SoCultures Magazine November 2018

India & Russia 

Russia with Ajay 

Kamalakaran 

Enrico 

Garff 

Robert Owen 

Emmanuel Cherki 

Hipstory Radio Taiffa 

Indialucia 

SOCULTURES MAGAZINE 

NOVEMBER 2018

SoCultures November 2018 

Editorial 

Welcome to November! 

November is here! That auspicious time of the year, when the weather starts to 

cool and fallen leaves look like works of art in mellowed delicate sunshine. There 

is a festive glow before the arrival of Christmas, Diwali, and New Year...and it has 

begun to brighten up smiles on the faces of children, flowers like Orchids, Pansies, 

Roses, Lilies and the surroundings... November is also the time of pale sunlight, 

sweaters, coats, snow, warm socks and thick soups. 

There are many important days which fall in this month – World Kindness Day 

(Nov 13), America Recycles Day (Nov 15), to World Peace Day (Nov 17) and 

many more. And SoCultures feels that all days are beautiful and it’s also the time 

of the year when we can add more beauty to these quickly passing by times. 

SoCultures Magazine November 2018 and its featured stories wish to add more 

meaning, creativity and inspirations to the beautiful days. 

The Christmas cakes and Diwali savouries waft the familiar earthy, salty, sweet 

aromas all around. The intermingling outlandish aromas of cinnamon, freshly 

baked apple pie cake or coffee are delicious and full of warmth. 

SoCultures has ample “Food for thought” to relish in this November issue. 

The stories from Russia, Mexico, America, and France are sure to fill in the 

reading hours with smiles, thoughts and insights and we recommend reading with a 

hot cuppa of coffee and our story on Russian breads in “Breads! Slices! Story!” 

Russia is a country with rich past and great culture and this month issue has the 

Cover Story on Russia. We invite you to take a metro ride and praise the opulent 

décor of its metro stations in “Opulent and Palatial”, know more about the 

grandeur of Russian heritage in theaters, in a story titled “Russian Theater.” 

Experience the real Russia in “Russia Beyond the News”, a detailed interview with 

Ajay Kamalakaran, the celebrated, globetrotter author and journalist, who shares 

his views and experiences of Russia. 

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There is an eclectic mix of supercharged 

interviews with the dynamic personalities 

from the world over. SoCultures is more 

assured that the different people, places and 

cultures make an interesting read. All the 

stories are presenting varied perspectives, 

views, attitudes and cultural landscape. The 

detailed and insightful interviews with the 

legendary artist Enrico Garff, Founder of 

Radio Taiffa, Ponxo Taiffa, , Indialucia 

band, ace photographer Emmanuel Cherki, 

and Body Painting artist Robert Owen are 

insightful and interesting. 

Make the 

world a better place!!! 

With this belief, SoCultures watches with glittering eyes the whole world with you 

and it assures us to believe in its magic. 

SoCultures 

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Contents 

Editor: Rakhee Kaushik 

Website & magazine Design 

Email: soculturesstory@gmail.com 

Amit 

Marketing Rachit K. 

Advertizing 

Sagarika and Shrey 

For any inquiries, please visit soculturesstory@gmail.com, 

socultures9@gmail.com 

Founder SoCultures Media & Events 

Rakhee Kaushik 

While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of 

all the information published in this magazine, they will not be held 

responsible for any errors therein. All rights reserved. Reproduction in 

whole or part is prohibited. 

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Contents 

Cover story 

russia 

Russian breads are as varied as our lives... Bread! Slice! Story! Pg 

Explore Russia with Ajay Kamalakaran Russia Beyond News Pg7 

The most loved travel route in Russia…The Golden Ring Pg67 

The museums present history so magically Majestic Museum Pg58 

Russia and India continue their glorious friendship Russia in India 

Pg…50. 

