dingy warm cellar with a lot of bass and DJ sets. Right at 12:45 am, the musicians walked in with their bass, clarinet, horn and other instruments. Good evening Geneva, said the DJ at 1 am. The evening seemed to be started just now.
I could imagine these musicians learning the instrument in a traditional classic way. The sound I hear is a challenge to the conditioning of the sounds we hear from these instruments. Very interesting experience.
I was surprised to see the veterans and 40 year old of various genders partying all night. I didn't expect this age group to be this active at this hour. After spending an hour, I couldn't stay awake till 4 am and walked out of the venue, thrilled by this new immersive experience.
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| The last set of the night,morning? |
Ever since we got winter break, S became a regular kitchen companion, sharing stories and food. He walked into the room sharing what he's been upto. Over stories, we walked over Geneva to check out light festival. The play of light, sound through different mediums was intriguing. I was thrilled to see the possibility of developing aesthetic sense and public interaction through public spaces.
Over a walk, we walked into Al-Amir and had a shawarma. Thanks S for walking along and treating me with good food. We treated ourselves with Baklawa to sweeten the dinner and reached home to cook chole. Over some science facts and stories, we cooked chole, rice and discussed what move us. Both of us agreed on 'stories.' Stories brings us together and stories create us.
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| Abstract Sky |
I feel contended. Good day.
The soothing raw voice of Hardik Chauhan, accompanied with chorus and the church bells. Mesmerising.
At every situation, we have a choice of being ourselves or block ourselves from being what we believe. I realised that it takes a lot of ene...
