Relaxing

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Florence 2017

The history of graffiti spans thousands of years, evolving from ancient cave paintings to a modern urban art form. Graffiti, derived from the Italian word “graffiato” meaning scratched, encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, from simple tags to intricate murals.

In ancient civilizations such as Rome and Pompeii, graffiti served as a means of political and social commentary. Citizens would inscribe messages on walls, expressing dissent, admiration, or simply leaving their mark. The preserved ruins of Pompeii reveal a rich tapestry of ancient graffiti that provides insight into the daily lives of its inhabitants.

Today, graffiti continues to be a powerful form of expression, addressing social issues, cultural identity, and personal narratives. It has evolved from its humble beginnings in ancient caves to a dynamic, influential art form that resonates across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the history of human creativity.

Play

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Vienna 2017

Did you know? The chances of winning in a casino depend on the specific games being played, the rules, and the house edge. Each casino game has its own set of odds, and players need to understand that, in the long run, the odds are usually in favor of the casino. This built-in advantage is known as the “house edge.”

Vinyl

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Vienna 2016

Vinyl records, once a nostalgic relic of the past, have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, captivating audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. These iconic analog discs, also known simply as “vinyls,” offer a tangible and immersive way to experience the rich tones and nuances of music.

The allure of vinyl records lies not only in their warm, authentic sound but also in the ritualistic experience they provide. From carefully removing the record from its sleeve to delicately placing the needle on the grooves, every step is a deliberate and tactile engagement with the music. Unlike the convenience of digital formats, playing vinyl requires time and attention, fostering a deeper connection between the listener and the music.

Legs or Scopophilia

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Vienna 2023

Laura Mulvey, in her essay “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema,” introduced the concept of “scopophilia” to describe the pleasure derived from looking, particularly in the context of cinema. Scopophilia is derived from the Greek words “skopein” (to look) and “philia” (love), and it refers to the pleasure and satisfaction one experiences through looking at something visually stimulating.

Traditional photography tends to cater to the male gaze, positioning women as objects to be looked at and deriving pleasure from the act of looking. Scopophilia, in this context, is linked to the visual pleasure that comes from the act of observing and objectifying individuals, particularly women.

Bold

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Vienna 2023

Architects often employ color blocking to emphasize specific zones or elements of a building, providing a clear visual hierarchy. This approach allows for the creation of focal points, guiding the observer’s gaze and shaping their experience of the space. Exterior facades, interior walls, and even structural elements such as columns or beams become canvases for the deliberate application of color.

Bricks

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Vienna 2023

The use of brickstone has quite a notable tradition in Vienna. It dates back to Roman times when it was a prominent building material. However, the brickstone building tradition in Vienna experienced a significant revival during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During this period, the Secession movement, which aimed to break away from historical architectural styles and embrace a more modern and innovative approach, played a key role in promoting the use of brickstone. Architects such as Otto Wagner and Josef Hoffmann were instrumental in incorporating this material into their designs.

Kaleidoscope

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Vienna 2016

A kaleidoscope is a cylindrical optical instrument that typically contains two or more reflecting surfaces tilted to each other at an angle, usually 60 degrees. Inside the tube, there are colorful objects, such as glass beads or bits of colored glass, and mirrors that create a symmetrical pattern when viewed through the eyepiece.

When you look into the eyepiece and rotate the kaleidoscope, the colored objects inside reflect off the mirrors, creating intricate and constantly changing patterns. The word “kaleidoscope” is derived from the Greek words “kalos,” meaning beautiful, “eidos,” meaning form, and “skopeo,” meaning to look at. Thus, a kaleidoscope provides a visually stunning and ever-changing display of beautiful patterns.