Distracted Dad
Richard Hearn immerses himself in local culture
As parents, we don’t get out much. So when it does happen, I may as well write about it, to make a change from the usual mixture of Lego, Star Wars, and sleep-deprivation. To be fair, getting to see any culture is so rare I’d be grateful to be seeing a blank piece of paper pegged to a wall – in fact, I think that was at last year’s Fringe – but yes, I did enjoy each thing I saw.
On the Wednesday, I met up with a mate and saw Martin Amis. (Or ‘Bogs’ as predictive text has him.) Sometimes author sessions can be a disappointment, with them reading dryly from their latest novel, but Amis was value for money on a pure quote-by-quote basis.
I may not agree with everything he says, but he says it with precision and panache. Backtrack: the Saturday prior, I had put up my own paintings in The Gallery Bistro in Church Road, Hove.
This may not be a cultural outing as such – they’re my paintings after all, I can see them at home – but it’s nice to feel part of things. They’re richly-coloured paintings of trees; you can get a preview here: www.richardhearn.co.uk.
Next up, and this one with the Youngest™ in the pushchair, I popped into the Lighthouse to see the Berlin Horse video installation by Malcolm Le Grice, combining manipulated 8mm and 16mm film of horses with a new soundtrack by Brian Eno.
“This may not be a cultural outing as such – they’re my paintings after all, I can see them at home – but it’s nice to feel a part of things”
It was simple, strangely calming and hypnotic, and one of the best nine minutes I’ve spent while sitting next to a pushchair. Youngest™ looked surprised by the whole thing. (Though that’s not a new expression.)
Next up, Southampton, to a private view of ‘Where Do You Draw The Line?’ at the Bargate Monument Gallery. I went mainly as a friend: Martin Symons was exhibiting with an intriguing and funny project called ‘How To Draw An Egg.’ Oh, and there was wine, so that was good.
(On my way in, giving my name, the person on the door said: “Ahh. Mr Pastry.” For those that missed a previous column when I mentioned it, I share my name with a slapstick comic actor from the ‘50s.)
Probably the highlight of the whole week was a play by Wired Theatre at the Regency Town House. Called ‘Above Below’, it told a tale of secrets, blackmail and duty in the Victorian era.
It was perfect for the space, with actors amongst us brought to life and frozen in time by our ‘tour guide’ clicking his pen. Atmospheric, intimate and involving.
I’m looking forward to next year’s festival already.
