17 Maye Street...

An unexpected highlight of my recent visit to Bayreuth was the multimedia presentation by designer and painter Vladimir Kiseljov and pianist Krste Badarovski which was inspired by Wagner’s last (and, for me, greatest) opera Parsifal. Catch it while you can at Ludwigstrasse 7 until 27 August.

This year has been very interesting with the celebration of Caitlyn Jenner who is praised for finding her voice and being true to herself in spite of the years of deceit to her closest ones due to inner conflict. I would argue the she is no different to Rachel Dolezal, a woman who was born Caucasian but who  identifies as black and therefore feels black. Both women may have been deceitful but we must understand that they both have inner conflict.

I am sorry to see how deeply reviled Dolezal has been in the press and by members of her community. An objective examination of her case clearly shows that she is driven by a desire to reduce the pain caused by racism, and to ostracise her seems deeply unfair and uncharitable.

Whether or not we choose to use a term like 'transracial' to describe this woman, we should accept the reality that some people’s inner being is not in line with their outer physical appearance, and that this can create enormous stress and inner conflict for them. As a society which has chosen to respect transsexuals, we should also respect people like Rachel Dolezal in the same way. Why is it acceptable to respect and accept a transgender woman who was born a man, but it is not okay to accept a transracial black woman  who was born a Caucasian?

Home: Currently loving this beautiful bar stool by MARK 

Street Art: Paris, France.

We are heading to London because JUST KIDS are back  with a refreshing pop-up group show  "It's Summer Time!" in the trendy streets of East London. So if you are in London and would like to explore street art, love street art or are just looking for something cool and interesting to do this is a the exhibition to be at in London. 

JustKids will be showcasing brand new exclusive and never seen works from both established artists as well as a selection of up- and-coming creative talents set to be the next big names in the international urban contemporary movement, the show shines a light on an eclectic panel of artists from diverse continents all connected through their eye-catching and prolific street creations. The Date Farmers (US), Ruben Sanchez (Spain), Ben Eine (UK), Ana Maria (US), Farid Rueda (Mexico), Fintan Magee (Australia), Lakwena (UK), Ella & Pitr (France), El Decertor (Peru) and Deih (Spain)

The exhibition is curated by Charlotte Dutoit & Rom Levy and produced by JUSTKIDS.

Exhibition dates: 

Opening tomorrow May 28th 6-9pm May 29th - 31th, 2015 12p.m. to 6p.m. at 16-18 Heneage Street, London E1 5LJ