* Merry Christmas

The Room Number 6 wishes you a Merry Christmas.

Let this special night be filled with gifts, happy meals but most of all, with love!

Enjoy your Christmas Holidays with the ones that love you most!

* Madrid’s “OCULTOS”

Madrid offers a wide range of exhibitions, most of them revealing the new angles of photographic art. “Ocultos” is a good example of that: a photography exhibition dedicated to the back part of our body.
The “Fundación Canal” opens its doors from the 3rd October to the 6th January, with no admission fee, to any curious eye who wants to see the work of 67 celebrated photographers, exploring human bottoms in all shapes and sizes. The idea, as organisers say, is to show “the multiple artistic possibilities of the human body seen from behind". The photographers have portrayed in their works the part of the body that isn’t so common to be seen in the artistic field. We can appreciate through four small rooms various appealing pictures that proof that capturing a face isn’t everything in photography. The collection includes important names in the photographic world, such as Cartier-Bresson, Mapplethorpe, Man Ray, Lucien Clergue and the spaniards Joan Colom, Rafael Navarro, Ramón Masats, Isabel Muñoz, among others.
The name of the exhibition was inspired by the legendary private studies where art collectors secretly stored their “hottest” works.
A suggestion for those who enjoy appreciating different art works from the beginning of the XXth century until today, in a cosy gallery in the centre of Madrid.

* Centre Pompidou collection in Lisbon

The exhibition „Centre Pompidou novos Media” in Lisbon will be on exhibition until January in the “Museu do Chiado”. You will find 23 pieces from 19 artists from all over the world. It is a display about the story of television and it is split into four themes: “For an imaginary television”, “Search for identity”, “From monitor to installation” and “After-cinema”. You should expect a big exhibition because of all the international artists like Stan Douglas, Valie Export, Bill Viola, Bruce Nauman or Pierre Huyghe but it will be over in 45 minutes. It is a small exhibition but a very entertaining and interesting one.
However, it is a precondition for everyone to inform themselves before visiting this exhibition, so that it will be quite easier to interpret every single piece. Indeed it is really worth seeing because of all the curious pieces and techniques like the figures from Tony Oursler, which have real faces beamed onto them and so look not only amazing but also real. The project “The third Memory” form Pièrre Huyghe, where he combines live TV footage of the original robbery with excerpts from the film „A dog day afternoon“ is also a wonderful example.
It is a great exhibition in general but particularly for those who study the science of media.

* A rainy day

I had been looking at our photograph for hours. It reminded me how happy we were together. I looked outside, through my window, and realised it had been a long time since the day I first saw you...

It was raining.

The rain kept me thinking about that day, that moment in the photograph. It was a day just like today. We had been sitting at the beach, with the rain pouring on our faces, feeling the cold breeze that was coming from the sea.

I really missed you.I had been trying to figure out how to let you go but I didn't seem able to do it. I held the photograph close to me and I held it tightly, like I was holding you in my arms.

The rain started to fall violently and, as I reached my window to close it, a sudden wind left it open. So, without a warning, our photograph, which I held so carefully, flew away with the wind.

We were gone.

Written by Vanessa Oliveira

* The kiss

I was looking at a blank canvas.

My inspiration had vanished! I had too much going on my mind.

How was I going to help my mother with her criminal charge?

This thought had been hunting me for weeks.

Today was the day.

I put my brushes aside and dressed myself. At 9:30 o'clock I was at 'The Poet' expecting Michael, the lawyer my friend Laura had recommended. Finally, at 10:00 o'clock, when I was thinking about leaving, he showed up.

"You're late" - I said.

There were no excuses or appologies.

He started talking about my mother's case and what the worst scenario could be, but his dark blue eyes kept observing me, distracting me.

Then we started talking about ourselves, putting my mother's charge aside, and seduced ourselves.

We were numbed!

I said I had to go. He said that he had found me and now he wouldn't let me go. I argued thar we had met eachother only for a few hours. He said it didn't matter.

"How long does it take to be in love?" he asked me.

I was speachless.