Theaters, stories and methods of 

acting...Russian Theater Pg 45… 

These Russian metro stations are 

simply breathtaking Opulent n 

Palatial Pg 22 

Culture Curators 

Read stories of people from 

around the globe who continue 

to inspire us… 

Enrico Garff shares his artistic sensibilities and 

some beautiful memories The world of Garff 

Pg73 

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Contents 

These photographs about mundane life create complete stories 

…..Captures! Pg 107 

The fusion of cultures and music with Indialucia Fusion Music Pg100 

Why the music needs no language, tells 

Ponxo Taifa about his music 

venture..Music of Universe Pg84 

Robert Owen explores artistic inspirations 

in paints, nature, photographs, real 

models…Body Painting Art Pg91 

Cultural innovations 

These leaders are cool and love fashion Hipstory Pg118 

Cultural ManageMent 

Encouraging new as well as old talents, Sala Dante from Spain shows us 

HOW…Sala Dante Pg128 

Culture Café 

SoCultures had a chit-chat over a cup of coffee with the people from 

around the world to discuss cultures, and the so much more that 

matter in the world… Culture Café Pg134 

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RUSSIA BEyONd ThE NEwS! 

wITh AjAy KAMALAKARAN 

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RUSSIA BEyONd ThE NEwS! 

wITh AjAy KAMALAKARAN 

SoCultures is curious to know about Russia. Russia! As a country beyond the 

headlines! How is it to live in this beautiful country and feel the breeze wandering 

around, eat Borodinsky bread at a bakery in Moscow or read a book in a library? 

And to know Russia as real as it is, beyond the regular headlines…. 

We ask several questions to Ajay Kamalakaran about almost everything in Russia. 

He is an international journalist and writer based in Mumbai, India. He is the 

author of two books about Russia. He was also RBTH’s Consulting Editor for 

Asia. 

His first work of fiction 'Globetrotting for Love and Other Stories from Sakhalin 

Island' was published by Times Group Books in 2017. Ajay speaks fluent Russian, 

French and Italian, and a few other European and Indian languages. 

You have lived in both the countries – India and Russia. Can you tell us what are 

the most vibrant and interesting factors in their respective cultures? Any 

similarities? 

While India’s ethnic and linguistic diversity is well known around the world, many 

people are surprised to find out that Russia has one hundred and sixty different 

ethnic groups. Ethnic Russians form eighty one per cent of the country’s one 

hundred and forty five million-strong population, but the sheer diversity among the 

remaining nineteen per cent of the population can be mind-boggling. This is 

reflected in the country’s architecture, cuisine, art and crafts, and even to an extent 

in its musical traditions. 

Like India, Russia has also absorbed foreign influences and made them her own. 

The Russian cultural space is essentially Eurasian, combing the best elements of 

East and West. The same country that has produced the great classical music 

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composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky also has some of the largest and most stunning 

Buddhist monasteries in the world. 

Russia and India also have great literary traditions and the countries have produced 

literary icons who now belong to all of humanity, such as Alexander Pushkin and 

Rabindranath Tagore. 

Tell us your day-today life in 

Russia. What do you 

remember as sweet 

memories? 

I have lived in Russia over 

various periods of time, 

enjoying life both in the Asian 

end of the country, as well as 

in Moscow. 

Living in a small town like 

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the 

Sakhalin region (north of 

Japan) was a great 

opportunity to explore the 

great outdoors. The city is surrounded by temperate forests and has a large central 

park that borders a deeply-wooded mountain range. Winters provide a wonderful 

opportunity to go cross-country skiing, ice skating, and fishing on lakes, rivers and 

the sea, where the top levels are frozen. Temperatures regularly drop to below 

minus 20 degrees Celsius, but the buildings are warm. Thanks to centralized 

heating! Each capital city in Russia has a thriving cultural season in the colder 

months, with drama theatres and classical music concert venues, as well as some 

contemporary 

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forms of entertainment. I would regularly go for such events in the autumn and 

winters. 

Moscow is as busy as Mumbai with people always running to get somewhere and 

the hustle and bustle of life being visible everywhere, but the quality of life in the 

Russian capital can be significantly better than in most major global cities. It has 

one of the world’s cleanest and safest (and visually appealing) metro systems. 

There are also great museums that have the works of Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, 

Manet and other great artists. Not to forget the Bolshoi Theater - stages opera and 

the ballet! Despite being a big and busy city, Moscow has large and expansive 

parks that are open to the public. It’s impossible to get bored in the city and I make 

sure that I enjoy every moment when I am in the city. 

