With love, today and always —

 

Your smile lights every heart,

Your friendship is a beautiful art.

You bring loved ones closer in every way,

Spreading joy wherever you stay.

May your life be filled with cheer,

Blessings, laughter, year after year.

With love, today and always —

Have a truly wonderful birthday !

~ Dawn

Kerala's Legacy Lives On: 'Cross Belt' in San Francisco

Thapasya Arts San Francisco recently brought the powerful drama "Cross Belt," penned by the esteemed late N.N. Pillai, to the HUSD Performing Arts Center in Hayward. This staging, performed entirely by talented Bay Area artists, offered a compelling live rendition of a story widely recognized through its 1970 film adaptation.

While many associate "Cross Belt" with the film directed by Crossbelt Mani and produced by A. Ponnappan, featuring iconic performances by Sathyan, Sharada, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, and Adoor Bhasi, it's crucial to acknowledge the play's original theatrical roots. The narrative, whether on screen or stage, delves into a woman's desperate act of violence born from challenging circumstances, and the subsequent repercussions. N.N. Pillai's writing, both for the stage and the film, explores complex social issues and human drama, with the title "Cross Belt" itself alluding to the law enforcement theme central to the story.

Witnessing the Bay Area production evoked vivid memories of watching the classic black-and-white film. The local cast and crew delivered an exceptional performance, demonstrating that the spirit of Malayalam theater flourishes even far from Kerala. 

Their dedication and passion were palpable, creating an immersive and moving experience. The enthusiastic applause at the play's conclusion was a sincere expression of gratitude for the artists' commitment and talent.

This performance of "Cross Belt" served as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of regional art and its ability to connect communities. It was a testament to the Bay Area's vibrant Malayalam cultural scene, where art and community seamlessly intertwine, leaving a lasting and impactful impression.

A Saturday evening well spent !

~Dawn

We must keep going !

This past Saturday, January 25th, the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco hosted a captivating event in partnership with SFJAZZ, celebrating Black History Month with a unique blend of art and music.

The afternoon began with a guided tour of MoAD's exhibitions. MoAD's current exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Black identity, creativity, and the concept of "liberatory living." The show cleverly intertwines art and design, showcasing how everyday objects and spaces can become powerful expressions of self and community.

Zanele Muholi's striking photographic portrait, "Balindile I, the square, Cape Town 2017," likely served as a compelling anchor for the exhibition. Muholi's work often confronts issues of race, gender, and sexuality, and this piece probably provided a powerful lens through which to view the other works. Malene Djaneba Barnett's "Illusion of Softness" wallpaper added a tactile and visually rich dimension. Barnett's work explores themes of African heritage and ancestral connection, and the wallpaper likely created an immersive environment within the exhibition.

The overall theme of "Liberatory Living: Black Radical Joy" provided a framework for understanding the works on display. It suggests that by creating and inhabiting spaces that reflect their own values and aesthetics, Black individuals can experience a sense of freedom, joy, and empowerment. 

This exhibition seems to be a testament to MoAD's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives within the African diaspora. By blending art, design, and social commentary, it creates a thought-provoking and inspiring experience with a range of powerful and thought-provoking works exploring the African diaspora. Museum tours always offer a chance for personal reflection and shared perspectives, and this one was likely no different, sparking conversations and deepening understanding.

Following the tour, the focus shifted to music with a performance by the talented Martin Luther McCoy, known for his soulful blend of blues, R&B, and storytelling, McCoy treated the audience to an intimate concert in the museum's gallery. He was joined by bassist Elizabeth, adding depth and groove to his signature sound. This performance was particularly special as it offered a first listen to selections from McCoy's upcoming album "Welcome Back Love," giving attendees a sneak peek into his creative process.

Overall, the event seems to have been a resounding success, offering a rich and engaging experience that combined the visual power of art with the emotive force of music. It provided a fitting tribute to Black History Month, showcasing the creativity and resilience of Black artists and their contributions to our cultural landscape. And meeting curator Kee Jo Lee at the end of the visit was a great way to deepen my understanding of the exhibition. Curators play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of an exhibition, and Lee's insights likely added a valuable layer to our experience.

The personal touch at MoAD extended beyond the art itself. Elizabeth Gessel, the Director of Public Programs, sent a thoughtful email after I registered for the event, which made me feel welcomed and valued. Then, receiving a thank you note from her after attending added a special touch and deepened my connection to the museum. This level of personal attention and care elevated the entire experience, making it feel truly touching and thoughtful.

~Dawn

Love!

 While roaming around the streets of Tel Aviv,

Noticed some arts and crafts exhibition,

The street was dazzling with creativity,

And I saw this bench with full of hearts,

Someone said, there's a man who connects the hearts,

Who would follow that?, when there is tinder and dating sites?

Well, in Tel Aviv there is a man who connects

people's heart and there are enough hearts to connect too!

Spreading love in the middle of all the chaos,

is what life is about - Love!!

~ Dawn

“Creativity takes courage”

I was going to write today about my nostalgic feelings after watching the movie Rocketman as it brought back so many of my childhood memories. This man Elton John, who brought so much of happiness to people's life through his music, was actually suffering and was never loved. It made me very sad and inside me I was sad and was reading every article and information that I could get on Elton John. 

"The function of art is to struggle against obligation" 

There's a period where you suffer through and then a period where you compose yourself and express it so its out of your system and today exactly that's what my plan was, until!!!!

I read a post on my facebook which one of my friend posted it about another Kathakali artist whom I know as well. This friend is an artist besides a tech professional and often goes to India and within Bay Area to perform Kathakali, an art that originates from Kerala. Originates doesn't mean that you own and no one else can learn and master it or be creative with an art.

The post that was shared was from 2016, however this friend shared it now and apparently I know the artist about whom they posted about is from northern India and loves Kathakali form of art and he learned and he performs all over the world. Part of his performance he has achieved lot of name and fame for his performances and he has got lot of rewards and one of them is from the Ministry of India as well.

"Art is not always about pretty things. It's about Who we are, What happened to us, and How our lives are affected" ~ Elizabeth Broun 

When I read it was about this person getting the Ministry award and bunch of Kerala folks criticizing the artist and claiming that he is not doing Kathakali but something else.
I mean a form of art no matter where it originates, but if someone else masters it how can you get jealous? How can you not promote the artist for loving your art and appreciate his effort? Thats basic human instinct! But you being an artist yourself? How can you not support your fellow artists no matter whether you know them or not... they are artist and what I believe is true artist they always support other artists. Because they know the effort that one has to put in and in return they don't get much other than appreciation.

"The job of an artist is to offer a sanctuary of beauty to an ugly world." ~ Jeff Goins

I was really disappointed to see something like this shared in social media. 
Why can't we human be human and not be jealous and selfish? 

Disappointing!

"Never speak from a place of hate, jealousy, anger, or insecurity. Evaluate your words before you let them leave your lips. Sometimes its best to keep quiet."

~ Dawn