Then, without a warning, he grabbed my arm and kissed me.

It was raining and I left 'The Poet'.

"It had been love since the first moment". I had finally realised it.

And that answer dissolved with the rain.

Written by Vanessa Oliveira

* Odalisc

There I was, lost in that strange country, trying to run from the nightmare of the loss of my mother and all the bills to pay.
Back in France I had no inspiration, no money, no love... And here, in India, I started beeing protected by a monk, living in his palace, using all hisfortune and slaves; I was having the time of my life, he appreciated my work.
On one of those amazing nights I noticed one of the odaliscs was staring at me and the night after that and the next...
The next day I decided to call her and ask her name. “I don’t have a name” she said “I’m a slave”. Her eyes captured my attention from the first moment, and after this time I was still amazed by them. “I will call you Akino”, I said, she smiled at me and kissed me. We went to my room and she said: “ paint me” and started taking her clothes off. I felt more inspired than ever. She was laying on my bed looking at me over her shoulder.
I started painting her, all that green background and her skin tone...Perfect!
A few hours later it was done, I felt that that was my masterpiece, she looked at the painting and without saying a word left the room, that was the last time I saw her.

Written by Mariana Almeida

* My Life (so far) in a Mural

If one of these days I become a very important person, world wide respectedand admired I would like to have a mural to honour me instead of a statue.
In that mural there would be photos of my friends and I, my family and my dog, because they mean the world to me, my favourite artistic photos, paintings from “neo-classic”, “romantic”, “surrealism”, “hiper-realism” … painters, lyrics from my favourite songs, my favourite poems, and graffiti from the Portugal best writer ‘Odeith’ and my friends.
All together we can say that all my passions would be represented in that mural, but there are some that are missing like travelling, sports, cinema and theatre but that can not be represented in a mural…
Telling the story of my life is not interesting because only a few years ago have I discovered these passions that have coloured my life, this passion for ART, and knowing my passions you understand my life because I like to be alive and enjoy every minute. This idea grows stronger in my mind every day “a vida é umas ferias que a morte nos dá”.

Written by Mariana Almeida

* A Arte e Cultura no Império Russo nas colecções do Hermitage – de Pedro, o grande a Nicolau II

- The Decadence of the Romanov Dinasty at the Palácio da Ajuda

Around 600 pieces of the Hermitage Museum are presented in this unique exhibition in Lisbon. Walking into the Galeria D. Luís I of Palácio da Ajuda, we enter the luxurious era of the Russian czars. All the paintings, sculptures, costumes, jewellery and furniture are arranged in chronological order, with a colour for each period of reign.

The exhibition is unnecessarily divided in two, since the first part consists only of a banquet-set table filled with golden decorations and with the finest china – a scenario which shows the shocking reality of that time, when the decadent lifestyle of the emperors would contrast with the Russian people’s pitiable conditions (poverty, famine,…) – while the other one contains the great majority of the pieces exhibited.
Here, in the second part, the paintings in focus show us more about the Romanov emperors. The other objects, such as costumes, jewellery or furniture, allow us to picture the daily routine of the royal family in a more realistic way, which is not possible by merely admiring photographs or paintings.

The items that captivate our attention the most are, possibly, the sofa on which the family was photographed for the last time and the two sleighs: a little one used by the children and a bigger one used in formal ceremonies. These are the final items to be seen in the exhibition and leave the visitor with a strange impression of having visited a far back gone fairy tale.

Rated 4/5

* If Only She Had Listened

It’s 2 am and I just can’t fall asleep.
I’m sitting on the roof, looking at the bright stars in the sky, with the memory of that night burning in my mind. I can still see her tearful blue eyes breaking my heart.
I had invited Clarice to come to my house to see a movie the day before, but she smiled and said she would give me an answer later in the evening. I was so excited with the idea of having a chance to be alone with her and to finally express my true feelings.
The dinner was on the table when the phone rang ‘Pete, I’m so happy! James D. asked me out for a street race! Can you believe it?’ – actually, I could. My best friend, that was also the girl I was in love with, would rather be with the typical bad boy – Mr. D.
We argued; I said it was a terrible idea, that street racing was dangerous and that she shouldn’t jeopardize her life just because she had a crush on some stupid guy; but she wasn’t listening to a word I said. I didn’t even mention our plans, I just didn’t want her to go on that silly race with Mr. Danger.
It was late at night and I was staring at the TV screen, angry with myself because of my impotence, when I received a text message that would make my world collapse.

