Wednesday, February 22, 2012

'THE SCREAM' FOR RM 250 MILLION

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

WE KNOW A SCREAM CAN REALLY CAUSE TROUBLE AND COST MONEY BUT THIS SCREAM BEGS TO DIFFER---IT IS THE SCREAM PAINTED BY EDVARD MUNCH THE FAMOUS NORWEGIAN ARTIST.
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The Scream by Edvard Munch will be auctioned by Sotheby's New York on 2 MAy 2012 and is expected to fetch around RM 250 million

MANY HAVE NOT HEARD OF HIS NAME BUT HIS PAINTING CALLED 'THE SCREAM' IS SO FAMOUS IT RANKS AFTER 'MONA LISA' BY LEONARDO DA VINCI, 'SUNFLOWERS' BY VINCENT VAN GOGH, 'IRISES' BY VINCENT VAN GOGH, 'STARRY NIGHT' BY VINCENT VAN GOGH, 'BIRTH OF VENUS' BY BOTTICELLI, 'THE KISS' BY GUSTAV KLIMT AND 'GIRL WITH PEARL EARRING' BY VERMEER.

Some insist 'The Scream' is the world's second or third most recognisable painting after 'Mona Lisa'.

Now you can buy the original for around RM250 million this coming May 2. Of course the one you have seen countless times in magazines is safely locked inside Oslo museums but Edvard Munch, being quite savvy, painted FOUR similar, near identical paintings! All 4 look alike of course but each is slightly different to be unique. Anyway it is said Leonardo da Vinci also painted at least 2 finished versions of Mona Lisa and the other is still missing so hope springs eternal that you or I, preferably me, should stumble upon it in a flea market!

At RM 250 million, this 'Scream' is enough to make you scream, either in delight or disgust as RM 250 million can feed thousands of hungry peasants or educate children so they grow up and can, well, appreciate 'The Scream'!

Sotheby’s to Offer One of the Most Famous
Masterpieces in the World

EDVARD MUNCH’S THE SCREAM TO LEAD THE
IMPRESSIONIST & MODERN ART EVENING SALE
ON 2 MAY 2012 IN NEW YORK

Sotheby’s is honored to announce that Edvard Munch’s
masterpiece The Scream will lead its Impressionist &
Modern Art Evening Sale in New York on 2 May 2012. The
iconic work is one of the most instantly recognizable images
in both art history and popular culture, perhaps second only
to the Mona Lisa. The present version of The Scream, which
dates from 1895, is one of four versions of the composition
and the only version still in private hands. It will be on view in
London for the first time ever, with the exhibition at
Sotheby’s opening on 13 April. In New York, and also for the
first time ever, it will be on exhibition at Sotheby’s in advance
of the sale beginning 27 April.

The work is owned by
Norwegian businessman Petter Olsen, whose father Thomas
was a friend, neighbor and patron of Munch.
“Munch’s The Scream is the defining image of modernity,
and it is an immense privilege for Sotheby’s to be entrusted
with one of the most important works of art in private hands” commented Simon Shaw, Senior Vice President and Head of Sotheby’s Impressionist & Modern Art department in New York.

“Instantly recognizable, this is one
of very few images which transcends art history and reaches a global consciousness. The Scream arguably
embodies even greater power today than when it was conceived. At a time of great critical interest in the artist,
and with the 150th anniversary of his birth in 2013, this spring is a particularly compelling time for The Scream
to appear on the market. For collectors and institutions, the opportunity to acquire such a singularly-influential
masterpiece is unprecedented in recent times.”

Mr. Shaw continued: “Given how rarely true icons come to the market it is difficult to predict The Scream’s
value. The recent success of masterpieces at Sotheby’s suggests that the price could exceed $80 million.”

“I have lived with this work all my life, and its power and energy have only increased with time,” said Petter
Olsen, the consignor of The Scream. “Now however, I feel the moment has come to offer the rest of the world a
chance to own and appreciate this remarkable work, which is the only version of The Scream not in the
collection of a Norwegian museum. My father Thomas Olsen was a friend of Munch, and acquired The Scream
as well as many other works by the artist. He hoped that his collection would further Munch’s international
renown by lending to exhibitions abroad. In that tradition, proceeds from this sale will go toward the
establishment of a new museum, art centre and hotel on my farm Ramme Gaard at Hvitsten, Norway. It will
open next year in connection with the Munch 150th anniversary, and will be dedicated to the artist’s work and
time there. We are restoring his house and studio, and guests can stay in his home.”
Mr. Olsen added, “I am concerned as an environmentalist about man’s relationship with nature, and I feel The
Scream makes an important statement about this.”

