For art enthusiasts, something very special just wrapped up in Madrid last week. All across the Madrid city limits, bright orange and black signs lined the streets and guiding people to the 32nd Annual Contemporary Art Fair of Madrid, also known as ARCO Madrid. Established collectors and tourists, who may have come to Madrid intending to see the traditional Spanish artwork of Picasso, Velázquez & Salvador Dalí, of all artistic backgrounds, nationalities, ethnicities, and ages could be found at the fair relishing the experience of an art gathering of this magnitude and diversity.
The weekend program was a visual artist’s delight with modern works from artists representing 127 countries located on five continents. Presentations, videos and informal “conversations” about various topics relating to international art, galleries and collections added to the experience. There was even a special room dedicated to children where visual and practical art workshops were conducted for children of all ages.
Upon entering Pabelon 8 (Hall 8), attendees made a beeline left to see the keynote exhibition, “Focus Turkey.” Every year, the organizing committee selects a country whose galleries’ works will be highlighted during the fair. Turkey was an exciting selection with its up-and-coming pool of young artists (the average age in Turkey is 29 compared to Spain at 42.2 years old) and rapidly expanding art industry. Further, the political and economic issues of the country were reflected in many of the pieces presented. The exhibit included notable works by multiple galleries throughout Turkey and was created in close cooperation with the Turkish embassy in Spain. Especially of note was the work of Nejad Melih Devrim (1923-1955) presented by GaleriNev and the innovative conceptions of nature by the talented artists from the E’Ps’S gallery of Istanbul.
Further down in Pabelon 10, additional international works were displayed. The whimsical pieces of Mario Ybarra Jr. of the Honor Fraser Gallery in California generated plenty of buzz with a butcher-meets-his-victim (the cow) theme–completely set against a backdrop of newspaper lined walls! The show’s winning piece was a festival of color created by Juan Moraza of Spain.
This International Art Fair was much more than an opportunity for the wealthy to see and buy art with its strong emphasis on art awareness, education, and the attainability of art for all types of potential buyers. These programs were developed through the fine work done by various Spanish non-profits.
Key Facts
- Contemporary art show with diversified talent represented by over 2,000 artists from all over the world
- Aims to reach collectors of a wide variety of backgrounds and purchasing power
Why Arco Madrid
- The largest art event in Spain with far-reaching, international involvement and appeal
- Traditional purchasing options combined with newer, state of the art online platform for purchasing such as the Collect Online program which offers artists’ work at prices below 5,000 euros
- The art has continued even after the closure of the fair with AfterARCO, a program designed to highlight additional exhibits throughout the city during remainder of the month of February
- One of the longest running and most prestigious art fairs in the world
- Located in the museum and gallery hub where you can visit the Prado, Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza to name a few or take a trip out to the Guggenheim Bilbao
Be Aware Of
Explore Your Spirituality on Slipstream Travel’s India Yoga Detox Tour
India has been dubbed as the most multidimensional country in the world for a reason–be prepared to be greeted by a sensorial avalanche as you navigate the crowds, dodge the insane traffic and immerse yourself in surroundings that can go from snow-dusted mountains to sandy, sunny beaches. The ethnic diversity of over a billion people, the ease with which the spiritual intertwines with the material, and the ancient philosophy that guides life even today are some of the reasons many travelers are intensely fascinated with the subcontinent.
In India, you will find an intoxicating diversity of flavors, textures and seductive spices that can be found in street food as well as gourmet. Vegetarian curries rich in flavor, soft fluffy idlis and crunchy zesty chaat will keep you asking for more. Whatever your reasons for traveling to this land of mystique, the Slipstream India Yoga Detox Tour will have you explore your spirituality and practice of yoga at select ritualistic yoga destinations.
