As the revolver with which Vincent van Gogh is believed to have shot himself goes under the hammer on Wednesday, here are five things to know about the acclaimed artist. France: Most creative period Born to a middle-class Dutch family in 1853, Van Gogh moved to Paris in 1886, joining his brother Theo who ran an art gallery in Montmartre. He spent the most prolific years of his career in France, inspired by his friends Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Emile Bernard, and meetings with Impressionists Georges Seurat, Camille Pissaro and Paul Signac. Attracted by the bright light of Provence in southern France, he moved to the small town of Arles in 1888. His Post-Impressionist friend Paul Gauguin stayed with him in his "Yellow House" for several months. After a year in a mental asylum, Van Gogh passed the last months of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, north of Paris. There he was under the care of doctor and amateur painter Paul Gauchet, the subject of a famous 1890 portrait. Vivid … [Read more...] about Vincent van Gogh: Five things to know
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5 things to know about China’s national drink, baijiu
LUZHOU, China: Baijiu is China's national drink much like vodka is to Russia.Yet while the latter has become a staple of bars, homes and restaurants abroad, baijiu is either unknown overseas or viewed as undrinkably strong and harsh.Now major producers are looking to expand into global markets. Here are five things to know about China's favourite tipple, which may soon be coming to a bar near you.What is baijiu?Baijiu, pronounced "buy-joe" means "white" or "clear alcohol" and is distilled mainly from sorghum, but rice, wheat, barley, millet or a mixture of cereals also are used.It has a resulting wide flavour range, but nearly all baijiu features an intense and complex flavour profile prized by connoisseurs.Production methods vary but generally involve steaming grains then fermenting them for months after adding a yeast-like substance called "qu".The fermented grains are then distilled and the resulting liquor is aged, often for years.How much is consumed?Around 10.8 billion litres of … [Read more...] about 5 things to know about China’s national drink, baijiu
Things to know before visiting Singapore Art Book Fair 2019
The Singapore Art Book Fair (SGABF) is returning in two weeks’ time. According to a recent press release, the event is slated for June 28 to 30. For its sixth year, the event is to host the works of more than 80 local and international exhibitors. Art books, art catalogues, monographs, zines and printed ephemera are available for public viewing. This year’s SGBAF will be hosted in the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore and opens at 12 p.m. until late on opening day, but will close at 8 p.m. on June 29 and 30. The 2019 SGABF is to feature an Open Call Showcase by art platform THEBOOKSHOW, workshops by Facebook Analog Research Lab and The Zine Library curated by the Squelch Zines collective. Here are some highlights you need to know about before the big event. Live music performances On June 28, experimental musicians Bani Haykal & Ferry are to perform live, organized by Singaporean record label Ujikaji. On the next day, musician and composer Kin Leonn is to … [Read more...] about Things to know before visiting Singapore Art Book Fair 2019
8 Things to Know Before You Go to See Ed Sheeran in Jakarta
Jakarta. British singer Ed Sheeran will finally get the chance to see his fans in Jakarta when he visits the city as part of his "Divide World Tour 2019" on May 3, concert organizers said on Monday. Sheeran's first concert in Indonesia will be held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Around 50,000 fans are expected to attend, said organizers AEG Presents, PK Entertainment and Sound Rhythm. "We first expected a crowd of around 45,000 but the response has been so enthusiastic, we've provided extra tickets," PK Entertainment marketing director Harry Sudarma said. There will be reserved seatings at the concert and no festival class. Indonesia is the last country in Asia to be visited by Sheeran on his current world tour. He will bring along his wife and two personal chefs to Jakarta. Sheeran is known as a pescatarian or seafood eater and is said to be enthusiastic to try traditional Indonesian foods. "We … [Read more...] about 8 Things to Know Before You Go to See Ed Sheeran in Jakarta
8 Things to Know Before You Go to the Ed Sheeran Concert in Jakarta
Jakarta. British singer Ed Sheeran will finally get the chance to see his fans in Jakarta when he visits the city as part of his "Divide World Tour 2019" on May 3, concert organizers said on Monday. Sheeran's first concert in Indonesia will be held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Around 50,000 fans are expected to attend, said organizers AEG Presents, PK Entertainment and Sound Rhythm. "We first expected a crowd of around 45,000 but the response has been so enthusiastic, we've provided extra tickets," PK Entertainment marketing director Harry Sudarma said. There will be reserved seatings at the concert and no festival class. Indonesia is the last country in Asia to be visited by Sheeran on his current world tour. He will bring along his wife and two personal chefs to Jakarta. Sheeran is known as a pescatarian or seafood eater and is said to be enthusiastic to try traditional Indonesian foods. "We … [Read more...] about 8 Things to Know Before You Go to the Ed Sheeran Concert in Jakarta