TravelswithCharie

Foreigners, Zadik Zadikian, Gold leaf from Return , the first exhibition of Zadikian’s work in his home country The Cascade Complex of Yerevan is undeniably one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. With its terraced gardens and fountains, it is a sight to behold as it ascends to the top of the hill where you’ll find incomparable views of the city and Mount Ararat on a clear day. You can climb up 572 steps to the top or you can take an escalator inside the building and enjoy the modern and contemporary art collection of Gerard L. Cafesjian who gave $120 million towards the renovation and completion of the Cascade. This complex is a triple treat: indoor galleries with a stunning art collection, outdoor terraced gardens and fountains with sculptural pieces and the tree-lined sculpture garden. And there is no entrance fee. Make that a quadruple treat! Foreigners (entirety) Cause and Effect, Do-Ho Suh, South Korea, 2007 acrylic, resin, aluminum, stainless steel Pegasus, Manuel Marin, S...

Third Station: Jesus falls the first time 1960. Oil on canvas. Don Bosco Chapel Series It’s been several years since I’ve been trying to see the complete set of paintings of the Stations of the Cross by Carlos “Botong” Francisco but the pandemic got in the way and then in 2023, we were denied entry to the two schools where these stations of the cross are displayed; at FEU University’s Our Lady of Fatima Chapel and Don Bosco Technical College. Both are in Metro Manila. We were denied entry to these chapels because a permit is required for non students to enter school grounds. I did as the staff suggested and sent requests online to view these paintings in March 2024 when I was in the Philippines but neither of them responded affirmatively or at all. I’m saddened by this denial as my intention is simple: to write and inform my readers about the artworks of Francisco. My blogs about his paintings have been viewed by more than 100,000 readers and it’s obvious there’s a profound interes...

Casapueblo, Punta Ballena Just a few minutes from the popular beach destination of Punta del Este is Casapueblo which sits on the edge of a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If you're staying at the hotel, then you're in for a big treat. Imagine the view of the blue ocean made more dazzling by the sun. But that's not all. There's also an art gallery and museum next door which displays the artistic works of Carlos Páez Vilaró who also designed Casapueblo, his permanent home and studio. Casapueblo reminds one of the Greek isles at first glimpse. But it isn't that simple. Look closely and you'll find the influence of Gaudi in the architecture which Vilaró himself built with no plans. There are no straight lines. The interior has many passages and narrow stairs leading to enchanting rooms, everyone of which is different from the other. Notice the curving lines and the rooftops with their pointed concrete posts. Vilaró liked his house to a hornero's (ovenbird...