Get ready for something new and something old. This year’s Christmas tram has some new tech on board as young riders will be able to experience the Virtual world. For the first time the experience of what it would feel like to be a tram driver wearing virtue head set. And they have also kept the Christmas play happening for children that may not be ready for the Virtual head set. Last year was fantastic as the tram was packed singing Christmas carols with Santa. The experience of the Virtue ride is something different this year. It is great for those kids that have thought to have grown up for the traditional Christmas plays. They will know be able to drive the tram in the virtual world and control the speed of the tram while the real tram does not move at all. Parents may just want to join in on the fun but hey it’s a kid thing. They also kept tradition alive with younger children as they too can hop on board for a special ride with Santa and helpers as they travel on the tram. They will be able to enjoy the experience the fun riding on the trolley as the crew puts on the Christmas Play. His elves tell some funny jokes and gets everyone wondering what happens next in the story.. Santa puts on his magical charm in the show getting everyone to sing along with him. It's a good way to see the city of Osijek with the singing and laughter for the whole family. ![]() The web site of GPP-Osijek say “For the sixth year in a row organizers have put on the play called Christmas tale in Osijek Tram, which begins on Monday 28 November 2016 and last until the last days of December. The youngest residents’ of our city and region, will again in the holiday season, enjoy an unforgettable ride Christmas tram, in the company of their favorite characters Santa Claus, snowflakes and Elves! And as always, at the end of the ride, Santa will donate all of them gifts from his bag. The morning ride is reserved for organized groups of children from kindergartens and schools, while the afternoon ride open to all visitors. Departures: every day at 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 and 19:00.” The excitement of being able to drive started this past Sunday November 27 and continues throughout the month of December 2016. To find out more visit the web site. http://www.gpp-osijek.com/view_post.php?id=173
Due to great interest and limited number of seats on the tram, reservations are required and can be made by telephone - working day from 08:00 to 14:00. Phone numbers for booking: 228-351 and 228-303.” Friday November 25 was the official kick-off of advent in the old city center of Osijek known as Tvrđa. Everything came together like a famous Christmas carols that have been passed from generation to generation. There was definitely the feeling of Christmas with the smell fresh roasted chestnuts on an open fire. This Baroque city that has survived for centuries embraced Christmas bringing the magic and spirit in full force. Audiences will be able to enjoy the event from now until January 1, 2017. The old city was illuminated with rotating flood lights that could be seen from a block away. It was the perfect light show with carefully placed flood lamps that brought vivid Indigo blue to shine on historical building. The crews were still working hard adding the finishing touches were as the crane operator decorate the squares rooftops with a cascading lights. It is important to dress warm as you can easily forget about time and lose yourself in all the good fun. There was something unique this year with a life size house made out of glass pop bottles. Each bottle was crystal clear and reflect the Christmas lights given the look of a house made out of ice. It had people lining up for pictures. Making the perfect attraction to send as post card or picture on face book. There was also a towering Christmas tree made out of bottles as well. This was a perfect place to be if you ever lost someone in the crowd, just text them and they would know instantly where you were. For young children there was a carousel, Ferris wheel and swing ride. The carousel of horses and beautifully decorated pumpkin carriages made it look like a fairy tales. If one looked closer at the paintings on the carousel one could see Croatian historical landmarks. Amusement rides that glittered with bright white lighting brought out many smiles from young and old. The line of small white houses created the finishing touch of a perfect Christmas village with a toy store full of bright colourful wooden toys. A house filled with chocolate that would be a great addition for the Christmas stockings. There was lots to see and do at Osijek advent this year as is get bigger every year. The food fair was amazing as it had everything from the area of Slovanja and Baranja County. With many local wines on the scene to choose from at one of the booths that will please every connoisseur. The other great specialty that has everyone talking about is “kuhano vino” (translated to Hot wine or cooked wine) This is a whole other story in itself. Kuhano vino is a European tradition and is something that is normally during the winter holidays. Here one could easily bump into old friends and new ones as this was the place to be. The atmosphere created with rows of small painted white houses and Christmas trees gave the feeling of being in a Christmas village beautifully decorated. With plenty of place to sit with friends and enjoy the surroundings. It was great to see antique wood burning stoves in these areas to keep warm and socialize.
