#07
THE BULLETIN
Sharing a bit moire of what we love, paying tribute
to those who give voice to nuance and subtlety...
THE RECORD
THE CONVINCER /
Nick Lowe (2001)
Nick Lowe's 2001 album offers the quintessential portrait of his third act, showcasing sincerity, maturity, and a fascination with the places where musical genres intertwine. Underneath Lowe's pre-Beatles craft, his band cooks with the simmering intensity of Memphis soul.
Quick glance at the album cover: staring directly at the camera, bearing a wry grin, Lowe is clean-cut, grey, and dapper. The rock'n'roll ruffian has turned into a debonair charmer, and musically, The Convincer reflects just that: Its unfussy, minimalist production enhances the deliberate craft of its songs.
There are no unnecessary elements here, only what's needed to bring the songs to life, and it's an absolute joy to listen to. 20 years later, the opening "Homewrecker" still stands among our all time favorite songs. Highly recommended.
THE EXHIBITION
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL /
Faith Ringgold (January 31st - July 2nd)
Faith Ringgold has been a major figure in American engagé and feminist art. Her work links the rich heritage of the Harlem Renaissance with the current African-American art scene. Through her reinterpretations of modern art history, she creates a visual, critical dialogue with early 20th-century art.
Born in New York City in 1930, she expresses her revolutionary vision of Black Power with a completely new approach to color theory and techniques. Mingling modernity with vernacular traditions, texts and images, she develops a highly original art that became inspirational for many artists today.
This is her first retrospective in Paris, held at Musée Picasso until July 2nd. It is definitely worth a visit, for those of you who will be in town. It's also just a couple of blocks away from the Serica Boutique, no excuse not to come say Hi!
Musée Picasso
5 rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
THE BOOK
JAPANESE DESIGN /
Patricia J. Graham (2014)
If Japanese aesthetics are often easy to appreciate, it can be trickier to understand for those wanting to dig deeper and understand the roots and the concepts behind these unique forms of beauty. In this book, Patricia J. Graham describes it with simple words, giving context and examples that certainly help to understand the intuitive and emotional appeal of the Japanese sensibility.
Using a combination of insightful explanations and more than 160 stunning photos, the author guides us through ten elements of Japenese design. She explores how visual qualities, and the Japanese religious traditions of Buddhism and Shinto have impacted the appearance of these arts based on fine craftsmanship and simplicity.
THE FILM
LE CLAN DES SICILIENS
Henri Verneuil (1969)
Le clan des Siciliens is certainly one of the slickest French crime thriller of the 1960s. A proper casting coup, bringing together the three hard-men of French cinema. Jean Gabin stars as the gangster-patriarch, paving the way to Marlon Brando's Don Corleone two years later. Lino Ventura is perfect as the hard-as-nails, no-nonsense law enforcer who looks as if he had graduated from the Harry Callahan school of charm and diplomacy, and Alain Delon, once again impeccable as the cold-blooded, trench-wearing-killer he portrayed two years earlier in "Le Samouraï".
Now simply add to this unbeatable cast line-up and faultless performance the epic soundtrack of Ennio Morricone, nail-biting suspense and skillfull editing and we can all stop wondering why Le clan des Siciliens will remain a Classic of French cinema worth watching again every couple of years...