Tate Modern

 

A Proper Good Afternoon to You

I took some recycling out and got a grocery or two. Then I tubed out to St. Paul. Now I could have walked, but it's another hot day--although not as bad as yesterday, and I have been active enough.

You can see my target above--the Tate Modern occupying an old power station across the Thames. On my way I took a slight detour because I came across a road named Watling Street. St. Paul's is in heart of the actual City of London (Where I am is technically Camden), which was a Roman foundation, and when the Saxons arrived they called the Roman road north out of the City The Watling Street, which was their nickname for the Milky Way.

I made my way to the river and crossed via the Millennium Bridge. Even if you don't want to go to the Tate Modern or the New Globe Theatre next door, crossing the bridge is worth it. See?

I arrived just as the museum opened and breezed through security. The main part is free, but special exhibitions require tickets.  There's plenty of space, and I did not feel crowded despite the presence of school groups.

I will be frank. My knowledge of art is solid only up until the Early Twentieth Century. I do not know much about contemporary art. It's like a lot of things. I appreciate some of it. Some leaves me cold.  But the Tate also features well known names of Modern Art: Picasso, Rothko, Matisse, Mondrian, and a host of others, which I enjoyed. I find the works of Kasimir Malkovich very compelling, but I'm afraid if you google him, you'll think I'm nuts.

Too late, Pil. We already think you're nuts. I mean who gets excited about Old Roman Roads and bike races?

Here's one of my favorite works: Umberto Boccioni's Unique Forms of Continuity in Space.

Uh. Ok

It's a wonderful example of Futurist Simultaneity. Think of a photo with multiple exposures of a man taking a step forward and showing every movement all at once. Since it's bronze there are multiple copies. Paris has one, and I believe New York does as well.

Having got my fill of art, I recrossed the bridge. Here's a bonus for you. The dome of St. Paul's Cathedral.

During the Blitz, the German Luftwaffe deliberately targeted the church, believing that if they could destroy the Cathedral of London it would damage British morale. The dome was hit over and over--and the bombs bounced off. Yes, St. Paul's was damaged, but stood strong!

Cheerio!