People at an exhibition

Often more interesting than the pictures at an exhibition, although we were seeing the Hockney at Tate Britain today so that wasn't the case. 

I have a love hate relationship with big art events. Things like this are always a cattle market, and they have to strike a balance between affordability, crowd control and income which isn't easy. There are no quiet times particularly as something critically acclaimed nears the end of its run. And people are so rude and silly, standing in front of canvasses and talking oblivious to the fact that other people are trying to view, or sneaking pictures with their smartphones, or just pontificating (which we all do) in a loud voice (which most of us avoid). Galleries are also just like supermarkets; you keep running across the same people who annoy you.

I like this picture taken in the outer hall, it has the zeitgeist of 21st Century middle class London all over it.

Anyway the Hockney was very good. His early stuff was very angry but his Acrylics when he he got to America and was liberated from the stifling atmosphere of Britain were lovely. I liked it less when he switched from acrylics to oils. It all became a bit too much. But I like his rediscovery of the Yorkshire countryside and his exploration of digital media. He never stands still. 80 this year.

We went around to S&B's afterwards, S being TSM's brother. They live in an amazing and little known enclave ten minutes from the Tate, a remarkable collection of Georgian streets in co-operative ownership with little communal gardens and street art and friendly cats. Lovely. Then we grabbed food in Vauxhall Pret (bang opposite the MI5 building) and came home and cooked. 

In fact I cooked at both ends of the day having woken up at 5.45 and decided (as you do) to cook orange and polenta cake whilst still in my pyjamas. This was truly awesome. Will be warming some up with some ice cream shortly ...

Been a very good weekend.