A couple of nights ago friends very kindly invited us to a picnic supper event in the University of WA Sunken Gardens: part of the Perth International Arts Festival . Peter Godwin, international journalist, teacher at Columbia U (I think), and author of memoirs,"Mukiwa" and "A Crocodile Eats the Sun", was interviewed by PIAF artistic director, Shelagh Magadza.Both came from Zimbabwe originally, as did a very large part of the audience, so there was a great deal of rapport, and some considerable sadness ... even as we all enjoyed the magnificent soft evening outdoors. A bright light shone on the faces of interviewer and interviewee. I was struck by the way Shelagh's beautiful ochre skin, pink scarf, and part of her red chair appeared as patches of light, while all other light was swallowed up by her black clothing, magnificent hair extensions, and the dark gardens behind. I could not sketch, so tried this at home this morning.Her face was serious through the interview, but I snapped a quick photo afterwards as she chatted with an elderly couple who seemed to know her, from the 'good old' days, perhaps.I think I might try this again with black ink, paint and no smile.
1 comment:
How interesting to hear Peter Godwin (even though I'm not quite up to reading his books at the moment)- and sad for all the ex-Zims there. Also great to have the added dimension to these experiences, of noticing and appreciating light shape and colour while listening - and then recording it...which is what I think blogging pushes one to do.
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