Aleksandr Rodchenko: Construction of the Future

CONSTRUCTION IS THE CONTEMPORARY WORLDVIEW.
ART is one of the branches of mathematics, like every other science.
CONSTRUCTION is the contemporary requirement for the ORGANIZATION and utilitarian use of material.
A CONSTRUCTIVE LIFE IS ART OF THE FUTURE.

- Alekssandr Rodchenko, Slogans, 22 February 1921.

Destroy, be creators, do not be afraid of losing anything, because the distructive spirit is a constructive spirit and your revolutionary march will give you the strength of creative inventiveness, and the way, your way, of the creation of the creation of revolution shall be dazzling.

-Anti [Rodchenko's nom de plume], "Bud'te tvartsami!" [Be creators], Anarkhiya, no61, 17 May 1918.

Constructivism/Lineism:

• Let art address production.

• Art that is useless for life should be consigned to the museum of antiquites. It is time for art to become an intergral part of life.

• The time has come for art to fuse with life in an organized manner. Down with art as a way of distancing oneself from life.

-Constructivist slogans from 1921.

Went to this photography/art exhibition at La Pedrera when I was in Barcelona. This Russian dude, Aleksandr Rodchenkndo, produces works and concepts that are very interesting and matches a lot to my liking. This is how art can contribute to the development of our society. This is how it should be.

Well, well, I´m now in Madrid, using a keyboard customised for the spaniards. Thus, I should make use of this opportunity to use some of the characters that I´ll never use on my keyboard "ºª¿Çñ" and i think that is it.

Anyway, this is the 4th night of my trip. Left Portugal and here I am now in Spain. I must admit that Lisbon (Portugal) was really amazing! Like fucking amazing. I would really recomend it to anyone! As for the trip, its fun so far. Though tiring, I´m glad that I´m seeing so many things. Cultures, peoples, buildings, history, architectures, cuisine, wine etc are all part of my trip.

Will be spending the next two days in Madrid! It will be great!

一顶帽子及一个背包，
旅程就这样从踏出房门开始了。

Conquering the South

Destinations:
Portugal - Faro, Lisbon.
Spain - Madrid, Granada, Malaga, Nerja, Frajilia, Seville, Barcelona.
Morocco - Casablanca, Rabat, Mekns, Volubilis, Fez, Merzouga, Tineghir, Todgha Gorges, Dades Gorges, Ouarzazate, At Benhaddou, Imlil, Aremd, Essaouira, Marrakesh.

Duration:
13th Dec 2008 - 9th Jan 2009

Mode of Transportation:
Plane, Bus, Train, Van, Tram, Camel, Feet.

Equipments:
3 jeans, 2 shorts, 1 track pant, 4 socks, 9 underwears, jacket, gloves, scarf, sweater, towel, hidden travel wallet, wallet, backpack, plastic bags, fabric bag, toiletry bag, strings, usb stick, camera, handphone, chargers, sun glasses, diary, 3 pens, 2 padlocks, 2 travel guides, readings on bio-security and system engineering, water bottle, nail clipper, electric shaver, face wash, moisturiser, lip balm, 2 x 100ml shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, slippers, shoe, pack of biscuit, vitamin supplements, passport covers, passport, other travelling documents and papers, cards, cash, and watch.

Notes:
-Its going to be fun. I know.
-Slightly nervous.
-Will be spending Christmas day on the plane from Barcelona to Casablanca.
-Put down your address if you want a postcard. I'll try to accommodate, but no guarantee.
-If you are going to be jealous and whine in front of me, it can't be helped then. After all, its none of my business.

朋友

对朋友的思念，
可以淡若清水，
或浓于蜂浆。

对朋友的交情，
可以薄如桌上尘埃，
或厚于北极冰川。

对朋友的过错，
可以一笑置之，
或刻骨牢记。

对朋友的真挚，
却应是衷由心底，
而非随心随性。

染病论

几天前的早餐席间，
听见了那么一番
对伦敦多元化的形容。
“伦敦之多元化，
很贴切地反映在其极高的染病机率。
当世界各地的旅者
都把当地不同的流行性疾病
带来伦敦的同时，
伦敦人也透过
他们在省外或国外的伴侣
把疾病也带了回来。
日本的风寒、印度的流感，
西班牙的伤寒，
日月交替的，
在伦敦旋起了一波又一波的的疾病潮流。”

