Through Russian eyes

 

 

Moscow's Winzavod Centre for Contemporary Art have released their annual list of photos that show the "Best of Russia 2011". 365 photos have been chosen to represent a year in Russian life with the only stipulation being that photographs must be taken during 2011. It offers a unique insight into Russian life - one that is not always pretty. I immediately looked at the artistic skill of the photographers before realising the tragedy behind a lot of the photos. It still amazes me that a country that was once so powerful could now be so poverty stricken. Looking through the photos, I became fascinated by their culture and the many different influences that it seems to portray. Even if you view the gallery purely for it's artistic value, be sure to check it out!

Victoria

xo

It's the little things in life

Flicking through Springwise, my heart melted at this lovely story from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Library visitors were offered a mystery package of three books, created in line with a variety of different genres. The brown paper packages all contained one novel from a contemporary writer, one classic, and one “easy to read” novel introducing the reader to a different style of reading. Personally, I think there is nothing better than holding a book and getting lost in it's story. I love that the likes of ebooks have given readers the chance to carry their library in their pocket, but it takes away the notion of sharing and the symbolic meaning of giving somebody your favourite book.

Having visited (and fallen in love with) Ljubljana this summer, it comes as no surprise to me that this wonderfully artistic city has offered such an project. Their cobbled streets are full of independent book shops in every shape and form and their dragon guarded bridges ooze ideas of a fantasy land. If you haven't visited the city yet, add it to your list! (as well as Glasgow of course. It was ranked 12th in the New York Times "places to visit in 2012" after all...).   

Victoria

xo