Yayoi Kusama in Victoria Miro.

I will argue that this blur selfie which was captured by my shaky hands is pretty artistic. I even chose a colder filter to give out the aesthetic vibes. 

I am lucky to be able to witness Yayoi Kusama's work in Victoria Miro which was held over summer. Her exhibitions are separate into two galleries where one exhibits her sculptures and the other one exhibits her paintings. Unfortunately for me, I could only manage to visit the one with sculptures since I only found out her paintings were located in the other gallery.

Despite being on a weekday, the queue was still there. I queued for almost half an hour or more, and was given time limits for each section of her work. I am not complaining because I've heard that many people missed out. Plus, all of her work belongs to 2016. 

Installation View of Pumpkin , for Victoria Miro Gallery , 2016.

Polka dots has always been her trademark and she always involve them in her work. Even her collaboration with Louis Vuitton back in 2012 has features polka dots all over. 

The sculptures are beautiful and every polka dot on the pumpkin is defined in detailed. 

A picture which is taken in art museums or gallery always have to feature a beautiful art and someone walking all over.

Baby boy, you are too adorable to be true. 

Proud mother taking pictures of her son with Yayoi's work.

All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins, 2016

With different size of pumpkin , which I suppose to made out of plastic and acrylic. However when I read about it, she used wood too. Until now, I couldn't figure out which part of it was made from wood. I'm loving the LED and how the mirrors portrays 'eternal' by its reflection.

I guess this is how she sees them in her imagination. 

She is so good at delivering it.

Chandelier of Grief, 2016

Spinning Chandelier with one way mirror surrounding it. I could walk around the spinning chandelier in the dark room. I feel my heart getting heavy as I do so. Hearing no noise but to only see my own reflection with the limited source of light which is reflecting everywhere. It sounded crazy but I was overwhelmed.

It reminds me so much of a scene from Phantom of the Opera where mirrors were everywhere torturing someone. But instead of feeling tormented, this does makes someone's heart hanging on a thin string. 

it is undeniable that this is beautiful. 

I always see her work on the internet, and I never thought that I could come across chances like this. For this, I am grateful. 

I know that this post isn't something interesting but I thought that I could share my appreciation about being able to witness it. I guess it is true that you will start looking for different kind of art when you start to appreciate them. And it irks me that people only recognize hype pieces which is only shown on social media.

What matters was the process, idea and the moment when it is created - not the hype behind it. 

x

of 2016.

Last year, I was in London counting down to 2016. Now, I am home waiting for 2017 to come. 

This is the very first time, I am actually a little sad that the year is going to end. It made me realize how unhappy I was a few years back , desperately wanting closure and refuse to accept what I deserve that made me unhappy. This is also the very first time where I feel that my wishes of having ' a great year ahead' do come true. As reluctant as I want this year to go on, time doesn't wait for anyone. 

But hey, I've earn a day since there is 366 days this year. 

There are too many things that I want to recall in 2016 but, I don't think a post could fit how I actually felt. I guess the habit of not reading as much as before is giving me difficulties of not being able to decipher all of them into words. 

About 2016 ;

1.  You are good enough if you are comfortable with yourself and do not let other people tell you the otherwise because I believe that no one knows you better than yourself. 

2. Art is my new interest, particularly paintings. 

3. I went to so many art museums, galleries and exhibitions.

4. I refuse to waste time on people who doesn't deserve my time and have no patience on people who never deserves my patience. 

5. I like being alone because I am not too fond of the idea of people invading my personal space. I don't like it when people get too close. Having boundaries makes things less complicated. 

6. I traveled to more 10 cities this year and realized that there isn't just a way of living. Different cities portrays different lifestyles. And, I realize the beauty in every one of them.

7. I don't want to hang out with people that makes me feel tired. 

8. Action speaks louder than words and words are empty, but words sometimes hurt too. Hence, always think twice before you talk. 

9. Being respectful is so important - The way you behave and treat people leaves room for judgement. No matter what you're going through, the bare minimum in respect is expected. 

10. If they are listening, there is no need for you to repeat yourself.

11. Be realistic , not materialistic. 

12. Focus on being better, not complain to feel better.

13. I refuse to stay in a place for too long because it is the only way to stay ahead of sadness. I move to move on , not to forget. 

14. Goodbyes are never easy but life goes on. 

15. My coffee addiction is getting out of hand. 

It wasn't a review of 2016. They are facts to myself. 

