I Love Oporto

 

Alda Mori

Above the clouds

Pico do Arieiro (1818 meters) - Madeira

Alda

The Dog

The dog - Boca da Encumeada (Madeira)

The Doors

Jorge Rosa - Rua Dos Barreiros n°13

Not all artists are as gifted as "Bankirst" to self promote their work. Sadly. 

While in Funchal, walking down the streets, which by the way are really too clean for me, I found out about this awesome art project called "Projecto Arte Portas Abertas" (Open Doors Art Project) in Santa Maria Street.

This project launched in August 2010 consists in bringing back to life old (and most of the time deteriorated) doors by using them as a medium for artistic expression. In other words, doors in ruin are used as canvases by artists to paint, draw and sculpt.

The result is amazing and definitely inspiring. Here are some of my favorite ones.

Rua Santa Maria n°135 - Frederico & Joao

Rua Santa Maria n°37 - Roberto Macedo Alves

Rua Santa Maria n° 47 - Rodrigo

Travessa Joao Caetano 2A - Sergio Nobrego Artesao

Rua Santa Maria there are no policemen guarding these little treasures. On the contrary. You may enjoy a good bolo do caco (a local speciality made of bread, butter, garlic and herbs) while seated at a table contemplating your favorite tableau. Free art.

In case, you would like to see more doors and discover new artists you can check this website (there is an English version) : http://www.arteportasabertas.com

There are many doors left to express oneself. 

So Banksy, or Bankirst, or whoever you are, if you read this (I am dreaming aloud, ok ?) I would be curious to see what crazy work of art you could perform. Instead of promoting street art in a city already full of it, come visit your portuguese friends. 

Best,

Alda

Julie Roma Lisbon

M. Chat Paris Lisboa

Azulejos Tuk Tuk

Desentop Coraçao Independente

Desentop  ("Unclog")

Coraçao Independente ("Independent Heart") - Ruina

Alda Mori

Fish Kon Shoes

Paris Fashion Week is ending today.  Of course, I could write about:

1) Fashion Industry Personalities

Suzy Menkes (NY Times) and Anna Dello Russo (Vogue Japan)

Franca Sozzani (Vogue Italy)

Nina Garcia (Marie Claire US) and Joe Zee (Elle US)

2) Fashion Photographers

3) Canine Photographers

4) Beautiful Models

5) Beautiful People

 

Elettra Wiedemann and Olivia Palermo

6) And many other nice things...

Instead, let's talk about fish Kon shoes. 

If you have read my post about Kumagai, you have probably understood that I have a thing for shoes.  And if you (religiously ?) follow my blog, you most certainly know by now that I am passionate about Photography.

In case you don't, boohoo!

Very recently, while reading a book about history of Photography I found a very interesting photograph of a Converse shoe. Please, have a look.

Do you notice something ?  No.  Look closer.  

Closer.

Yep!  There you go. These sneakers are actually made of fish and the laces are made of squid tentacles.  One can almost have the smell.

This interesting photographic composition titled Cuttlefish and Sneaker belongs to Michiko Kon, a japanese photographer who uses organic matter to create beautiful and poetic but yet disturbing images where Life confronts Death. 

For instance, Kon covered the boot below with wispy shrimp, rosebuds, and fish scales. 

The beautiful shoe below is covered with salmon skin. 

Not wearable. I agree. But definitely an interesting idea that Kon also applied to clothing and notably to lingerie. 

Gizzard Shad and Brassiere (Bra made of fish-skin)

Who knows, maybe one day we will see Gaga wearing a sardine bra or salmon shoes ! She already tried meat, why not fish ?

In any case, if you find Kon's work interesting you can purchase the book Still Lifes by Michiko Kon.

Best,

Alda Mori