Something New.

I never did think that I was a modern art person. It interests me, no doubt, but it doesn't make my jaw drop. Then I went to the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.
And it didn't make my jaw drop. But it made me realise, that wasn't the point.
Modern art doesn't make you look at it in awe because you're not supposed to do so. Often, because a painting is so majestic, you are totally overwhelmed by it. And that's all you ever are. You can't connect to it, because it's up there and you are just minuscule in front of it. It makes you value that precious talent the painters seem to possess.
Modern or post modern art doesn't do that. I am not going to admire the fine lines or the how the light falls on the face. I can't, because I can't figure out where the face is!
But, yes, it did broaden my perspective about what art is. For me, Renaissance art is real art. But it might not be feasible to some extent now because of photography. So, what works now?
I have absolutely no idea. Picasso is great, Dali makes sense, but what else? I need more time to look at them and work on it. An hour or two just isn't enough. I think modern art is not just about looking at paintings and passing by. You need to stand there, and actually think about it. Not analyse it, just think.
That's when viewing art becomes a satisfying act.
The artist has realised his creativity, his energy is spent and is over with. So, what's left is the viewer. The viewer needs to be able to look beyond the beauty of the painting and see what it says or what it is trying to say.
Only then, I believe, viewing art is worthwhile. Otherwise, it's just a waste of time.

El Escorial.

With a tiny hangover and droopy eyelids, we left for El Escorial by the 11.30 bus. As pretty as the outskirts of Madrid might be, the crowd at the bus stand surprised me, for, where we were headed is not really a tourist location. It seems to attract a more intellectual or old Spanish folk. Which, I believe, is not a bad thing.
The lack of street signs did hinder us a little, but the serenity was worth it.
The palace and the monastery remains well taken care of, reinforcing the fact that the Spaniards like their tradition and culture.
Recently I read an article by Adorno and Horkheimer, criticising the creation of mass culture. This place certainly redeems Spain for its Burger King outlets and The Sorcerer's Apprentice posters. What I saw was preservation, in order to hang on to that exquisite amalgamated culture that Spain was.
Terror, though, has caught up with everything and this old palace wasn't left behind. Thorough checking was done, making sure no one carried any dangerous items. Of course, cameras were not allowed. Though, most of the times in such places, it's just a guideline and not a rule. But here it wasn't so.
I must admit it was a little disappointing, but memory must serve me well for this one. And it will, because it was a memorable trip.

Because I said so.

The writer wishes to believe she is as pretty as a butterfly but keeping that aside let's delve deeper into why she wants to continue her little writing hobby.
1. Living in a non-English speaking country or continent as a matter of fact, doesn't do wonders for your almost first language. Especially, when books are as expensive as rare in the Queen's language.
2. She does believe people care enough to read it. (She is clearly disillusioned but we'll let her have the benefit of the doubt.)
3. She has been travelling, a lot. And she figures this could be a travelogue, if not an out and out blog.
4. Sheer boredom.
5. More sheer boredom.
6. Lack of nothing to do = Sheer boredom.

And she shall leave you with this, for now. Expect and you shall be pleased.