想了想，
真的还蛮有道理。
自己在这里，
确实是比在墨尔本病了稍微多几次。

理发的价值

已经是第六个星期没剪头发了，
原因只有一个-不舍得花钱。
就让他杂草似的长吧！
反正这次的旅程中，
现金比仪容，
还来得更实际，耐用。

杂记

杂记，
把杂乱无序的
都记录下来。
无须主题，
无须注解。
重点只在于
用文字的枷锁，
把霎那间的感情色彩、
胡思乱想，
完全套牢、保存。

*

饥荒的肚子，饥渴的心灵。

*

摄氏零度，呜呼矣。

I dreamt of Koko Black

I dreamt of working in Koko again.
I dreamt of how amazing the chocolates are.
I dreamt of how clumsy I am working there.
I dreamt of belgium truffles being sold out,
and a new ginger bread man chocolate introduced.

I miss that place,
and also all other benefits that come along.

稍微的数一数

稍微的数一数，
我的论文多了两百字。
稍微的数一数，
我竟错过了好时机。

稍微的数一数，
这份买卖较划算。
稍微的数一数，
这是时候该发言。

稍微的数一数，
一秒两秒随之而去，
稍微的数一数，
我今竟已二十一。

在稍微中度过的岁月，
究竟是稍微好抑或稍微坏？
稍微的数一数，
我最终不清楚。

现实的残酷

现实是残酷的。这是这么多年以来，我唯一没改变的信仰。既简单，又直接。

达尔文的“天择说”很坦然的验实了这份残酷，揭露了这不变的真理。“适者生存，不适者淘汰”的定律，早在文明未开始之前，定夺了许多族群的宿命。无论是人类或动物，贵族或贱民，都得向这残酷的现实低头，弯腰。老鼠因无法与老鹰对抗而遭猎食；恐龙因无法适应新环境而被灭绝；昏君因无能治国而被推翻。这尽是天择。

弱肉者即被强食。从这，我们开始对生物界里的食物链有所理解，开始筑起了文明社会中不同的层次阶梯。因为能在与环境之间的竞争稍微脱颖，人类就这样征服了大陆。但在这同时，也因无法全面适应这棘手的俘虏及其所带来的结果，许多人在这过程中被淘汰。

全球化的趋势，征服了交通及通讯的不便，将国际贸易的障碍给去除了。这样的发展路线，为有条件在低价生产的资本主义国家带来了不少好处，但同时，却摧毁了当地小型生产者的市场，带来了贫苦。这是经济，也是现实。富有的人夺走了贫穷者的生存泉源。贫者因不适，被淘汰。

禽流感与艾滋病的病毒，也因为能在短时间内进行突变，更改其表面蛋白质的结构，而在与人类免疫系统的长战中取得优势。他们克服环境的能力，直接在人类的环境中造成了许多死亡。这是医学，也是现实。人类因不适，被淘汰。

生活中历尽了那么多竞争，看见了许多“天择”的例子，也因此不断提醒自己，现实是残酷的。若不要被淘汰，就得必须要有条件与他人竞争。现实就是那么的简单，那么的不留情。突然想起“不是你死就是我亡”这一句那么戏剧性的经典对白。原来在现实的世界里，他是那么的理所当然。

Melting Ice

And the ice starts to melt in this cold london winter...

I'm gaining volume, yet, weight remains the same.

Damn!

Musical #4: Avenue Q

Never in my life, I thought that I'll be watching a "sesame street" style puppetry. To me, it was kinda lame and boring, but Avenue Q completely shattered such thought. The awesomeness of the puppetry musical was something really unexpected!

I was instantly cheered up once the music starts. Humorous and engaging were the only description that I could think of! Seriously! The lyrics was absolutely funny and vulgar (for instance, Internet is for Porn)! And also, the puppeteers were so good at communicating the feelings and personality of the puppet through their puppets and facial expression. The musical also delivered some very good take home messages in an easy to digest way throughout the night. And perhaps, this is one of the most engaging musicals I've ever seen because the content and ideas revolve around our daily lives. I find it easy to associate to it. That is how musical should be. Engaging.

In short, its absolutely amazing! It is definitely a feel good musical and I love every single minute of it. Thumbs up for Avenue Q!

