Hugs, Death, Borstal Girls

One learns every day...  Ha! If we do not distinguish between the different meanings of the verb 'to learn', we can certainly agree with that!

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What have I learnt this morning?

Firstly, something nice: It's International Hugging Day, according to the Polish radio!!! Don't you think it's nice?

Secondly, something sad: an eminent Polish actress: Nina Andrycz has died aged 102! RIP to her.

Thirdly, I've heard an interview with Romuald Sadowski, the Director of The Borstal for Girls in Falenica near Warsaw. When studying Pedagogy, in my early twenties, I had an internship in this very institution. Memories, memories... No time to share them here and now... Just one thing: the best haircut I ever had was the one I a girl training to be a hairdresser gave me! These girls, who had made serious mistakes in their young lives, were given a chance to reform and build their lives from anew. If your Polish is sufficient, you may like to read this article about the art therapy at Zaklad Poprawczy dla Dziewczat in Falenica!
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Friday evening is a peaceful one for me. I was very tired after work and only had the time and inspiration for three pictures:

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An Iraqi Embassy Evening in SW7

Tonight I am back from an unusual for me event: An Iraqi Embassy Evening in Central London. Here are a few pictures from this interesting reception featuring the exhibition of works by selected contemporary Iraqi painters and sculptors, storytelling and traditional live music:
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Before the room filled with guests, I made a round with my smartphone and took pictures of the exhibited works I could approach without disturbing anyone.

How different this painting by Yousif Naser is from the works he exhibited at W3 Gallery last week!

Next to the dramatic painting was one of the flower arrangements that adorned the reception room at Holiday Inn:

Here you can read what anniversary was celebrated this evening:

The rostrum was used during the event, but even if I could hear what was said, I wouldn't understand the language. Lots of people came and everybody was speaking, pictures were taken, each woman was given a beautiful cream colour rose with thorns meticulously removed.

A group of Iraqi artists posed for me:

One of the attractions was this necklace imitating an ancient Iraqi jewellery piece. It was on display and could be put on to be photographed in it. 'Pro publico bono!', I thought and had it 'installed', and a picture taken, just for the fun of it!

I must tell you later about this fantastic couple and their project involving an instrument by far older than the pyramids! Of many pictures focusing them and their instrument very few are of any use. Regretfully,I didn't find a way to compromise the unfavourable lighting in the room.

Yousif Naser, the painter, is taking a picture of his musician friend in action:

I found the music most enjoyable!

And I liked the sculptures too:

You know what? This painting reminds me of Fragonard's 'Swing" with the actual swing and the lady missing!

I met many interesting people who were quite interested in my project of Cultural Cooperation with The Cultural Centre in my Polish hometown. When will I find the time to write here about it?

Not tonight.

Good night!