Art Biennale 2011

There are two parts in Biennale; Giardini and Arsenale.

I could only go to Giardini because of my short stay in Venice.

I definitely enjoyed each country's pavilion more than the central exhibition. There is something very nice about the intimacy between each art and architecture.

These are some photos from Giardini pavilions..

First from Venezuela

    Finland

The Janasese artist Tabaimo's video installation

"Chance"

Firenze 8.15.2011

Where we stayed in Florence was a little drive from the city center by the river,
nice and quiet.

Their hotel chef was amazing too,
traditional Toscana soup was so delicious.
Loved the Mulino Hotel..

Hotel Therme, Vals by Zumthor (Renovation)

So I came to see the hotel/bath renovated by the Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The whole time I was in the train to Vals, the scenery of Alpstein was taking my breath away! Color of the river was light turquoise, and a mermaid was just swimming along the train. (at least it felt like..)

In front of the hotel

Looking over the bath by Zumthor

And I wonder... how they  would get home.

Istanbul Part 2- Food

Culinary styles are big part of culture, and there are just countless yummy things in Turkey.

A cup of tea and... forgot its name, but layers of dough and spinach

Turkish Delights

Kebab and fermented carrot juice

Tea, Tahini and raspberry jam (such a good combination!!)

Istanbul part 1

When you get to Istanbul, cats and dogs will welcome you all over the city.
Some street photos of Istanbul.

Olivetti Showroom by Carlo Scarpa

Catching up with some photos I took in Venice.

This showroom done in 1959 houses some of the old, antique typewriters by the company..

Rough and smooth

Layers of geometries and patterns

how playful.

Some thing I found in Florence. Some working staff told me to find this bathroom..
Do they want me to find it or not?
Felt some connection between this door and Scarpa's.. It's like a secret door for Ninja..

How I met Scarpa

It became a long long day to get there...


And I had the whole place to myself (it was around 5 PM by the time I got to the site)


just just beautiful...












Until the owner of the cemetery showed up.


Well I won't talk about it here, but just be careful with him if anybody plans to go there....