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“I was walking along the road with two Friends /
the Sun was setting – The Sky turned a bloody
red / And I felt a whiff of Melancholy – I stood /
Still, deathly tired – over the blue-black / Fjord
and City hung Blood and Tongues of Fire / My
Friends walked on – I remained behind / –
shivering with Anxiety – I felt the great Scream in
Nature – Edvard Munch”
– The artist’s hand-painted inscription on the
frame of the present work

As the defining image of the Expressionist movement, The Scream stands as a
pivotal work in the history of art. Munch created the image in the mid-1890s
as the central element of his celebrated Frieze of Life series. The powerfully rendered,
blood-red sky presents the viewer with the reality of Munch’s
experience at the moment he is gripped by anxiety in the hills above Oslo. Like
his Dutch contemporary Vincent van Gogh, Munch’s desire was to paint a new
form of reality rooted in psychological experience, rather than visual. It is this
projection of Munch’s mental state that was so artistically innovative – a
landscape of the mind, whose impact is still felt in the art of today.

An icon of global visual culture, The Scream is instantly recognizable – from
Beijing to Moscow to New York. Since its creation at the turn of the 20th
century, the provocative work has only gained relevance and impact over time.
The haunting composition stands as the visual embodiment of modern anxiety
and existential dread, referenced by everyone from Andy Warhol to The
Simpsons. Edvard Munch and The Scream have been the subject of countless
books, scholarly articles, films and museum exhibitions.

Munch created four versions of The Scream. The prime example, worked in
1893 from tempera and crayon on board, is in the National Gallery of Norway;
another pastel version from the same year is thought to be a preliminary sketch
for the work, and is owned by the Munch Museum in Oslo; the present work
from the Olsen Collection, created in 1895 from pastel on board, most closely
follows the prime composition in the National Gallery; and a later version in
tempera and oil on board, thought to be completed in 1910, is also in the
collection of the Munch Museum.

In addition, Munch created a lithograph of
the image in 1895, which helped initiate the process of its mass proliferation.
Of the four versions of the work, the present The Scream is distinguished in
several remarkable ways: it is the most colorful and vibrant of the four; the only
version whose original frame was hand-painted by the artist to include his
poem detailing the work’s inspiration (pictured pg. 4); and the only version in
which one of the two figures in the background turns to look outward onto the
cityscape. This version has never before been on public view in either the UK or US, except briefly in the
National Gallery in Washington D.C. decades ago.


The Scream has been in the collection of the Olsen family for over 70 years. Thomas Olsen,
scion of the great ship-owning dynasty, was a collector and supporter of Munch from the late 1920s. Olsen and
the artist were neighbors at Hvitsten in Norway, where the young businessman’s role grew from friend to patron
and eventually to protector of his works.

After Hitler rose to power, Munch found himself among the artists whose
work was declared degenerate by the Nazi regime and his works were
stripped from the collections of the great federal and state galleries across
Germany. Olsen was instrumental in rescuing 74 of these de-accessioned
art works from Germany, thus saving them from probable destruction. Of
the Munch works that Olsen successfully rescued from the Nazis, he
presented Tate Britain with Munch’s The Sick Child and the Oslo City Hall
with The Tree of Life, both in 1939, because after conversing with Munch
he knew that the artist felt the need of recognition in Western Europe,
especially so after the advent of Hitler.

Before Olsen and his family fled
Norway for Great Britain in May 1940, he transported his collection –
including the present work – to Vaagaa in central Norway, where it was
stored in a neighbor’s hay barn until Norway’s liberation in 1945.

The Scream’s cultural resonance has been underscored further by two high-profile thefts. In 1994, at the start of
the Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway, two thieves entered the National Gallery of Norway and
fled with the museum’s 1893 version of The Scream. A successful sting operation brought the work back to the
museum later that year, unharmed. A decade later, masked gunmen stole Munch’s 1910 version of The Scream
as well as his Madonna from the Munch Museum, also in Oslo. Both works were recovered two years later, and
were back on exhibition in 2008.

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One for the road

THE END

Monday, February 20, 2012

PERTH IN AUTUMN!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

ANYTIME IS A GOOD TIME TO VISIT PERTH, ONE OF MY FAVORITE CITIES IN AUSTRALIA BUT AUTUMN IS PARTICULARLY ENTICING AS THE WEATHER IS SO PLEASANT!

PERTH IS ALSO 5 HOURS AWAY FROM KLIA SO IT IS NOT A KILLER FLIGHT.

AND THE LIST OF ACTIVITIES IS AS BIG AS THE CONTINENT! JUST SEE WHAT THEY HAVE IN STORE----


Autumn in Western Australia brims with a bumper line up of events

Autumn in Western Australia signals the perfect time to visit with March, April and May offering a range of world-class sporting, food and wine, and arts and culture events happening around the State. Then there are the natural events - chances to witness extraordinary natural phenomenon's including Broome's Staircase to the Moon, a beautiful optical illusion of a staircase reaching up to the moon, and the arrival of the world's biggest fish - the Whale Shark in May.

