Forja Arte Contemporáneo in Valencia

By Doug

Sep

30

Considering a vacation in Southern Spain is like contemplating a romance.  There are new daydreams that constantly accompany you, and no one can even guess why you’re smiling all the time.  Valencia is one of the world’s treasures for travelers.  It has all the sumptuousness of Europe with the splendor and history of the Mediterranean Sea.  It is a big draw for tourists looking for a large city that’s not overpowering, and for celebrities looking for some quiet spice.  Valencia has a rich urban scene with its own underground, and there’s always the choice between the city and the sea.  Fortunately, you can always choose both, and if you’re staying in our 5 star hotels, Valencia is right at your doorstep.

Spain is almost synonymous with style, and our hotels are a reflection of the place, so that you can fall asleep and wake up in the studied elegance that is characteristic of the place.  And after a positively gorgeous meal prepared by world-class chefs who are studied in international and local cuisines, you’ll be ready to have your waking daydream in Valencia.  There are many spectacular galleries in town, representing works from the many important movements in Spain, and there are also contemporary organizations producing and promoting edgier work.  One of these is the Forja Arte Contemporáneo.

This group is dedicated to investigating the limits of art through the juxtaposition of established and new media.  They do an impressive array of projects, and seem to be connected to most of the more recognized exhibitions of provocative new art work in Valencia.  They’ve been connected to a collective called La Sala Naranja, who present new works of digital media as far away as Finland.  The focus is on establishing themselves in relation to a larger international network of like-minded artists, and part of an exciting new way of conceiving art in the 21st century.  When in Valencia, keep an eye out for their name connected to any exhibition, because their taste is really quite eclectic and smart, and their eyes are focused on the larger world of art and collaborations.

Beads From South Africa

By Doug

Aug

18

The geometric designs of South African bead work are simply amazing! Stunning colors along with seemingly endless design patterns. I was amazed at all the art work avail for sale and show in the 5 star hotels lobby gift shops. Beads have been around for ever, well at least 30,000 years. Glass manufacturing techniques in the mid 1800′s increased the volume of beads available tremendously. Venitian glass factories produced in the millions of pounds of beads annualy for trade on the African continent. From the beginning of time bead production has been a part of every society. The adornment communicating class, wealth, occupation and religion. An important evaloution was the use of the beads for prayer and ritual. Throughout the world malas or prayer beads were strung for the clergy and lay people alike. With the rich and long history these beads have made their way around the world. Representing the very first money these objets were traded far and wide, many times going to places unknown and unintended by the creator. Much of this trading took place on the African continent giving them a rich history and the presence of beads made from throughout the world. Today beads are manufactured from every material known, paper, metals, plastics, fibers, glass, stone, wood, ceramic, clay and bone just to mention a few. Beads are made everywhere, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Japan, USA, China, Mexico and on. New techniques in cutting with lasers offer an endless variety of shapes and designs that can be manufactured with values from nearly nothing to priceless. With new process coming along the endless desire for adornment the evolution of beads will not end as long as there are people to enjoy them.