L O N D O N M E T S T U D E N T E X H I B I T I O N

Whilst I'm mingling around  with complicated html codes for the new blog layout, I've taken the time to venture round for London Architecture Festival and seeing as today is the last day, it seems only right for me to show you the inspiring exhibition I went to.




London Met university held their annual student exhibition show this month showing only the weird and wonderful designs that make you wonder what? where? and how? they found the time to execute so much in so little time.


As I start my final year this september with a bunch load of dissertation prep hand-ins and more ever so glorious models, I can only start to think and gather a flood load of inspiration this summer.





Even though today is the last day of London Architecture Festival, Don't fret! There's plenty more events happening this summer. Check here for more.

P H O T O G R A P H Y I N S P I R A T I O N: I N T H E E Y E S O F J I M M Y N E L S O N

For the past week I've been looking around for some photography inspiration, hence the previous post where I was pondering to myself about the controversial yet meaningful photographs of tribal marks. It lead me onto various subjects and details of tribal culture in Africa and how many of these are slowly dying away.

As I started getting more infatuated with Isabel Munoz, I came across Jimmy Nelson.


Nelson has been travelling around the world for more than 45 years, capturing the lives of more than 29 tribes. He recalls "I see myself as a messenger, not evangelical, but telling a story. My story of travel experiences, showing those tribal people in their most beautiful, iconic way and telling their story. I want to share three lessons with you: judgement, choice and connection"

Jimmy Nelson created the opus, 'Before they pass away" which details him venturing out to 44 different countries whilst carrying his camera, from the deep cold brisk snow engulfing Mongolia, to the dark rain forests of Papa New Guinea. He documented these tribes to show people before they soon become obsolete.

"In the Western world we think in boxes; so let's think outside the box. Look closer! If we deface people from other cultures, we are prejudiced. And also within our own culture we are". Nelson continues to say that, "When you are vulnerable you can connect with people on any level. And we just have to wake up to a new reality: this process, of tribes disappearing with their pure way of living, is going. We need to start a new dialogue and I use my book to start this dialogue with those tribesmen, They can learn from each other and we can learn from them all: they are wealthy in another way. I want to show them the pictures and learn what they have:how rich they are!"


Within his book you can step into the true adventures and grasp the cultures of each tribe. On his site, he displays some of tribes that he came across.

The Banna
Which inhabit most of the highlands east of Omo river, practise ritual dancing and singing.






The Huli tribe, Papa New Guinea
They have fought over land, cattle and women and the Huli wig men are most notable for painting their faces yellow, red and white and also for their creative tradition of making ornamented wigs.







Samburu, Kenya
Located in the Northern Kenya, they have to relocate every 5-6 weeks due to cattle feeding.




Maasai, Tanzania
The Maasai have fought their way from Sudan to their present destination since the 15th Century and have taken over the majority of the land in the Rift Valley.




Tsaatan, Mongolia
Known as the reindeer people, they are the last reindeer hurders to survive and their existence is currently at risk as only 44 families remain.

All Photos © Jimmy Nelson-All Rights Reserved

I think seeing his work has opened my mind to the possibilities that could evolve when trying to develop this upcoming theme of lost tribesmen and their cultures. Looking at these photographs are helping me to see outside of myself. Even though i'm not travelling at the moment, these photos make me feel like i'm able to see and take a journey like Nelson's. These photos don't just make you think, they help you dream.

T R I B A L M A R K S

As I'm typing in front of my laptop, I'm still trying to understand my definition of beauty. I've been at this for quite some time and I keep going round in circles. Think i've now realised i've got artist block...

[1 hour, 2 days later]

Just when I thought all hope was lost (literally, my mind has never been so blank),  an image that I reblogged on my now non-existent tumblr seeped through my mind. It was a photograph of a milk chocolate toned man who had the most interesting tribal markings. The imagery of the markings on his body just stuck in my head like glue and as my eyes were travelling around sites I came across Photographer Isabel Munoz.



The Barcelona-born photographer managed to capture what I define as beauty. Each shot is able to encompass such intensity and rhythm that it no longer feels like a normal photograph but it makes you feel present. Like you're drumming your eyes around each scar that shows on the flesh and trying to feel the contrast between the smooth skin and the rough hiccup of the marks.