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Stunning sunset at Cottesloe


March kicks off with one of Perth's largest and free public events - Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe, where iconic Cottesloe Beach is transformed into a stunning sculpture park with more than 70 local, interstate and international artists displaying their unique works of art. It's just another reason to visit one of Perth's 'must do's' - just be sure to stay for the spectacular sunset. Also on the 'must do' list is a visit to the port city of Fremantle. As well as soaking up the bohemian lifestyle and admiring the century old streetscapes, you can check out the works of leading Australian and international photographers at FotoFreo 2012. While in Perth, you might want to take a day trip to Mandurah and time your visit to coincide with the Channel Seven Mandurah Crab Fest.

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Meantime, the South West region is buzzing and one of the key events to create that buzz will be the Telstra Drug Aware Pro Margaret River, where a stellar line up of surfing professionals will battle it out at Margaret River's world-renowned surf break. It's a great time to experience the region's extraordinary, and world-famous food and wine at the Margaret River Wine Region Festival and Taste Great Southern, celebrate national and international musical talent at the Nannup Music Festival, and see rally drivers sprint across the region for the Quit Forest Rally. Exmouth, along the State's magnificent Coral Coast, will host WA's premier game fishing tournament as GAMEX takes place - the waters around Exmouth are home to more than 40 different game fish species.

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Game for game fishing anyone?

Busker in Fremantle as street entertainment is everywhere in Freo



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A hive of activities is the norm at Fremantle



In April, Fremantle will celebrate the 14th Fremantle Street Arts Festival - the largest street arts festival in Australia; bargain hunters and collectors will be in for a treat and a rummage at WA's largest and oldest antique fair - the York Antique and Collectors Fair; car lovers will visit Pinjarra for the 100% Smoke Free: All Australian Car Day IX and Geraldton will offer an insight into military life in the 1940s at the Valley View Vintage and Military Weekend.

Finally, May offers a range of events which combine WA's extraordinary landscapes with activities for all. The East Kimberley region, in the North West, is home to the Arygle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster. It's the perfect time to explore the area and take in some of the Muster's key events including the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience concert, Waringarri Corroboree, bush tucker cooking and comedy night. The North will also see a diverse line-up of musical performances at the Nguyuru Waaringarrem Halls Creek Music Festival and A Night Under the Stars at Karijini. The world's biggest fish - the Whale Shark - will be celebrated in Exmouth at the Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival, and in nearby Denham, fishers and families will celebrate community life on the Coral Coast at the Shark Bay Annual Fishing Fiesta. Returning to Perth and the action-packed V8 Supercars Trading Post Perth Challenge will fire up motorsport fans while the South West will host the Busselton Festival of Triathlon and the 3 Waters Marathon.

For more information, visit westernaustralia.com/events

Events

Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe, March 1 to 19
Iconic Cottesloe Beach will be transformed into a stunning sculpture park when more than 70 local, interstate and international artists display their unique works of art. Now in its 8th year, this annual exhibition on the shores of the Indian Ocean has become one of Perth's largest and free public events.W: sculpturebythesea.com

Taste Great Southern, March 2 to 5
In its 8th year, this event showcases the rich and diverse flavours of one of Western Australia's most beautiful destinations. With events spreading from Perth, Albany, Denmark, Mount Barker, Porongurups, Broomehill and Kojonup - the festival includes long table lunches, markets, tastings, masters classes, exhibitions, workshops and celebrity guest chefs. W: greatsoutherntastewa.com

Nannup Music Festival, March 2 to 5
The lush forest along the banks of the Blackwood River is the perfect location for a long weekend of national and international musical talent. The Nannup Music Festival celebrates its 23rd year with a diverse program of concerts, workshops, dance and activities for children and young people.W: nannupmusicfestival.org

GAMEX, March 10 to 17
Western Australia's premier game fishing tournament where anglers of all experience levels can
compete for the 17 main prize divisions and daily giveaways. The Australian International Billfish
Tournament is held just after GAMEX, from 19 to 23 March. Both events can be viewed from the
crystal blue waters that surround Exmouth, home to more than 40 different game fish species.W: egfc.com.au

Channel Seven Mandurah Crab Fest, March 16 to 18
The Channel Seven Mandurah Crab Fest offers two days of vibrant festival activities including live
performances, market stalls, rides and a stunning fireworks display. With its strong food and wine focus, the event offers an array of flavours to tempt anyone's taste buds including cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, local wines and boutique beers.W: mandurah.wa.gov.au