« Clarice and JD had an accident.
Come FAST »

I ran out of the house in panic and a few minutes later I arrived at the scene of the accident – I froze when I saw the state that the red car was in.
In a little while I was already standing on pieces of broken glass, holding her blonde head in my in my arms and I soon realized that my hands were all bloody...
“I love you” were my last words to Clarice while hers were “I’m sorry”; but my last thought will forever be like her painful scream, if only she had listened.

! Upgrade Yourself !

I found out some cool and interesting music groups...

Check out and sing along:

Mazgani

Beirut (I just love "Elephant Gun")

* My life

My name is Clara, I’m twenty years old and maybe, if everything goes right, you’ll see my name, in the future, in the news, in the press or even in an exposition like World Press Photo. Well, I’m a little bit ambitious, but, in fact, I’m going to need a lot of ambition. So, let me tell you a little bit about myself…
I live in Lisbon and have lived here for all my life. My house is in a quiet quarter called “Campo de Ourique”, right in the centre of the town, near the beautiful garden “Jardim da Estrela”, where I walk my dog Mao everyday. He follows me in everything I do: he sleeps while I’m reading, he listens to the same music as I do (from The Doors to Ali Farka Toure, world music and many genres, from a smooth jazz song to a vibrant drum&bass rhythm).
I’m finishing this year my Journalism degree, which I hope will open many doors to pursue what I want to do: photojournalism. In fact, next year, I hope to complete my academic education with a Photography course abroad and apply myself to a Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation scholarship. In order to do that, I have to develop my personal portfolio, that’s why next week I’m going to Madrid and Barcelona to capture the concept of street art.
Travelling is one of my biggest passions. Me and my friends are always doing crazy low-budget trips, which lead us all over the world, sleeping on beaches and parks, surfing (I simply love bodyboard, plus I’m lucky to live close to the sea), cooking in amazing monuments, meeting different people and having good moments to remember and share.
“Life’s a beach and then you dive”.

* telling lives.... that´s mine!!!

When I was born, in 1985, my mum was 19 and my father 20. It was a very difficult situation. They didn’t finish school and they were far away from being responsible. Only eleven months later my little sister Cheila was born and the situation got even worse. My mother moved to her parents-in-law and my father went to Switzerland to earn money. I’m sure that this period of life was extremely hard; their financial condition wasn’t the best and they didn’t have any chance to give us a safe and good future.
But they still kept and loved us; they did everything they could to guarantee a good future. To earn even more money, my mother went to Switzerland too and me and my sister stayed with my grandmother for a whole year. When they came back I didn’t recognize my parents - now I know that this detail was terrible for them, but at this moment it was the truth.
Well, my uncle was living at this time in Germany and he got a job for my dad, so the whole family moved there. I was five and quite curious but soon I realized that it would become more difficult than I had expected. Because of this big change in our life I couldn’t establish a strong connection with my parents. I’m pretty sad about that but above all I’m so thankful for what my parents did all those years, I know it was a huge challenge to live in another country, without being able to speak the language and let their parents behind - and all this with two children to take care of. I’m really proud of my parents, I’m grateful for all the sacrifices they have made and I feel blessed for having them!