Music that evening on center stage had incredible acoustics. It was great to here old classics and modern Christmas songs played. There was also amazing Jazz music that evening giving the old city the perfect vibe. With many smiles and laughter in the air making Osijek the place to be for Advent this year. Every day there is something happening and best to check out the official page Adventosijek.hr to see the full line-up of activities and events. If you have not seen the Gallery Waldinger exhibit you may be missing out on something big. The Exhibition is called “Pioneers of European Puppetry” opened up last week Nov 16th at the Gallery. It re-introduces the audience to the time honored traditional classical Puppetry theatre performances from past to latter half of the 20th century. The focus is on the cultural significance of the early days and brings together European Puppeteers. The show partners with Slovenia, Italy and Spain as part of the project. During the stay in Osijek there will be a series of Workshops, lectures and Performances. On Wednesday November 30 the show finishes up with two shows happening as a grand finally performance. History of Osijek in Puppetry The collection has put together amazing collaboration and features some of the most recognized talent dating back to 1916. It encompasses a time line through the great depression and the peak periods of history from Vauderville to Broadway. Featuring some of the most prominent people; Milan Klemencic from Slovenia (1875-1957), Vittorio Podrecca Italy (1883-1959), Hermenegildo Lanz Spain (1893-1949). The Gallery Waldinger will be showcases some of famous Marionette recognized during the time period from 1913- mid 20th century. Puppetry was able to survive during the first depression and the First World War. This is due to much change and shift in the world economies and social values. However during such difficult times gave rise to new creative ideas and ground breaking stage productions. The room set-up at the Waldinger Gallery is well displayed as you can examine the front and back of the suspended puppets hanging by string wires. Using a mixture of Multimedia and traditional publications allowing the viewer to examine its history. The display cases mimics’ freight boxes, which most of Marionette would have been used to travel overseas. There is so much attention to detail when viewing the miniature stage sets with every little detail from Furniture to the costumes of the era. The exhibit brings together everything from props and memorabilia from various performances. The show demonstrate simplicity to children of all ages while entertaining adults with the finer complexity of Classical Puppetry. What is really remarkable is how the Puppets held up through so much travelling around the world being retained in freight boxes across the world. It is important to note that some of the original pieces have been restored. Some of the many Marionette have vanished as the material used had suffered too much wear and tear. However some replicas were made to save the Marionette from being lost. Each Puppet was carefully brought back to its restored condition as they took micro samples of paint and textiles to keep as close as possible to original for the replicas. It is best to see the actual in person at the gallery.
Through-out the history of Osijek there has been many Puppet theaters and at one point of time during the 1930’s there was up to four different theater groups. Today with much success the art is well alive in Osijek at the "Art Academy of Osijek" and the "Osijek Children’s theater". The cultural heritage of Osijek continues to be the gem in Croatia long History. The event closes this coming Wednesday with two great shows “Catch Me!” and “Doctor Faustus.” To find out more visit Waldinger Gallery this weekend. Facebook pages to visit for more information: All strings Attached Gallery Waldinger Nov 13 2016 Location Osijek Eurodrom This past week on the evening of Nov 3 downtown was full of excitement and energy in the Eurodrom building. The ground level was host to the Gala event featuring two local artist. Željka Fuderer Levak and Marija Adrić Soldo in the exhibit “IZLOZBA ZA GOSPODU I PUSTOLOVKE.” (Translates to “EXHIBITION FOR THE Mr. AND The ADVENTURESS”.)The theme is intrinsic in nature to the tone of Women’s lives and the juxtaposition of contemporary media. The show is inviting to all audiences to ponder the artist work to captivate new ideas. The gala was a complete success as many visitors turned up to see the show. Friends and family were there to support them for opening night. Many great moments were shared as people enjoyed the Art work of Željka and Marija. It started with open doors at 7:30 with refreshments and great food. The kick off was great with opening ceremonies and refreshments. It was almost standing room only as a large audience of people came out to see the exhibit. Željka and Marija brought the event to life with a warm welcoming speech. The guest all agreed that Osijek was the place to be last night, being able to socialize and meet friends and make new ones. . A lady in the crowd said that some of the picture reminded her of how at times she sees herself portrayed. It was the use of colors that people talked about the most. Zeljka used a wide variety of colors, while Marija was almost mono-chromatic in earthly tones. Marija Adrić Soldo use a combination of unique material Styrofoam, Gauze and Markers to create a large pieces of great art work. When first looking at her work one would think it was acrylic paint however it is not the case. A closer look will reveal a great technique of letting the marker blur and blend itself to create this acrylic look. The layering of marker creates an exclusive style over the gauze that is matted to the Styrofoam. The portraying of is using woman to tell a story that is not obvious until examine the colors, it is not the typical glamour of make-up. The colors are found in camouflage of green, black, and the painting only focuses on the face. The viewer is left to challenge deeper as the painting stares back without a smile. The other paintings is in similar tone of the subject matter of fruit, high heal shoes and other accessories. Željka Fuderer Levak use a combination of marker, on paper gives a graphic arts style. She also uses the portrayal of woman that perhaps the artist has met personally. It may seem like a simplistic format however is rather complex graphic design elements. In examining just one study of her work is not possible as there as many elements used. The spectator must in most cases examine each work and the work as a whole. It is a challenge to interpret but it requires more viewing and movement around the room of each piece of study to complexity of the puzzle. There is continuous use of space and time giving from New wave movement to pop culture with the existing trends of modern society. How is this possible one may ask? The use of colour, hair style and fashion is remote in the artists’ work. The view must not forget how the sheets of paper is hung on a string and not framed gives the modern philosophy that woman can no longer be put into a frame or molded but to be free. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next series by both artist as they explore the various possible concepts with the changing of society’s dogma. The Eurodom is the place to be as Osijek continues to strive for excellence in art and culture scene. Did someone say Turkish coffee….. |
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December 2018
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