Exploring Astana

Astana is a new city. In 1997 it became the new capital of Kazakhstan. Previously it was the site of a
prison camp. The futuristic city of skyscrapers was planned by Kisho Kurokawa.

A good description of it can be found here

Below is part of a the Peace Wall, a monument with 'peace' written in 51 languages. Created in 2018 to commemorate the removal of nuclear weapons from the country. 

                                        

On the underneath of this structure that butts out of the wall, video containing messages of peace is streamed

Below, the pyramid is the Palace of Peace and Accord. It was opened for a Congress of World Religions in 2006. The architect is an American, Norman Foster. The columns are part of a war memorial.

Below is an arts administration centre

Astana early morning

From the hotel window....

First leg of the trip

 A 27 or so hour journey from Melbourne to Astana in Kazakhstan.

Lots of hanging around airports 

But we have at last arrived

The journey begins

Today is the first day of an exciting and exotic trip to central Asia. 

Usually we omit the humdrum parts of the travel process and concentrate on the more glamorous aspects.

Well here we are at Melbourne airport at 2.30am waiting for the first flight out. The only place that is open is McDonald's. 

So yes, we started the big trip with a McDonald's  coffee.

Not exotic, but it contained caffeine. 

, 

South Melbourne beach

In the words of Lou Reed... '.... such a perfect day....'

Spring in Melbourne, having a coffee on a Wednesday afternoon watching the yachts.

Art for All exhibition 6-8th Sepember

I am very pleased to have been asked to submit work for this art exhibition


These are the works that I have created for the show.

Away from it - mixed media on canvas( 60x93cm)

Catching the Light -Mixed media on board (40x40cm)

Distant Light  Mixed media on paper (60x99cm)

Family Bowl  Mixed media on board (40x40cm)

Fairfield Melbourne

This garden shows a certain creativity on the part of the owner. I see it when I go for walks around the neighbourhood and it always makes me happy to see it.