* Assessment 1 - Change

It was the best time of my life. I was in love and engaged, I had a great job and my life was beginning to start a new period - until the accident.
After a friend’s birthday party I was driving home when something happened and I can’t explain what it was. I lost control of my car and it went off the road into a tree. I don’t remember anything after that but I must have suffered serious injuries because I woke up in hospital. When the doctor told me the diagnosis I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it; how would I be able to manage my life from a wheelchair? I didn’t understand why destiny was punishing me so hard.
Tom, my fiancé at the time had always been there for me, he never gave up and cheered me up all the time. Just two days before the tragic accident happened, he had proposed to me and we were planning the wedding. But now, what would our future be like? I was insecure and afraid but Tom never went away.
Just one year after all that, he proposed to me again and we decided to marry as soon as possible.
Now 30 years later when I’m thinking about this time it’s still hard but I can’t and I won’t imagine how my life could be different because of the great life I have had with two beautiful, healthy children, and to become paraplegic was just a station in my life and not the end.

* a blank canvas...a kiss.. a criminal charge!!!

In 2002, while a young woman was visiting a Museum, she committed a huge mistake. First she admired all the beautiful pieces of art and felt so peaceful in there. But then she came to a separate room and didn’t realize that this room used to be private and not open to the public. Because of all the interesting stuff she founds in there she spent nearly one hour looking for something different. Almost hidden in the corner she finally found a blank canvas but she didn’t has enough time to analyze it, because the person in charge was coming, so she thought it may will be amusing to leave her own mark on it and kissed the white canvas three times. After that she left the Museum quietly and went home without thinking about what she did.
Then, the next day while she was eating, she heard of the tragic incident. She turned the TV up louder and was shocked. The police were searching a young girl who had been seen in the Museum yesterday. This girl was accused of damaging the back of a famous painting with stains of lipstick and it resulted in a criminal charge.

! Upgrade Yourself !

[click in the image to enter the site]

* Big Fish - Movie Review

"Big Fish" is a very sweet drama film about stories of the life of Edward Bloom. Edward (Ewan McGregor) has been a storyteller his whole life, and he has told these stories to his son. Will Bloom feels like he doesn't know his father because of his habit of telling exaggerated and untrue stories. He got mad at him and he hasn't spoken with him for years, he thinks his father is a liar that never cared for his family. One day his mother tells him that his father is dying of cancer and he returns home to find out the true stories of his father's life. This film is about Edward's fantasies stories through flashbacks that begin when his son visits him for the last time.

Although this is a really good film it's not my favorite. But I like it because it’s about the power of stories and the wonder they hold. In this film we see the real and the fantastic and we find out that the truth is somewhere in the middle. His father doesn't lie to make himself better, but is trying to tell the truth more beautifully.

I got involved and I admired its beauty. Edward says things like "the biggest fish in the river gets that way by never getting caught". In the end, Will becomes the storyteller.

Written by Tatiana Saavedra

* When I Turned My Back, I Realised He Had Gone

It was a bright sunny day in spring. As I was walking down the road I could see the birds around the trees that were swaying with the calm breeze. I was mesmorised by the colours that afternoon. After my walk in the garden, I stopped by the bridge, looking at the little river where there were frogs jumping around. I was amused by that image when I realised that graceful swallows were flying from under the bridge to the wide open sky.
Distracted by that thought and by the memories that were crossing my mind, I hadn’t noticed that a man was by my side, also distracted by the amazing nature that surrounded us.
The old, black man started talking to me about the migration of the swallows and I was listening to him while also remembering all the things that my father had taught me about nature and wildlife. These thoughts were interrupted as the man introduced himself.

He looked tired and heavy – as if he had a hard job and a complicated life, but still he seemed happy with all the good things life had given him; he showed me a picture of his children and told me their names and asked me mine. At the time I thought that maybe I should feel uncomfortable with talking with a stranger, but I wasn’t. I felt like we were the only people in the garden, absorbing all the smells around us: from the fragrant roses to the “fresh cut grass” smell. Only we could understand each other.
When I asked him his name, I could never have imagined what a coincidence the answer would be. His name was the same as my father’s - the one I was missing the most. I felt his presence in the form of that stranger and everything made sense. I felt grace and smiled.
But I had to go. I had to go home. I had to move on.
I did, and as I turned my back, I realised he had gone.

Written by Beatriz Araújo

* Can tears wash away sadness?