My thinking has changed over the year after meeting different people and seeing different place. I've found what I desire and what I dislike. I guess, I could say that I've found myself in my 20s. My family told me that little things will make you change and time will change your perspectives towards things. Now, I can finally understand what they meant.

I'm so thankful for my family, allowing me to see the world. Without them, I could not possibly living this life. Sometimes, I get so emotional knowing that I can never give them the life they are giving me. This year, I've learn a whole lot. And, it is probably the best year in my entire life so far. 

I'm welcoming 2017 with an open arms and I wish that it will be better than 2016 - carefree and happy. 

love,

Carmen. 

Fera at Claridge's

There is no doubt that there are many good restaurants in London. Talking about Michelin's star restaurants, you will definitely need more than a month to visit them all. I've pick out a few ones which I've read online to try out. 

My favourite one would be - Fera at Claridges. 

Hence, it is right up on my page because I need to share about it. Not to mention, I am having a birthday lunch with a friend whose birthday which is just two days before me. It is a kinda birthday celebration for us and we made the right choice stepping in here. 

This is a flower boutique right down the corner before Claridges and I stopped by to look at how beautiful they are. And, it matches my outfit. 

The perfect colour paletter - and I got to emphasize that I do not always go on pantone. 

This one Michelin star restaurant requires booking in advance - probably a week before but I suggest the earlier the better. And is located in Claridges at Mayfair. 

I found out on that day that Fera means 'wild' in Latin and the famous chef, Chef Simon Rogan did a splendid job of connecting the whole concept of the restaurant to nature. He did mention that this restaurant is his art deco space , which I couldn't agree more. I love the settings and the slow music they play at the background. 

As much as the beautiful settings did sway me away, nothing is more important than quality food which I was expecting a lot. 

Complimentary bread and I am not lying about this is the best bread I've ever had in London. It's freshly baked everyday and they offer different types from time to time. The butter was more to the creamy type which goes perfectly well. 

Pea flour wafers at Fera

I couldn't exactly explain how it taste but this whole thing surprise me. The edible flowers are tasteless but it goes so well with the thin wafers and cream on top. It's savoury and just like how appetizers should be like. I give a thumbs up for this - not because it surprises me with how it taste, but also it's beautifully presented. 

 To start with.

Caramelized cabbage , scallions  , chef special brulee 

First main ;

Marinated chicken thigh,  calcot onions, malted parsley root with brown sauce

Second main ;

Codfish with horseradish, kale and artichoke 

Dessert ;

Celeriac ice cream, salted caramel and hazelnuts with caramelized cherries 

This dessert is a hundred percent perfect palate cleanser because the ice cream, which tasted so much like sorbet, melts in my mouth instantly. Instead of sweet, it's sour which ignites my tastebud after the whole routine of savoury food. The cherries are sweet and the cake was just okay - as it's not as soft as I expected. 

But overall, it's so good - not to mention that it's so cold which is nice. 

Lastly,

mascarpone macaron wafer with apricot-orange jam with thinly scrape white chocolate.

This melts instantly in your mouth like cotton candy. And also, this marks the end of the course meals.

The chicken was great as it is flavorful and not to much. I love how the thighs was soft. The fish was otherwise just okay, or maybe I just wouldn't like fish being served this way. But, I could guarantee that the fish is fresh. I guess the starter and the dessert made the way to my heart compare to the others. 

Fera is special because they change their menu every season. And sometimes, they do have different menu presented to you when you visit them which gives you another surprise. I did check the menu beforehand but was presented to the latest one since it's the beginning of summer.  

I guess one of the reasons of why they have really good reviews is because they constantly update their menus and their staffs are polite and super attentive, and not pushy to promote us anything that we don't want to have. The best part is, the atmosphere is so relaxing - probably perfect for a Sunday lunch date before the whole hectic week starts. 

Look at me, being all happy. 

And probably one of the best dining experience I have in London. 

I couldn't really state the price or confirms anything here since they change it occasionally. So, it is better for anyone of you whom wants to try to check it on their official website.

I think this is a place where you should drop by if you happen to have time in the noon in London. This restaurant may not be as famous as the others but definitely worth a try- and not to mention that it is not one of those that you can come across on social media. It's better to visit before it gets busier. 

x.

Fera at Claridge's by Simon Rogan

Claridge’s, 49 Brook St, Mayfair, London