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A few photos from the launch of the Copacabana – Panoramas of Rio de Janeiro Exhibition
ompleme
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Luz sobre a Ria Photo exhibition (Light over the Rio Formosa)
Paulo Viegas is not only a member of the Algarve Photography group, but he is also the powerhouse behind the photography group f/18, based in the eastern Algarve. One of his many passions is a boat called the Golfinho, which has for a few years been lying on the beach in Cacelha Velha. It’s an usual fishing boat made of wood that can no longer make its way up the river estuary because of silt and sand erosion. Boats of this kind are rare. Paulo with others have now raised over 1500 Euros, to have the boat moved and restored. Most of the money has come through contributions and the sale of…
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Women who inspire – International women’s day
Since the early part of the 20th Century there has been a day when people have come together to celebrate and mark the changes that have occurred in women’s lives. International Women’s Day (IWD) emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and across Europe. By 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day on 8th March. It is day that many countries mark and it is a day celebrated by men and women. The tradition in some countries sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. Women’s organisations and governments across the world also observe IWD…
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Chris Keil and Jenny Grainer – Writers in Tavira – Follow up
Chris Keil and Jenny Grainer came to Tavira to read in the not to be missed bookshop A Lura dos Livros. Both writers have a passion for their work. Jenny writes regularly for the Algarve Resident and has written for the Portugal News. Her latest article about the recent tornado and the aftermath is here Jenny has a keen eye for what has gone on over the last 30 years as an expat and resident. What was obvious during the book reading and the workshop the following day is that Chris Keil, inhabits a world of his senses. He comes to the Algarve for the sensuality, passion, intensity of this…
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C A R Hills reads in Tavira 17th September
CAR Hills has a love/hate relationship with Portugal and the Algarve in particular. Even so, we are very pleased that he is willing to read from some of his early essays and recent work on September 17th at Lura dos Livros in Tavira. Charles has been a writer all of his colourful life. He wrote a series of essays called the “Clapham Omnibus” and “The Prisoner” for Prospect magazine. In these essays, he reflects on his wanderings around London and some of his experiences of prison. They can be found online in Prospect magazine. He has also written for the Australian literary magazine Quadrant and was newsletter Editor of English Pen. Charles comes from…
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Paraty, Day 5 – final day
As I write this, it is raining in Paraty. It is still beautiful, but its cold. The weather also occupied the mind of one of the writers I saw on day 5. Hanif Kureishi, (English mother, Pakistani father), grew up in Britain in the 1970’s. He said he “started writing to stop going mad.” He shared he was racially abused daily as a child with the neighbours asking him at times “is it warm enough for you” or “where are you from.” As he pointed to the house in the street the neighbour would say “no, where are you really really from,” as though the double use of “really” would…
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Paraty, Day 4
The day started with a press conference with Ian McEwan. He was his gentle mediative self and shared his love of Brazil. He first came to Brazil with his son in 2004 and his son said at the time Paraty had been the best 15 hours in Ian`s diary. His son, Gregory met a girl and hás since learned Portuguêse. Father and son both love the sound of the Portuguese language, calling it “a rich wine sound. Paraty has a charm that the festival enhances its not like Hay. There are more people but the place is not overtaken and changed”. When asked what he would want from a Paraty…
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Day 3 Paraty
On Day 3, I attended a mix bag of sessions. The first session celebrated the poems of Drummond. In the next session Stephen Greenblatt and James Shapiro, shared their love of Shakespeare. Later in the day, Granta provided the space for two British writers to reflect on what being British means. Two Middle Eastern writers and poets talked a little about the issues for writers in Syria and Lebanon and finally Jonathan Frazen in his slow but thoughtful presentation reflected on what he makes of American culture and why he thinks we should all become bird watchers. Drummond the modern poet was explored by Alcides Viillaca and Antonio Carlos Seechin. Alcides Viillaca began…
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Paraty – Day One
Trying to work in Paraty has so far been a frustrating experience. The main event last night, which was sold out many weeks ago, was not the most compelling experience I had hoped it would be, having read such good things about the Paraty book festival (FLIP). I am hoping today will be better. The organisational issues for Paraty seem to frustrate many of the attendees and participants, which is more than a shame as its obvious a lot of effort has been put into the festival. Last night was pretty chaotic, but I guess, it’s allowed in a Latin culture. Even though it was sold out, there were plenty…
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The Independant – culture critics’ picks for 2010
I am going to work my way through some of these picks. I have also put Stephen Fry’s sequel to Moab is my Washpot on my list for 2010. The new book will follow on from when he was given a place at University, so says his blog. BOOKS BY BOYD TONKIN As recession bites deep into the book trade, and the future still looks cloudy, it’s no surprise to find a dearth of young British talent in fiction for 2010. Slightly predictable, too, that three of the season’s most promising debut novels come from Indian-born authors: Aatish Taseer’s The Temple-goers (Viking, March), Manu Joseph’s Serious Men (John Murray, June) and Neel Mukherjee’s…
