Aesop- September newsletter

September 2011

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

In 1966, Robert F. Kennedy quoted the curse 'May you live in interesting times,' explaining he and his contemporaries did just that. We'd argue that times are always interesting, but, to mangle the Anna Karenina Principle, every time is interesting in its own way. Without diminishing the world's troubles, we guide you here towards that which is uplifting. Consider the stunning retrospective of Louise Bourgeois' (1911-2010) work at the National Gallery of Iceland, an exhibition of twenty-eight refined pieces including the spider sculpture Maman. In Melbourne, the NGV show Vienna: Art & Design also leans towards beautiful provocation. Equally lyrical is Wim Wender's Pina, a film made for celebrated German choreographer Pina Bausch. Keen readers should attend Jonathan Franzen's one-night-only talk at the Sydney Writers Festival, then follow this by perusing Christopher Turner's Adventures in the Orgasmatron: How the Sexual Revolution Came to America, a biography of controversial psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich. For an altogether different form of creativity, visit Dries Van Noten men's store in Paris, which has the most distinctive retail interior, alongside Aesop's of course. Interesting times call for interesting measures.

READ
Transparent Things (1972) by Vladimir Nabokov. If ever there was an author who polarised readers, Nabokov is the one. We have no wish to weigh into the debate, but we would suggest that if a book is judged on its merit as a standalone object, separate from the chatter that circles the author, the melancholic novella Transparent Things makes the grade. The narrator walks us through four trips to a village in Switzerland, each one forming part of a tale saturated in skilfully articulated nostalgia, regret and uncomfortable attraction.

ATTEND
The latest production of Macbeth at The Royal Shakespeare Company's newly rebuilt theatre. The story is, as we all know, one of ambition, bloody murder and human baseness (tempered with a gruesome recipe featuring newts), so enjoy may not be the right word. However, there is pleasure to be had from watching talented actors, and from all accounts Jonathan Slinger is a terrifying Macbeth, and the desperation and horror he evinces is utterly convincing. Aislin Mcguckin (Lady Macbeth) and Aidan Kelly (Macduff) are also receiving plaudits, though we remain perplexed by the decision to cast children as the wicked witches.

EAT
Fresh produce prepared with ingenuity at Magnus Nilsson's restaurant Fäviken in northern Sweden. Nilsson sources ingredients harvested from the surrounding area and estate – Fäviken has been a farm since the late 1800s – including wild vegetables and herbs, and fish caught on single lines. The set menu is built around seasonal produce, but Fäviken promises, rather intriguingly: 'if you visit us regularly, you have more influence over your evening.' Given the calibre of the chef we're not convinced we want any such control. Fäviken is considered serious competition for Copenhagen's Noma so book well in advance. Consider making it a Nordic triad and add Mathias Dahlgren in Stockholm to your wish list of delicious dining. Should you choose to stay overnight, there is accommodation at both Mathias Dahlgren and Fäviken.

DISCOVER
Domus Architecture Guides. There are many smartphone apps that guide us through the world's great cities and enlighten us as to their finest attributes, but the Domus interpretations are pleasing to the eye and mind, offering accurate information about buildings and architects as well as suggested itineraries, including a walking route of the 1920s for Shanghai, Unorthodox Modern for New York, and New Life in the East End for London. Plus they draw upon the expertise of a magazine we admire for its consistently high standard of theoretical writing and photography.

ENJOY
Aesop's inspired Petitgrain Hydrating Body Gel, which provides light hydration to soothe and cool the skin throughout the warmer months. Petitgrain Hydrating Body Gel absorbs quickly, and assists skin suffering from sun exposure, waxing or shaving. Enhanced with Witch Hazel, Grapefruit and Lemon Peel oils it offers a crisp citrus scent, and is the ideal way to relieve and calm the skin. Petitgrain Hydrating Body Gel – our first body gel - is available in Australia and New Zealand from September.

SUPPORT
The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), renowned for its support not only of visual artists but also dance, theatre and experimental projects. We enjoy the light and expansive exhibition spaces within this heritage-listed building. We're also impressed with their Spark_lab program that offers students and teachers the chance to be involved with artists, musicians and dancers in the hope of inspiring the next generation's innovative creations. Everyone benefits from that. While in Perth, be sure to stock up on your favourite Aesop products at our Claremont store, our small contribution to the cityscape.

SHARE
A bottle of Tramonti Bianco Per Eva 2009 – Tenuta San Francesco. Wine may not be life-changing but it is undeniably life-enhancing, and this is one of the most impressive whites we've sampled this year. If possible, drink it now in the general vicinity of Naples or while watching your favourite Italian Neo Realist films wherever you may be. Enjoy while eating something fresh and line-caught from the sea.

'All I can say to the kids is if you've a problem in fishing or life, if you talk to an older person, you're gonna end up alright, because nine times out of ten, they've been through the same thing.' Rex Hunt

Image supplied courtesy of Sruli Recht
When Gravity Fails, FW2011
Photographer: Marinó Thorlacius
Model: Emil Þór Guðmundsson
Stylist: Arash Arfazadeh
For more information, visit Sruli Recht

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AUGUST NEWSLETTER

When possible, we make time for diversions that enrich the soul. These need not be practical or productive. Indeed, the best ones almost never are. This month, our preferred diversions include Terrence Malick's film The Tree of Life, his first directorial work of note since The Thin Red Line in 1998. We've admired Malick since his independent feature Badlands debuted close to forty years ago. His latest film is both a closely observed study of one family, and an epic exploration of life in the universe. Immerse yourself in its existential beauty as an antidote to mainstream mediocrity. More visual treats are on offer at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, where Cy Twombly is featured in the exhibition Twombly and Poussin: Arcadian Painters. While the world has suffered a blow due to the recent passing of Cy Twombly and the great Lucien Freud, we are grateful for the work these dignified artists bequeathed to us. Our respect for both men is boundless. We nod also to the departed Ai Qing, father to contemporary artist Ai Weiwei, who offers another form of lyricism with his poems. Should you prefer to find your beauty in motion, visit the gentle people at Tokyo Bike for assistance. There is no better way to transit from point A to B than aboard one of their bicycles.