FotoFreo 2012: the City of Fremantle Festival of Photography, March 17 to April 15
FotoFreo is a month-long biennial festival of photography that showcases the work of Australian and leading international photographers. Exhibitions, workshops, film screenings and discussions are part of the program, plus two photographic projects, one by Martin Parr and the other by Western Australian photographer Bo Wong. W: fotofreo.com

Telstra Drug Aware Pro Margaret River, March 19 to 26
A stellar line up of surfing professionals will battle it out at Margaret River's world-renowned surf break for the Telstra Drug Aware Pro Margaret River. Delivering some of the biggest waves in the world, this destination attracts the best surfers on the planet as part of the Association of Surfing Professionals world tour. W: telstradrugawarepro.com

Quit Forest Rally, March 30 to April 1
The nation's motorsport spotlight will be on Australia's South West as the Quit Forest Rally races through Busselton and Nannup. Western Australia's round of the Australian Rally Championship attracts the country's best rally drivers and will see around 200 cars and bikes sprint across the State's extraordinary landscape. W: rallywa.com

Fremantle Street Arts Festival, April 7 to 9
Fremantle is filled with free events, family friendly shows, astonishing physical feats and surprises during Australia's largest street arts festival. Now in its 14th year, the festival showcases some of the world's best performances by street artists from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Argentina, New Zealand and Japan. W: fremantle.wa.gov.au/Festivals

York Antique and Collectors Fair, April 7 to 9
Western Australia's oldest antique fair is also renowned for being one of the region's biggest and best. Held in the beautiful historic town of York, the fair includes valuations, auctions, entertainment, unique products and antique stalls. W: avoneventsandmarketing.com

Margaret River Wine Region Festival , 13-16 April
Celebrate Western Australia's extraordinary South West region with a five-day wine, food, art, music and lifestyle festival. Featuring events from Augusta to Busselton, the Margaret River Wine Region Festival includes a street fiesta, vintage festival, long table feast, plus fashion and sporting fun. A must for all foodies. W: margaretriverfestival.com

100% Smoke Free: All Australian Car Day IX, April 15
Pinjarra will be a car lovers' paradise when the 100% Smoke Free: All Australian Car Day IX drives into town. Around 450 classic Australian vehicles will be displayed as motoring enthusiasts enjoy the largest event of its kind in WA. The day features family fun with music, dance and a regional wine and gourmet expo.W: visitmandurah.com

A Night Under the Stars, 19th May 2012, Karijini National Park

This inaugural concert will be held in the rugged, red beauty of the spectacular Karijini National Park. The concert features James Morrison, the WA Jazz Youth Orchestra with Indigenous dancers and performers with Ernie Dingo as MC. A Night Under the Stars will be an unforgettable experience in a unique setting.

Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival 25 to 27 May, Exmouth

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The Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival marks the beginning of the whale shark season, welcoming the gentle giants back to the turquoise waters of Exmouth. Showcasing Western Australia’s extraordinary Coral Coast, the festival features a family day in Federation Park with live entertainment, music, exhibitions and educational displays. W: ww.ningaloowhalesharkfestival.com

Ord Valley Muster, 25 May 2012, Kununurra

Highlighting its extraordinary cultural diversity, stunning primeval landscape, friendly folk and warm country hospitality, the ‘Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster’ is an all embracing community celebration of the prodigious talent to be found in the East Kimberley region.

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Surfing in Margaret River



Sunday, February 19, 2012

PART 2; FLIGHT001

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

FLIGHT001 IS AT BANGSAR SHOPPING VILLAGE 2 IN KUALA LUMPUR AND E-CURVE MALL, PETALING JAYA

VISIT FLIGHT001.COM

03-2284 5198

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE! MY SLOGAN PERFECTLY DESCRIBES EVERYTHING A TRAVELLER NEEDS ART FLIGHT001

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Baggage tags and passport holders
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How many adapters have you left behind in hotel rooms because you failed to spot your black adapter from the array of black plugs and hotel adapters? Now yours will stand out like a sore thumb at a glance and you will never lose it again!
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Your personal comforter! And you won't leave it behind on your seat either
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Neck braces filled with micro beads for maximum neck support
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Leave your Rolex and Cartier at home
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Strong, sturdy and handy bag from Timbuk2 pronounced as Timbuktoo!
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Bags for souvenirs
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Your lingerie bag
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Don't mix your used and new stuff
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Your laundry bag
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Now you know what to put in where
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A Touristpak for tourists
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Boardingpak
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Gymgear bag
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For shoes
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For stuff!
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Spacepak---my favourite!
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Spacepak
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Make-up holders
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Funky passport holders and tags
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Fun watches you don't have to worry about
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Plastic is making a comeback! Many say it never left!

THE FASHION SHOW SO YOU CAN SEE HOW GOOD THEY LOOK!
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The Flight001 family in KL!

THE END
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