Tag: culture

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Destination: New York

IMG_3453 IMG_1907During the month of August scheduling time to getaway is a must. A few weekend getaways were planned to break up the monotony of summer, as it is so important to get away from the ordinary to reset your approach to thinking.

First on our list of weekend exertions is New York City, which is always exhilarating to experience, the impressive skyscrapers, the Hudson River with Lady Liberty, and the eclectic list of museums. And for the piece de resistance, attended my first WordPress Conference in Brooklyn {WordCamp-NYC 2014}.

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Ai Weiwei: According to What? at the Brooklyn Museum of Art
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Two works of Ai Weiwei, triptych on the back wall “Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn, 1995/2009” and in the forefront, “Colored Vases, 2007-10”

 

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Moon Chest, 2008 by Ai Weiwei at the Brooklyn Museum of Art
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Moon Chest 2008- 7 chest made of Chinese quince (huali wood). The upper and lower openings in the chest align so they create the effect of teach phase of the moon.

In order to accomplish all that was planned a master schedule was devised to fit all the to-do items into manageable portions. Arriving in the city, we hit the ground running, heading immediately to Brooklyn for the final three sessions of the Saturday conference. It was great to meet fellow bloggers whose experience ranged from professionals for WordPress to beginners. Everyone was able to contribute an idea or technique, which made the day a learning experience.

IMG_1797While in this Borough the next stop was the Brooklyn Museum of Art to see the creative expression of Ai Weiwei’s exhibit: According to What? Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist with prolific political and cultural views that are conveyed throughout his work. I saw Ai Weiwei’s work in China a few years back and it was great to see this exhibit in the United States.

K

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Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi

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Our reporters are at the world’s eight largest Mosque that was planned by the late president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who wanted to establish a structure that brought the cultural diversity of Islam with that of art and architecture.

Combining Mamluk, Ottoman and Fatimid styles this Mosque, like the design and construction of the ancient pyramids of Egypt united the world by bringing artisans and materials from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque sits majestically at the entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island and is visible from the three main bridges connecting the island to the mainland.

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Situated within the halls and foyers are seven crystal chandeliers made by Faustig from Munich, Germany. Each is made from gilded stainless steel and brass with glass panels studded with Swarovski crystals.

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The interior colors of the walls, columns and carpet are harmonious together transforming the entire Mosque into a work of skilled artistry. The glasswork, mosaics and carvings display traditional Islamic designs of symmetry and repetition. Well recognized by its pure color during the day and at night a unique lighting system was designed to reflect the phases of the moon. As the moon progresses through its rotation of the earth and becomes full so, does the light and its effect on the domes and minarets of the Mosque.

K