I particularly enjoy being in Russia in late-June when the sun sets very late in most 

parts of the country. In cities like St. Petersburg, there is a phenomenon called the 

White Nights when there are more than twenty hours of daylight. It almost feels 

like the sun never sets on those days. I treasure such long days and enjoy staying 

up and enjoying the endless daylight. Few experiences can compare with spending 

long summer evenings in the northern Russia. 

Do you think the intellectual-cultural dialogues can be a big catalyst to end the 

conflicts in the world? 

I am all for a world without major travel barriers. The more people interact with 

those from different cultures, the better it is for the world as a whole. Hatred is 

rooted in the fear of the unknown. If more people travel, cultural barriers and 

misunderstandings will fade away. Unfortunately we can’t wish away conflicts 

since there are powerful interests that ensure that the world is in a state of 

confrontation. Certain countries will always stay in a state of confrontation thanks 

to these vested interests. People to people interaction can help reduce, hate, fear 

and ignorance, but the rich and powerful arms lobby will always do what it can to 

aggravate global tensions. 

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How can we make our young generations more culturally sensitized? 

First of all, we in India, have to show greater respect for other cultures and points 

of view. It’s India’s traditional openness towards new ideas and our ability to 

absorb the best of what the world has to offer that led to the growth of great ancient 

civilizations here. India is growing more and more insular every single day. It’s 

high time that we thought more global. Let school children learn foreign languages 

from primary school, expose them to exchange students from other countries, help 

them cultivate a deep interest in both India and the rest of the world. Bring in 

foreign teachers and encourage our children and youth to learn what the world has 

to offer. 

What really inspired you to start a never-ending voyage to understand the 

Russian soul? 

I was partly raised in the United States and knew very little about Russian culture. 

As a child, I always equated Russia with communism and after the USSR 

collapsed I didn’t know what to think of Russia. It was only when I met a highly 

cultured and spiritually evolved Russian diplomat at the Russian Consulate in 

Mumbai in 2001 that I began to develop a deep interest in Russian culture. This 

diplomat, who could speak flawless Hindi and very good Tamil, introduced me to 

the works of Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Nikolai Berdyaev. I can never express 

enough gratitude to this diplomat for the journey that he set me on. Seventeen later, 

I am still on this voyage of discovery. 

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We would like to know more about your book “Globetrotting for Love and Other 

Stories from Sakhalin Island.” 

Globetrotting for Love and Other Stories from Sakhalin Island is an essentially a 

fictionalized account of life in the Russian Far Eastern island of Sakhalin. The 

short stories are set in the last decade 

when the island was in the midst of 

an oil and gas boom. Sakhalin was 

isolated from the rest of the world for 

more than three centuries. During the 

Soviet period, no foreigners were 

allowed to visit the island. In the late 

1990s foreign companies were invited 

to exploit its oil and gas reserves 

and this led to a large number of 

foreigners moving to the island, and 

creating the most interesting period in 

the history of the island. 

first time. 

I look at the impact of an oil and gas 

boom on a place that had previously 

suffered economically on account of 

the collapse of the Soviet Union. 

Then there is the question of the 

cultural clash that takes place when 

many foreigners interact with 

erstwhile isolated Russians for the 

The book is essentially a humorous look at Sakhalin of the 2000s. Those who lived 

on the island at that time had a good laugh reading the book. Others found it to be a 

fascinating window into one of the most unknown places in the world. 

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Do you think that Nivkh people of Russia’s Sakhalin Island are slowing moving 

away from their language and traditions? 

Indigenous peoples worldwide are moving away from their traditions. There is 

always pressure from within in indigenous communities to embrace modernity and 

live like the “rest of the world.” The Nivkh, number less than five thousand, but 

are still trying to preserve their traditions. I wish luck for this challenging and 

daunting task in a rapidly globalizing world. 

A Nivkh village in the early-20th century 

By Unknown - photoarchive REM, Public Domain, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8784864 

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Anton Chekhov museum in Alexandrovsk-Sakhalinsky, Russia (It is the house 

where he stayed in Sakhalin during 1890 By Unknown - photoarchive REM, Public Domain, 


Central part of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. 2009By Btibbets at English Wikipedia (Transferred from 

en.wikipedia to Commons.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons 

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You have written an article on Russian pianist Aleksandr Scriabin, the famous 

messiah of experimental music. 

