DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES

I don't entirely share the perspective of the writer of this article, especially concerning the 'suffocating atmosphere' prevalent at the time, but she does admit that's how it seems viewed from her generation's angle.

Whether the current BBC series The Trial of Christine Keeler is the 'real' story of Christine and the Profumo Affair is open to interpretation but at least it's a brave attempt to give a more authentic picture of Christine than the cruel, damaging and false tabloid version of her as prostitute/slag/scarlet woman etc.

I arrived in London in winter 1963 so I was around when newspaper headlines, tv news and gossip-mongers were salivating, fabricating and raging about the Scandal. But the people I hung out with were artists, students, teachers, would-be actors, would-be-anything, foreigners and Anglos of various backgrounds and politics (mostly left-wing), employed and unemployed. None of us were among the accusers of Christine or Mandy and there was also sympathy for Stephen Ward. We were anti-war, anti-racism, anti-establishment (the Hornsey Art College student revolution happened around that time) pro equality and so on. Yes there was patriarchy but mostly we had fun with the patriarchs. I can only speak about my own experience but it was one of the most fun periods of my life, the down bits as exciting as the ups. The 'suffocating atmosphere' didn't happen to me, but maybe i was lucky.

DEAR CHRISTINE EXHIBITION IN LONDON SOON

Paul Gravett recommends ARTHOUSE1.

10 hrs ·

DEAR CHRISTINE: EXHIBITION & CATALOGUE
Here is a contribution by Natalie d'Arbeloff to this group show at ARTHOUSE1, London, looking afresh at Christine Keeler. Natalie writes in the catalogue: "I felt that the whole scandal was yet another historical example of how power corrupts and how corruption is always linked to power. The full truth about all the individuals, public and private, who were involved in the Profumo Affair will probably never be known but Christine Keeler was, in that story, simultaneously absolutely powerless and absolutely powerful. She was neither victim nor hero and could not protect herself from the manipulations of powerful men. On the other hand, the irresistible power of her beauty and of her unashamed sexuality turned the game around, making her the one who held the cards and held captive the men, the media and the public. This ambiguity, cruel as it is, is what I have tried to express in my two works for this exhibition." The exhibition comprises of paintings, ceramics, sculpture, music, film, photography, poetry, performance and artist talks at Arthouse1, 45 Grange Rd, London SE1 3BH
Private View: 1st February 6.30pm - 9pm
Symposium: 22nd February 11am - 7pm
Open to public: 2 - 29th February 2020
https://www.arthouse1.co.uk/dear-christine-v2.html

4

USEFUL

Can't pay attention to blogs, socialising via media or disastrous world events at the moment. Worried and concerned about a close friend who is ill.

Dfficult but useful day. Useful is often the best one can be innit? Small down to earth actions are better than words because words can be the worst trouble makers. I'm congratulating myself for a day of usefulness.
The hands position in the photo is the well-known trick for disguising jowls.

OPTIONAL WORRIES

Here, as my gift to you at the end of the first day of 2020, are two stupid things to worry about as a distraction from all the intelligent things you personally and all of us collectively truly need to worry about.

1. Tiny little black flies, no bigger than the tiniest dot in the smallest dot com. That's how small they are. Almost invisible, silent, there and not there in the same moment, always alone. What do they want from you? Who are they? Where do they live? What do they eat? Do they eat? You're clean, you don't smell bad, you don't have rotting food lying around or other stuff flies might be interested in. Are they even flies? WTF?

2. Why is your excellent advice ignored by those who need it most? Your unquestionable wisdom, distilled from a lifetime of experience and insight could be like nectar is to a bee or like the letter B is to C, fitting perfectly in a logical sequence recognised by the whole world as an alphabet. So why is it ignored?

Now please worry about these two issues for a few hours, or even minutes. Then move on. Have a happy January etc.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

INTERNET ADDICTION

I've devised a quiz which is either irrelevant fluff or serious research. Either way I welcome honest answers  even if the truth is embarassing. I posted this on Facebook as it's more relevant to social media addicts than it is to bloggers' and other sober internet users but here goes anyway.

1. When you have posted something online, how many times a day do you click back to check for reactions?

2. When you check back are you already on your computer or phone engaged in digital activity?

3. If you're not online, do you interrupt whatever else you're doing in order to click back again?

4. How long do you spend, after you've checked your own online contribution, just clicking here and there to see who is saying what about this or that?

5. Do you think your answers to my questions indicate a serious addiction to digital media?

6. What kind of rehab would you, me, or any other addict of this type be willing and able to undertake?

THIS MAN'S BEST FRIEND?

UK ELECTION RESULT: WHAY HAVE WE DONE?

Thoroughly disgusted, revolted and appalled not only by the jaw-dropping choice so many people have made of giving carte blanche to Boris Johnson.....BORIS JOHNSON???....and his gang to decide the future of this country, but by the smug faces of presenters on all the news channels spouting words words words, puffs of smelly smoke signifying absolutely nothing when they should be crying:
WHAT HAVE WE DONE?

ELECTION UPDATES

For the benefit of those who are not in the UK, or who are here but somehow managing to avoid the crucial issues facing us, here are some extracts from the news. They are chosen by me so, of course, you may say they are biased. I don't mind being biased in this case. The facts spek for themselves.


.BRITISH DIPLOMAT RESIGNS OVER BREXIT HALF-TRUTHS

GEORGE MONBIOT ON THE POWER OF JEREMY CORBYN

 FAKE NEWS IN THE UK ELECTION

DAVID GRAEBER ON THE ANISEMITISM ISSUE

WE'VE CRUNCHED THE NUMBERS

FIVE REASON WE DON'T HAVE A FREE PRESS IN THE UK

WHY DO I HAVE TO BREAK AN EMBARGO TO EXPOSE PRESS LIES ABOUT LABOUR?

PLACE YOUR BIDS NOW!

Laydeez Do Comics Art Auction Fundraiser week is NOW live on ebay!
Sixteen brilliant artists, including moi, have donated original work to raise funds for the 2020 LDC Award and you have only until 12th December to place your bid on ebay. Do it now!

And (after you've voted of course) there's a party at the Cartoon Museum on Thursday 12th December. All welcome.

 Below is the work of mine being auctioned online right now:

How Could She Know? Natalie d'Arbeloff. Linocut. Original Artist's Proof, signed and dated.
Mounted, framed & glazed. Size framed: 19 & 3/4 inches X 20 inches. Image size: 12 x 12 inches.