Random

• Apparently, there is a type of chemical in turkeys that will makes you drowsy after eating them.
• Thanksgiving dinner was awesome.
• Someone puked in the bathroom without cleaning it up.
  

My London Experience

My experience here in London is very different compared to Melbourne. Here, I feel more like a student, living on a tight budget, yet constantly having fun.

Being unemployed, I have to look out for the cheapest alternatives rather than the most convenient ones. Lunch was always from supermarkets rather than from a proper food place. I no longer frequent the shopping malls and fine restaurants like I used to do in Melbourne. Here I've gave up on the luxurious and sophisticated life.

But here, I can go all the way to Slough for a friend's house parties. First time, I dressed up in 80s, and mingle so easily amongst people that I've only just met. First time, I actually experienced diversity, through people I met from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, US and the list goes on. They made this London experience undeniably unique.

Of course, the time I spent with people in Melbourne was precious too. Coming from the same ethic group, the sense of belonging stems from a common set of believes and values, a brotherhood that was formed since ages ago. With them, I feel at ease, at home. But with this group of people here in London, its different. Common ground is harder to be established, but what overcomes this is a more receptive mentality. Here, they learn and appreciate what you bring in. Here, I have to step out from my own set of boundaries and learn to appreciate. Of course, I would think that such bonding is rather hard to foster, yet it is exciting.

I am glad to have taken up this exchange opportunity. London is, after all, exciting! And you can tell from me writing this when I'm actually hang-over from last night's party in Slough.

Musical #3: The Sound of Music

The musical version of The Sound of Music was rather disappointing. Compared to the film, this version of musical appears to be somehow sloppy. The character of Maria portrayed was not what I imagine it would be. Though Maria is to be young and tomboy-ish, this musical has somehow overemphasis it to the extent where she appears to be bubbly and kiddish. Too much of unnecessary romance was also included into the musical. While the film has portrayed a more serious version, this musical seems to be somehow light and humorous. And again, the soundtrack is better compared to the performance with only an exception: the first song, Preludium. That strength and serenity within the song, it is simply breathtaking.

So, to conclude, if you are a hard core fan of the film version, my advice is to skip the musical. Otherwise, it is still quite an interesting musical to watch with some humorous scenes and of course, the beautiful songs.

People walk in and out of your life so easily.
Just when you found someone that you are willing to share,
Poof! There he goes, leaving you disappointed and puzzled,
wondering why we let them in in the first place.

In the endless flow of time,
it all seems dispensable and minute;
but in our own limited life time,
it stings like a burning wound inside.

Is such scar a prove of our living and existence?
Nah! To me it is a mark of how pathetic we are.
Nothing is everlasting and so is a "seasonal" friend,
yet, we still naively yearn for more.

你的缺点我来弥补，
我的完美你来珍惜。

这样子，幸福吗？

And I've settled my trip to Morocco. Next thing, Spain. Decisions, decisions.

The Pauperising Wishlist

• A slick pair of leather shoes
• A high quality mp3
• A cool camera
• A chic smartphone
• A few to-die-for tour packages
• and loads of cash

Prelude. I-river. Burden.

In the emptiness, I'm searching for something solid, something that I can cling onto. Without strong beliefs, life is like a void, where no visions can be materialized and imposed.

*

Came back from Scotland on Monday morning and attempted to blog, yet, I failed. The trip was somewhat different from what I've experienced in the past. Though I must admit, its not necessarily a bad thing. I'll probably post up a more detailed post about the trip some other time.

Lost my i-river on the trip, to be exact, during the period when I was in Inverness. It might have been the work of the Loch Ness monster or some evil spirits in the old castles, who knows. But no doubt, it was a huge lost to me. A lost of a sentimental possession is just devastating. From now onwards, it won't be there to offer me a solitude of peace and tranquility. I won't be able to distant and seclude myself from the shadow of loneliness and isolation. Alas, I guess I'll have to find alternatives to deal with this.

*

Though just came back, I'm now already in the process of organizing my next trip: an expedition to Spain and Morocco. It will be a massive one, for sure. Travelling seems to be an easier method to avoid reality. It keeps me occupied with those nitty gritty chores. Yet, its funny how I always find comfort when carrying my backpack on my shoulder. I feel at ease and alive with that burden placed on me. I guess I'm still not "all out" with the idea of running away from reality and responsibility through travelling. Should I try harder? I wonder...