Scriabin is the only famous western classical music composer who wanted to stage 

a concert in India. He actually worked on a major composition for India and 

wanted to stage an extravagant sound and light performance on the banks of the 

Ganges. He died in 1915, with his great dream unfulfilled. 

Russian countryside, nature-rich rich villages, rivers, green fields are simply 

incredible. The twilight in Khabarovsk, Amur river, the dawn of a new day on 

the Peter the Great Bay, near Vladivostok are things you have described in your 

writings…please share your beautiful moments spent there 

The Russian Far East is one the most sparsely populated places on earth. The 

region has almost twice the landmass as India, but with a population of just six 

million people. Since the nature is so pure in this part of the world, the landscapes 

are breathtaking to say the least. 

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The Amur River is known for its biodiversity, and the mountains and the valley 

surrounding it are home to the world’s largest tigers, as an endangered species of 

leopards. The area is at its best in the autumn when the leaves change color. The 

forests and landscapes are a visual treat with foliage that is red, yellow, green, 

orange and brown. I love the warm and glorious autumn days with their blue skies 

and cool breeze. It’s a great feeling to just bask in the sun on a cool day and enjoy 

a good picnic in the forest. 

As for the Peter the Great Bay, near Vladivostok…it’s an ideal venue for yacht 

races. I took part in one such race in 2017 and while it can be a bit scary for those 

who are not used to spending a few days at sea, the experience itself was 

wonderful. You develop a great amount of respect for the ocean when you take on 

the elements and compete to win a yacht race. It’s also a great opportunity to meet 

people from all walks of life. 

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How do you find modern Russia? 

Modern Russia is like a giant that has woken up from a deep slumber. After 

waking up, the giant realized that it was left behind by the advances of the rest of 

the world and decided to play catch up. Russia is one of the cleanest, safest and 

beautiful countries in the world. It’s cities have been completely restored to their 

old glory, the infrastructure and technology are among the most advanced in the 

world, the education system is fast approaching the high standards set by the 

Soviet Union and people are witnessing the kind of living standards and prosperity 

that seemed unimaginable two decades ago. 

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india 

& 

russia 

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Take a ride in the Russian metros and witness the 

magnificent architecture of its metro stations. 

There are beautiful places in Russia .many of them will attract you for their sheer 

grandeur and amazing beauty but metros of Moscow are opulent, palatial and 

classy. They have this amazing and incredible architecture which chronicles the 

history and cultures. 

Once there, one might feel if they have come to a museum or a palace or an art 

gallery ...yes, it’s indeed so spectacular. 

It’s the city’s beating heart…a life line! These metro stations are stunning from 

inside and outside views. People are introduced to the vibrant, space warping 

geometric forms, artistic figures, intricate designs, sparkling stars, vast sky...all 

looking more beautiful with the rhythms of arriving and leaving metro trains. 

Mayakovskaya Station https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66369784 

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1. Mayakovskaya southern vestibule 


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Komsomolskaya station Chandelier and mosaics upstairs from the platform 


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Every day on a busy day when it’s the peak hour in Moscow, crowds of people 

pour out into the streets reaching stations in hurry, waiting for their destination 

trains, entering and leaving the station. Looking at their watches…adjusting to the 

demands of a busy life... 

The scene at the metro station is buzzing with all the hustle – bustle…with people 

of all looks and personalities in colourful fashions and colours can be seen 

hurriedly walking around. Oh! It’s really an interesting scene at any station —some 

sipping tea, some reading newspapers, some chatting, some looking worried and 

some pacing up and down the platform and when the train stamps in, there is huge 

noise and commotion everywhere. But there is something more to the Russian 

metro stations apart from this regular scene at a metro station; it’s the stunning art, 

murals and breathtaking beautiful architecture all around you. And it’s indeed 

worth talking about. 

Metro, Murals and Marvels 

It’s huge! The Moscow Metro transportation system has earned its incredible 

status of one of the busiest, beautiful and efficient systems in the world. 