I can't describe the pain I feel inside, the pain he made me feel. I trusted him. He said he wanted to be with me. I should have known it was all too good to be true. I told him how I was tired of being hurt and I believed it when he said that he wouldn't hurt me... lies… all lies. It was all an illusion, when I really needed him he wasn't there. People around me say that I will get over him and that I'll find someone new and love again but they don’t know the pain I feel. I sit here, my eyes overflowing with tears. How could he hurt me so badly when all I did was love him?
Thoughts and lies that he said swarm inside my head but what hurts me more is when I remember the day I said "I love you" and as I turned my back I realised he had gone.

Written by Tatiana Saavedra

* My Life

Hi!!!
My name is Tatiana Saavedra and I am Portuguese. I was born March 8, 1987, in Faro. I'm 20 years old and I'm living with my parents. My father is a Pilot and he was allocated in different places to do his job, so when I was a child I lived in a lot of places like: the Algarve (Vila Real de Santo António), Alentejo (Beja), Lisbon (Massamá and Oeiras) and Germany!
I remember when I came back from Germany, my family hadn't seen me for a few years and they treated me as if I were the same age as when they had last met me! They gave me gifts that were inappropriate for my age and they talked to me in a way that made me feel silly. I understand that when someone isn't there to see you, they may forget that you’ve grown up. Travelling, meeting new people and new cultures are my passions! I Love big cities with lots of culture and activities.
I want to finish University and get a job in tourism. After that I want to know the world. I know the next few years will be exciting and stressful at the same time but I want to take positive steps and be proud of myself. I also want to remain positive in spirit and have wonderful moments with my friends and family.

Written by Tatiana Saavedra

* A Blank Kiss

They hadn’t yet reached a safe distance from the Museum when they heard the sirens. The safety of the package was their only concern. They had been running through Paris’ darkest streets for 30 minutes when Laura told Henri to stop.

‘I just want to say that no matter what happens from now on, I’m glad we did this together’, she said to him.
‘Me, too’, her partner said, smiling. ‘Thanks to you my performance has improved so much’

Laura had already surprised him with the compliment, but the unexpected kiss was too much.

Later, in the hotel suite, Henri decided to take a quick shower. After what had happened, he now felt free to admire her beauty. She was changing her clothes and pretended not to notice it. While he was in the shower, he was telling her about all the amazing plans after he receives the money. But a chill shivered down his spine when he detected nothing but silence coming from their room. He ran from the bathroom to the bed. He panicked when his eyes met a package on the wrinkled sheets. By the time he had finished unwrapping it, all those happy thoughts had faded away. She had swapped a priceless Picasso for a blank canvas, complete with a small note on the reverse:

Love, Laura.
P.S. I’m sorry

He was surrounded by officers, warning him about the criminal charge against him, but all he could think of was Laura and the amount of money they could have shared.

Written by Beatriz Araújo

* My Life

Music, music, music. Ever since I was a little girl I have surrounded myself with music. When I was at the primary school, I started to listen to the radio and also to collect music albums. The songs that I liked the most were in English and because of that I felt motivated to learn the language in order to understand what my favourite artists were singing.
Consequently, my interest in the English language increased and became another passion alongside music. My ability to fall in love with a song, almost immediately, and listen to it over and over again was a huge help in the learning process.
I was only 12 years old when I was forced to face a serious problem in my life. It was at that time that I discovered the power of music. Sure we can have fun and dance whenever we listen to a song. But that’s not it. Music has the power to heal the pain we’re feeling, the power to let us express ourselves, the power to unite people and the power to make us both travel through memories and time.
Maybe that’s why I always have a couple of songs for each person or moment in my life. It’s a way of photographing a personality, a mood, an environment or even an experience. My friends are always making fun of this, because every song has a special meaning for me and I can have thousands of explanations for it. They also laugh every time I interrupt a conversation just because a song starts playing and I can’t help but sing along with it.
The happiest day of my life was when I first saw a live performance by U2. I was so thrilled about the show. I hope they’ll come back soon.

Written by Beatriz Araújo