The process of scarification is what is constantly thickening inside of my head as it reflects commitment and dedication to their tribe. Their tribe is part of their flesh, as if to say they are bound by blood. What fascinates me the most are the different intricate shapes, patterns that make their identity.




Why do they do this?
In ancient times, a King would reward his slave by marking his body as this was seen as royalty. Among multiple different tribes, markings are used for medical, aesthetic, religious and identity purposes. They use their bodies as art, however, in recent times these markings have declined (due to international campaigns) which is why it inspires me even greater.  What will happen to their identity?
How will they celebrate? Finally, is this change slowly forcing us to trade our traditions and our identity to that of the Western world?

C H I N C H I N

All throughout my exam season I needed something to snack on. Something that didn't make me feel too guilty, like crisps and a chuck load of sweets and something that wasn't overly appetising that it completely distracted me away from all my technical drawings.

 So during the easter holidays my aunty and I decided to make a Nigerian snack, Chin chin. One of my all time favourite finger foods that I don't have too much of, but is always just right.

Then I started to think *inserts cartoon air bubbles*, many of my close friends are graduating this year whilst I have one more year left of my undergraduate course... so what would be a great inexpensive gift to give? mhmmm... something that I know they'll love and won't leave me with massive holes in my pocket.. Mhmm.



Bingo, Yes! you got the answer too (well if you were unlucky and you didn't, the chin chin is not impressed).

Chin Chin in old wine bottles wrapped with a ribbon and a little note. How cute?!

When it comes to gifts I love giving and creating them. FYI friends appreciate gifts that you make or thought about more than they like gifts that you just spray wads of cash on, so this is perfect. And it's great for the tummies too!


 Normally, chin chin is served at celebratory functions and we Nigerians are very much known for our party party lifestyle, which means it's always around. Some people love it and some people hate it, kinda like marmite in that sense but definitely not in taste. It's not too sweet but it's a great dry snack that is great for nibbles!

Nom nom nom... *nibbles away*

Ingredients

+ 5 cups of plain flour

+ egg

+  1 tbsp thyme/mixed herbs

+ pinch of baking powder

+ 1/2 tbsp of thyme

+ 6 tbsp of sugar  (you can reduce if you wish, but it is a sweet snack)

+1/4 cup of milk

+1/3 cup of water

+ Sunflower oil to fry

+ 1/2 stick of butter

Extras

+ wine bottles
+ ribbon/ string
+ card
+ pen


+ First thing first, You want combine all the dry ingredients and mix together. So start with the flour and keep adding until you're left with the eggs, water, butter and milk.



+ Next, you want to pour the water and milk into one little pot and heat till the butter has turned to liquid form



+ After this,  pour the liquid into the dry mixture and stirring it. After everything is mixed, the fun part starts and you get to knead the dough.

+ Next, you must cover the surface with flour and get a rolling pin and roll out your dough.



+ After rolling it out to you want to slice  the dough into long thing strips like above. Straight after dice them into mini cute squares.

+ You're almost done! Heat your cooker and place oil into your pan so that it can deep fry. You don't need too much oil, so it's best to start by pouring until it reaches 1/3 of your pot.



+ Taadaa!!! These cuties will have you munching, crunching and lunching (naa, that really didn't work) all over the place.

One tip, if it's not crunchy enough, leave it by the window sill or in a well ventilated area for a couple hours. It taste better the next day especially if it's very brown in colour.



Now all you have left are your wine bottles, ribbons and card.

+ Soak the wine bottles in hot water for 20 minutes and use a cleaning brush to take off all the branding labels stuck on the bottles. Brush it squeaky clean (took me a while).

+ Get a towel and just wipe it dry

+ Get the string/ ribbon and wrap it round the bottle top. Don't complete it.

+ Cut the card to whatever size and pierce a hole through it with a hole puncher.

+Write your little message, tie to the ribbon and complete the bow.

You don't have to just do it with Chin Chin, you can add/ make mini sweets, chocolates or even popcorn.