Delhi
Delhi welcomes you with its unique atmosphere of the new world mingling with the old. The pulsating capital of the country, Delhi lures you along arched alleyways to ancient monuments, but also brings you through sweeping roads lined with swanky cafes, bars and a vibrant global cuisine scene. The cosmopolitan city’s most visited religious sites are the Jama Masjid, the Akshardham Temple and the Lotus Temple. In this bustling city, to nourish body and soul with yoga and meditation, head to uplifting Yoga centres like the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Ashtaang or the Dhyaan Foundation.
Rishikesh
Nestled in the Uttaranchal valley in North India, Rishikesh has been dubbed “the yoga capital of the world.” And also happens to be a great white-water rafting destination. At sundown, a mellow evening breeze makes temple bells tinkle as tourists, pilgrims and sadhus (spiritual men) get ready to attend the evening prayers with floating lamps on the bank of the Ganges. North of the main town, the gushing river and lush forests provide a perfect setting for enchanting yoga and meditation ashrams. Parmarth Niketan is one of the most recommended, which offers daily classes and hosts an International Yoga Festival. In the early morning rays, stretch your toes and breathe in the crisp, fresh mountain air as you meditate or practice, just like it has been done here for over 2,000 years.
Varanasi
Benares or Kashi, as Varanasi was known in earlier ages, is the city of Shiva – one of the most important Hindu deities. A center of Indian philosophy, spiritualism, Ayurveda, yoga and mysticism, experience Varanasi by walking along the bathing ghats or taking a boat ride on the Ganges. Hindu pilgrims travel to Varanasi to take a dip in the magical waters of the holy Ganga, an act that is said to wash away a lifetime of sins. Mark Twain, the renowned Indophile, wrote, “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
As you travel southwards, you cannot miss the beautiful state of Kerala with its lush palms, virgin beaches and alluring backwaters. Ayurveda from Kerala is renowned for soothing, rejuvenating massages and treatments ranging from soaking in medicinal mud baths to herbal aromatic oils. Experience the rhythm of this magical ‘God’s own country’ at the top three destinations in Kerala: Kochi, Varkala and Alappuzha.
Kochi
Kochi reflects hundreds of years of colonial history and cultural diversity. You’ll see a 16th century synagogue, Portuguese houses, old mosques, relics of the British Raj and ancient Chinese Fishing nets which let you get your own catch. You’ll sample the freshest seafood and vegetarian delights draped in succulent, coconut curries. Here you can also live in a traditional homestay with a local family or on a spice plantation.
Varkala
Bask in the sun’s first light as you practice your yoga asanas on one of most gorgeous beaches along India’s western coast backed by towering cliffs. Later in the day, as you put up your feet and unwind to some reggae music, the sea breeze on the bluffs will make you feel alive. Enjoy tropical sunsets over some scrumptious dinners and gaze at the night sky to the sound of surf breaking.
Alappuzha
Alappuzha, also known as Alleppy, is where can cruise along tranquil, tropical villages on a network of the famous backwaters shaded by boughs hanging overhead. If you’re here anytime between June and September, you can also witness exciting snake boat races that celebrate the seafaring traditions of Kerala. When in Alleppy, you can choose to float down gentle waters in a day long tourist cruise or rent a houseboat for a few days to really immerse yourself in India and build up memories for a lifetime.
To truly appreciate all that India has to offer, all you need is time and an imaginative itinerary which Slipstream can provide.
Key Facts
- Weather varies dramatically
- Best time to travel is in the winter months
- Main religion: Hinduism
- Official languages include: Hindi and English
Why India
- Exotic culture and tradition
- Ashrams are sacred places of worship where you can explore your spirituality and the origins of yoga
- Yoga capital of the world
Be Aware Of
- The source of your drinking water, make sure it is bottled water
- Overwhelming crowds
- The necessary immunizations before you travel
- Clothing: Don’t wear anything revealing, don’t wear your shoes inside people’s homes or in most places of worship
- Hygiene: Don’t use your left hand to eat food or pass objects to others
- Touts: Don’t be offended by intrusive questions
- Poverty, social and political unrest remains a problem
To find out more about Slipstream’s unique travel services, you can check out our website www.slipstream.travel
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