I went to a Manga/Anime fair at ExCel at the weekend (www.mcmexpo.net) with my eldest son who is into Naruto, Bleach, Shaman King etc. We queued for 2 hours, but we did finally get to look at the fair: lots of bust stands selling DVDs, games, posters, books, clothing, toys, memorabilia: all the things you'd expect. However, the most intersting thing was that half the audience (aged largely under 25) were what's known as Cosplayers. Sounding very old here. They dress up as the characters from their favourite games and films. Mostly these were from japanese animation, but ther were Dr Whos, Daleks, Power Rangers, some steampunkers too. There were probably as many girls as boys: computer games have historically been a nerdy boys domain - not here, there is romance and realistic female heroines. And it was quite racially diverse. Think you might be gay/lesbian/bi/trans? fine, dress up as who you want, girl or boy. The characters are all very androgenous anyway. It made me think of the Bowie boys (and girls) of the early 70s, and the punks; but there was no snarling political apathy or disaffection, just teenage hormones overflowing and complete conformity and compliance to their media-worship. These kids don't know what rebellion is. Needlesss to say, my boy wants to be a Cosplayer too next time... I have to thank him for getting me into Alan Moore (V for Vendetta, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Watchmen etc) just by being in the same environment.
But please, no more 'Free Hugs'.
Glenn Brown paintings reproducing old masters at Gagosian Gallery, Britannia Street until 26 Nov. Meanwhile Cy Twombly responds to Kerouac's On The Road at Davies Street, until 28 Nov. www.gagosian.com
Atlas Gallery have a show of artist's polaroids, lamenting this medium's demise. Artists include Ansel Adams, Araki, David Bailey, Peter Blake, Erwitt, Walker Evans, Mapplethorpe, Helmut Newton, Mark Quinn, Rankin, Warhol and others; until 28 Nov. www.atlasgallery.com
Thursday 3rd December
SIMON BOOKISH + SAXOPHONES, FARFISA, BASS AND DRUMS : Live at the ICA
This will be a full-length Simon Bookish set, as part of the monthly "Heavy Pencil" night, which features visuals created in real-time by guest illustrators. It may well be the last chance for a while to witness the Bookish band in it's present incarnation. If you want an audio preview, check the Bookish website where you can listen to all three Simon Bookish albums, the singles, remixes, etc, including the recent album EVERYTHING/EVERYTHING
Shlomo & The Vocal Orchestra: BoxedThursday 7 - Friday 8 January 2010
This brand new theatrical show from Shlomo and acclaimed beatbox choir The Vocal Orchestra brings together extraordinary vocal gymnastics and slick choreography, with live vocal music, ranging from jazz to Latin to drum and bass.
Litro Live 29 October features the usual mix of spoken word and music, but this time its 18:00 - 00:00 in the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen, Hyde Park. Talk is of ghosts and vampires, but the thing which interest me is 24 year old artist and macabre taxidermist Adele Morse. www.litro.co.uk
New Year's Eve Party with Bellowhead Thursday 31 December, Southbank Centre
Join Bellowhead and guests for a night on the high seas to celebrate New Year's Eve. Expect special sets from the band, DJs, games, access to an exclusive riverside terrace to watch the fireworks and much more at this unique nautical-themed party.
Free Tortoise download and Cluster to support
