"When it comes to architecture, artists are the most conservative clients you can have, because they make decisions according to places they like to work in - an old warehouse, or something that has historical value. But that does not have the same function as a gallery."
Quite a damning statement and all the more so when you know that it is an architect talking about the most visited modern art museum in the world - The Tate Modern in London. Will Alsop has been commissioned to design Liverpool's Fourth Grace (a major redesign of the city's waterfront) and he has other things to say about the Tate ('visiting it is like going round a shopping centre') and planners in general. Personally, I like the Tate Modern, but then I'm not an artist or an architect.
Posted by Joe at December 8, 2003 08:18 PMAnd I think Bath is lovely - hanging baskets and all...
Posted by: Lisa at December 8, 2003 09:02 PMI agree. Though I can't remember the hanging baskets. :+?
We should definitely be more demanding. No problems with that. But I find it interesting when we are commanded to be "less enchanted" by a place.
Posted by: Joe at December 8, 2003 10:20 PMI always get a tingle of expectation when I cross the threshold of the Tate Modern - power to the power station.
Posted by: martin at December 10, 2003 04:41 PMAlways had a soft spot for power stations after having commuted past the big one in Battersea for a year.
And finally, which power station did they use to film Richard III in? Was it the Tate one or Battersea?
Posted by: Joe at December 10, 2003 04:53 PMThis sounds like one of those absurd I-know-the-answer-but-I-want-you-to-answer questions posed by NHK announcers with nothing better to do. Am I correct, sir?
Posted by: martin at December 10, 2003 05:51 PMYou watch too much NHK my man! No you're not correct. One of my readers was telling me they watched the movie the other day and of course, or at least I hope it is 'of course' in your case, the big wartime set was in a power station. I wondered if you knew which one.
Posted by: Joe at December 10, 2003 05:56 PMListen, not watch.
And as for the question, no, I don't know.
PS
Want to play santa for me (I've just been booked!)?
Oh what an opportunity you missed to get in some serious practise before the much more important role of hiding your identity from offspring. I'm afraid I'd get lynched if I said yes to this offer having turned down the other one. I'll come and take photographs for Body Crumbling if you want? ;+)
Posted by: Joe at December 11, 2003 08:24 AMI can clearly see you pushing your spectacles back onto the bridge of your proboscis as you tuck your tongue into the cheek of your mouth and then proceed to rub your hands together in glee while daydreaming about the opportunity of catching me in red! Well, dream on.
Posted by: martin at December 11, 2003 10:07 AMA quiet word with Mrs Santa and I think I could awake from this slumber and defeat the best laid plans of Santa and his reindeer! ;+)
Posted by: Joe at December 11, 2003 11:09 AM