Ai Wei Wei - Jeu de Paume

Ai WeiWei's photographs opened this week at the Jeu de Paume. Unbelievably the first important exhibitions of his work in France.

Interesting selection of his documentary work, including the now iconic triptych, Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn, and the Fairytale Photos. I especially liked Study in Perspective, which is Ai giving the finger to cultural and political institutions, and the selection blog photos which are shown digitally on multiple screens. It takes the eye a little while to get used to the multi-changing images, but once you're in the zone its vivid way to see the work.

Go early to avoid the queue. Ends 29 April.

Poems during Lent

I am taking part in a poem a day challenge for Lent. My poems will be posted on the Work - Lent 2012 page.

Paris Museums - First Sunday

Just a little reminder, more in the form of note to self, that all the Museums in Paris are free to visit on the first Sunday of every month. For someone from the UK, paying to visit museums is a bit hard to get used to as we can walk in for free any time we like. It's the mark of a civilised society I think - access to all regardless of pocket. No-one should be barred from our culture and heritage. But this is France, and this time I took a visitor to the Pompidiou, which is one of my favourites and walking distance from my apartment. We were a bit tired so this piece sums up what we both needed.

Poetry Reading this Sunday in Reading, UK

I will be reading at the launch of the latest book from Two Rivers Press - A Mutual Friend - an anthology of poems about Dickens in celebration of the bi-centenary of his birth this year.

The reading starts at 12pm at Great Expectations, London Street, Reading.

Details here: http://tworiverspress.com/wp/sunday-february-12-2012-reading-launch-for-a-mutual-friend-poems-for-charles-dickens/

Poetry News - New Book

I am totally thrilled that Mulfran Press will be publishing by new poetry collection in the UK in spring 2013.

http://www.mulfran.co.uk/