Towards The Point? Is a new monthly arts & culture review programme for 93.7 Express FM, written & presented by James Sandy and Simon Mobbs.The show aims to dig out weird and wonderful cultural offerings from in and around Portsmouth. It sets out to provide listeners with a flickering compass for the stormy tides of "the arts". We take in a range of topics from art, film, literature, music, TV & radio and also give you a round-up of local events and activities.
In the March Show:
Art: Hooloovoo Exhibition by Cornelia Baltes @ Aspex Gallery
Music: Old Ideas Album by Leonard Cohen
Poetry: Stone Marquette by Maggie Sawkins
Literature: The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
Hooloovoo Exhibition by Cornelia Baltes @ Aspex Gallery
Cornelia Baltes - an artist on the up?
A youthful approach?
The exhibition from the perspective of "arty" Simon vs "non arty" James. Discussion of key works. High brow made fun.
Examples of visual wit, a variety of stylistic approaches, quirky presentation and lots and lots of artificially coloured tree stumps.
"The general source of my work is the observation of daily life. I point out small things that touch me and create work that combines simplicity with a sense of humour. My work begins with quick sketches, or photographs. I work on these only in so far as to help with the communication of the original idea- shying away from any unnecessary embellishment."
"The viewer catches an idea of beauty - hidden in simplicity - in a small gesture, in bright colour, through capturing the essence of an easy idea."
Open until 15th April 2012, Free admission, Daily 11am - 4pm
Old Ideas: Leonard Cohen's New Album
The relevance/meaning of the album title.
Is this the last from Len? Overview of Cohen's career. View of long term fan (James) and of newcomer to Cohen (Simon). His famous, much discussed voice. The content of the lyrics - a true poet? The concept of the elder statesman, similar artists and the notion of the comeback.
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"I don't consider myself a pessimist. I think of a pessimist as someone who is waiting for it to rain. And I feel soaked to the skin."
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
Julian Barnes career overview - a literary elder statesman? Booker prize acceptance speech - bitter or jovial? The importance of book cover design and the "beautiful object". How does contrast youth and old age? 150 pages: too short? An under developed story? Questions that the book raises: How reliable are our memories? Does time help us forget difficult truths?  "Julian Barnes' The Sense of an Ending has the markings of a classic of English Literature. It is exquisitely written, subtly plotted and reveals new depths with each reading" Dame Stella Rimington, Chair of the 2011 Man Booker judges |