伦敦·晨

一杯星·巴克的拉铁，
一本吴英旭的《在罗马的阶梯上画画》，
一首首自挑的mp3精选，
我独自坐在 Canary Wharf 的广场，
细品伦敦迷蒙的早晨。
晨雾中的高楼大厦，
搭配着广场周围的菊花田，
一股莫名的感动油然而起。

无题

飞蛾扑火似的，
我在那被诅咒的诱惑中，
寻觅霎那间的快感，
以便填补空虚的心灵。

沉醉于自焚的亢奋状态，
我在焚烧的同时，
寻找瞬间的温暖，
以便慰籍被冰封了的知觉。

无论如何，终究短暂。
无论如何，终究空虚。

Excuses can be so convincing that they no longer sound like procrastination.

Strong is the ability to acknowledge problems and deal with it. Those who never encountered problems are not necessarily strong.

Wandered along those alleys and lanes around Covent Garden.
Love the scene there in the evening.
Roads lighten up by fancy restaurants and pretty shops.
Street performers serenading outside Central Market.
The old buildings around painted a canvass full of magic.
I sit on the corner of the street,
dazzled by the beauty of Covent Garden.

Retail Therapy

Spending seems to be an effective method to relieve mild depression. At least, that is how it is for me. When you spend on things that you like, it's like "woosh", your problem is temporarily removed, just like how you are giving away your money. Then, you savour the goodies that you bought, convincing yourself that you really deserve it.

Was feeling kinda down yesterday, so bought myself a box of Charbonnel et walker's Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles for £9. Seriously, it was so bloody good! Perhaps even better than kkb's champagne truffle! I guess, to a certain degree, that helped with stimulating the release of endorphin.

Felt like pampering myself more after that. So, went to some restaurant around Soho by myself at 1.30am. Had a glass of Rioja Crianza (Spanish red), sticky toffee pudding and a Sicilian kiss (cocktail). Then, it suddenly hit me that how I missed the asap gang. Back then, every time when I wanted to go out and splurge, they will always go with me even though it is not in their best interest. They provided me with support and companionship. For that, I'm eternally grateful. Well, this whole splurging act cost me £27, not something that I can do everyday.

Alas, London! Quoting a friend of mine, "I think you are emo coz winter time. Depressing." I seriously wonder how much of it is due to the weather. It would be nice if I can put all the blame on it, but I know that is not the case. There are things that I really need to sort out by myself now. Like some serious adjustments and calibration. That's what I need utmost.

Poppy Appeal

Have been noticing people in London are wearing this a couple of days ago. With a bit of luck, found a drug store that has the poppy. Its part of the Poppy Appeal organized by the Royal British Legion to support those who had served or who are currently serving the British Armed Force, and their dependents. Everyday, you see people with poppy on the streets and the number increases. Hence, I donated some money and got myself one as well. I now feel like I'm part of the community when I put the poppy on with pride.

Surveying Nails & O.S. Benchmarks

Surveying Nails and O.S. Benchmarks. These are the stuff that I've been dealing with for my geomatic levelling assignment recently. Kinda fun, especially when you are nailing the nails into the university building. Of course, this is done without getting caught by the ground department of the university. Hah! Still have to analyse the results, that's the boring bit. Oh well.

Loving Notting Hill

Scenario: A Suggested "Two-Hour Walk Around Notting Hill"

Objective: To buy cheap travel guides

Equipment: Gloves, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide - London, Olympus µ600, Oyster Card, Water Bottle, Money

Cost: £6.00 + £1.80 (Travel)

Weather: Freezing towards the end
Locations: Pembridge Road, Portobello Road, Blenheim Crescent, Talbot Road, Ledbury Road, Westbourne Grove.

Results: Didn't manage to buy any travel guides because the actual market is closed. Managed to take a few photos though.

Remark: The whole area was pretty quiet compared to the other day. A lot of antique shops are closed. Probably due to the cold weather and the fact that its the middle of the week. Anyway, that doesn't change the fact that this is one of the place in London I love the most. They've seriously got a lot of interesting stuff, especially the stylish shopping part on Ledbury Road and Westbourne Grove. A few interesting galleries are scattered around the area as well. Loving it.