urban carnival

Carnival is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public celebration orparade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations, which mark an overturning of daily life.(from wikipedia)

sketches of all kinds of urban life aspects in istanbul. those vivid scenes always seem exciting to me, i can see their playful heart,their desires to express, their struggles of survival, and their dreams of better life. Istanbul people have the talent to celebrate their life with unlimited creativity.those activities' happening sometimes redefine the places, filling the unprogrammed public spaces, or represent a kind of relation between human and physical environment.

It is interesting to see those spontaneous life aspects in the tradition of carnival in cities.

Kegworth carnival ——drawing made by F.R. Shaw in 1988.“ The scene depicted is in Hallstone Meadow with boats moored at the river bank, and a lady at the extreme right apparently about to take a swim! The ox roast is taking place in the centre of the picture, on the purpose-built hearth described in this chapter, while on the left a high wire artist seems to run the risk of being roasted by the traction engine in the arena below. Perhaps the fuchsia Kegworth Carnival, raised by Harold Smith is on show in one of the exhibition marquees in the middle distance. Side shows, a roundabout, steam organ, two bands, dancing girls, donkey rides, and yet more traction engines, full size and miniature, are all included, set off by the characteristic Soar Valley backdrop of cooling towers, power lines and pylons.”

“In art Beryl Cook's perspective is anticipated by Brueghel's The Battle between Carnival and Lent in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. It shows emaciated grey churchgoers leaving their place of worship and entering a town square where the unchurched eat, drink and make merry.”