Tim Walker: Storyteller

For my first post of the new year, I have decided to feature the genius talent that is Tim Walker. 2012 saw numerous great exhibits across London's cultural sphere, and yet I only managed to see one. It's shameful, I know, but living far away from the center and suffering from a heavy bout of final year stress did not allow time for much recreation and leisure. Although saying that, I did actually go to Paris this time last year instead of writing my dissertation. Oops! However, I plan on changing that now that I am done with school. Plus it's the year of the Snake! It's my year, therefore I should savour everything that will come within the next twelve months.

Showing in the East Wing Gallery of Somerset House and supported by fashion house Mulberry, Storyteller features a selection of photographs Walker had created for the pages of Vogue, Elle, and W Magazine among others. And his muses? Well, they range from supermodels, to fashion editors and celebrated actors. Among these familiar faces include Walker favourites Stella Tennant, Guinevere van Seenus, Kristen McMenamy to the late Anna Piaggi, Tilda Swinton, and the late Alexander McQueen. Walker is known for his vivid way of storytelling (hence, the title) through lavish compositions and creative ideas, and his vision of beauty and the divine can turn a lacklustre editorial into a work of art. Yes, I am saying that he can turn water into wine! From fairytale fancies to visceral imagery, striking portraits to dark compositions of nightmarish beauty, Walker's exhibit at Somerset House chronicles the man's rich sense of humour and the surreal. Together with hanging images are installations that include a grotesque Baby Jane-esque doll of gigantic proportions, a lavish swan-drawn carriage and ventriloquist dolls.Here are some of my personal favourites from the collection.

Stella Tennant, Vogue Italia, August 2011

Asada Pays Tribute To Japan With New Programme

Finally! I have been waiting for weeks to see the whole programme! Mao-chan's new Gala Programme is to the tune 'Jupiter' by Libera and once again, choreographed by her longtime collaborator Lori Nichol. The programme goes back to Asada's lyrical roots while also paying tribute to Japan and the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami. While her jumps are looking solid and improved (that triple flip was fabulous!), it's her display of emotion through her body that deserves the applause. I guess because this is an emotional programme for her and the nation that she wants to convey as much passion and love and comfort as possible, and you know what? it was nothing short of spectacular. She may as well scratch that horrid transitional season behind her. Can't wait to see her new short programme!

xoxo

P.S. Rumours are swirling around that Mao also has another EX Programme chreographed by her ex-coach Tatiana Tarasova. No words on whether Mao plans on using one or the other, but I'd like for her to stick with this one. As much as I loved Tatiana's pieces for Mao, I think she needs to take a more softer and lyrical approach for now. She's at her best when she does this, although to be fair, her performance at the Olympics was a credit to Tatiana as well.