READ
Stand Still Like the Hummingbird, a collection of essays by Henry Miller (1891-1980). Artists and writers will be inspired. Those inclined to philosophy will be given many chances to reflect - on money, technology, nature, and persistence, among other things. To help you appreciate Miller, we recommend his 1961 Paris Review interview. If you are anything like us, you will want to pore through other interviews once here. Since 1953, the Paris Review has had the tenacity and good fortune to interview the world's best writers. In addition to Miller, read conversations with William Faulkner, Margaret Drabble and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

DISCOVER
Windmuehlenmesser Rust Eraser & Oil to keep your steel knives in good working order. The oil can be used to lubricate metal, wood and leather on all manner of objects. We use it in our kitchen to protect knife blades, wiping a few drops on clean metal after each washing. The eraser can be used on rust spots. To further care for your knives, never store them in leather or wooden sheaths where moisture can remain. And always keep them perfectly sharpened, since a dull blade is a terrible insult to fresh produce and the surest way to a kitchen-based injury.

LOOK
At the substantial collection of works on display in Surrealism: The Poetry of Dreams, at Brisbane's GoMA until 2 October. The exhibition features paintings, sculpture, short films and photographs from Paris' Musee national d'art moderne in the Centre Pompidou. It's worth visiting Brisbane for the gallery alone. Since it opened in December 2006, GoMA, which is part of a riverside cultural precinct opposite the city centre, has been part of the city's reinvention of itself. As well as the original gallery (still operational and worth exploring), museum and GoMA, the area boasts a first-rate State Library known for its innovative initiative The Edge.

WATCH
Umberto D. Vittorio De Sica's compassionate tale of an elderly man's struggle to stay afloat in an uncaring city is regularly cited as one of the best films of all time, applauded by Ingmar Bergman and nominated for both an Academy Award and the Cannes Film Festival's Grand Prix. We admire it for its art direction and the choice to film on real streets with an untrained cast, the result of the filmmaker's lack of respect for his professional compatriots admittedly, but a choice which led to a film that has emotional honesty and poetic rhythm. We recommend this film from Italy's post-war past as a reminder that the country offers so much cultural wealth, and will continue to do so, no matter how tawdry or undeserving the leaders of the nation.

EAT
Honest English fare at Frank's Cafe in London. If you're suffering after a celebratory evening, it's hard to go past their grilled sardines, barbecued sausages or roast chicken and potato salad. Positioned on the tenth floor of a Peckham car park, this pop-up cafe (now in its third year) is open only during the summer months, so make sure to visit soon. Don't be fooled by the humble location and somewhat basic seating arrangement: cocktails are available, and the view is as lovely as any you'd enjoy from a luxury hotel. Lunch is available but for the best atmosphere head there in the evening.

ENJOY
Greek and Australian wines from producers of integrity. Hatzidakis Winery offers bottled sunlight in its impressive dry white Santorini Assyrtico. Greek wine has improved markedly in recent years and this family winery, based near Pyrgos Kallistis, on the road to the monastery of the Prophet Elias, has been leading the charge since 1997. Share a bottle in one of Greece's clifftop hotels, ideally in September in a secluded pocket of Oia. In Australia, we're enjoying Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc, a darkly fruity, firm and elegant wine. Also a family company, Jasper Hill grows its grapes in two paddocks named after the owners' daughters, using organic and biodynamic techniques.

SUPPORT
Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort and friends, who began the not-for-profit organisation Heartwear in 1993. Working with artisanal companies in developing countries, Heartwear collects finely made textiles, silverware and clothing and retails them through Heartwear's catalogue and network of wholesalers. Heartwear assists artisans to refine their products for export while working to retain the character and history behind each object. All profits are reinvested in the craftsperson's community. Edelkoort continues to run her eponymous Edelkoort Inc, predicting with consistent accuracy and alacrity how the world is shifting on its haunches from season to season.

SHARE
Phillip Pullman's epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials, a series that does what so many books promise by speaking to both adult and young adult readers, insulting neither. Rather than be prescriptive or moralistic, Pullman gives readers the space in which to interpret his references to Milton's Paradise Lost, theology, nationalism and physics. In response to questions about what it all means, he says: 'I'm not in the message business; I'm in the "Once upon a time" business.' Read the books for their remarkable turn of phrase, romping storylines, fully fleshed-out landscapes and wonderful characters - which range from witches to polar bears. Most readers of the series would agree that the film, The Golden Compass, based on the first book, Northern Lights, was unfortunate. We recommend you enjoy these stories in print.

LEARN
About Michael Murphy, co-founder of Boston-based MASS Design Group. Murphy is part of the design collaborative who start with the premise that architecture needs to play a role in combating poverty. The group works with governments and NGOs to train local tradespeople, build vital resources using cutting-edge techniques and modern materials, and assist in long-term improvement in living standards. Their projects include building Butaro Hospital and BHW Women's Hospital, schools and training centres in Rwanda, and working with the people of Haiti to rebuild their community.

'All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous unpremeditated act without the benefit of experience.'
Henry Miller