Sometimes, on weekdays, the number goes up to nine million. There are whooping 

number of stations - approximately two hundred stations and more than three 

hundred sixty kilometers of tracks. The great story is that forty four of these 

stations are cultural monuments. 

Moscow metro stations’ architecture has almost recreated the history, cultures 

and heritage of Russia. The visions of the 1930s, the years that stood between 

the changing times…actually these stations have frozen time. It has elevated 

subjects like the importance of particular districts and development directions 

over the years. 

Started with Stalin? 

So the words of appreciations can go on and on..Cause it’s difficult to put in the 

words the grandiose and magnificence of the arts works and intricate carvings, 

rhythm and symmetry of designs…but then how did it all start? 

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The planning and ideas about Moscow Metro dates back to the Russian Empire. 

The construction started in 1931 and when the stations were opened for the 

public to use on a historic day, it was 1935! The first line of the Moscow Metro 

was eleven meters long. 

Lazar Kaganovich! The man behind the Moscow Metro project! He was a very 

prominent Bolshevik Soviet politician, once a very towering personality in 

Kremlin politics, and very close to Stalin. He was a staunch Stalinist, his vision 

to create metro stations was not only super dynamic transportation system but 

also which will showcase the vision of history and development, cities, cultures 

all from 1930s to the later times.. He also saw transportation and the 

organization of war industries during World War II. 

Let’s take a ride 

Mayakovskaya station: Stalinist architecture 

It’s full of aviation based murals and a perfect example of pre world war II 

Stalinist architecture. The design elements covey the Futurism and personality of 

famous Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovskya who apart from being a poet and 

playwright also become a leader of Russian Futurist movement. 

The walls are streaking with murals that have Soviet aircrafts as beautiful 

designs. All around it’s the celebration of sky and the aviation and it’s no less 

than the mysticism of a star-lit sky or a light blue bright sky with white fluffy 

patches of clouds scattered all over. 

It was opened in 1938 and had a spectacular treat for the visitors. A total of thirty 

four oval niches featuring ceiling mosaics by A. Deineka embellish the walls. 

And no wonder the beauty of this station has earned it a reputation of one of the 

beautiful museums in the world. It’s a delight for all the creative, cultural 

enthusiasts - photographers, artists, sculptors all. The statuesque pillars decked 

up with steel and pink rhodonites, these massive structures served other roles 

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well - air raid shelter during the World War II, anti aircraft command post. There 

is also a bust of poet Soviet exponent Vladimir Mayakovsky. The Mayakovskya 

station project also won a Grand Prix at the world’s Fair in New York. 

Komsomolskaya station Escalators to interchange tunnel By Mikhail (Vokabre) 

Shcherbakov from Moscow, Russia 


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Komsomolskaya (Circle Line) metro station in Moscow By 

A.Savin (Wikimedia Commons · WikiPhotoSpace) - Own work, FAL, 


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Komsomolskaya Station: 

Komsomolskaya station is prominently adorned with dramatic ceilings, 

cartouches and mosaics of famous military commanders. 

The theme of the design is the great Russian fight for freedom. The victory over 

Nazi Germany is dedicated to the southern section of the station, and the theme of 

post war labour is dedicated to northern segment. It’s said that lead designer 

Alexey Shchusev designed it as an illustration of a historical speech by Joseph 

Stalin given on November 7, 1941. After his death, there are eight large ceiling 

mosaics designed by Pavel Korin who said his inspiration came from great Stalin 

speech at the Moscow Parade in 1941 

This station was constructed to act as a type of “gateway” to Moscow because it is 

located under the three busiest Moscow railway terminals. Show the grandeur and 

the pathos of the victory in forms of Russian Baroque," said Vassiliev, pointing 

to Komsomolskaya station. Today, the station is adorned with eight mosaic 

panels, designed in the style of ancient temple architecture. They depict famous 

Russian warriors, commanders, and the leader of the Russian Revolution, Vladimir 

Lenin, whose bust is situated at the end of the platform, under an arch covered with 

gilt floral designs, portrayed giving a speech in Red Square. 

Novokuznetskaya Station 

It’s the pride of central area of Moscow. It was opened on 24 th November 1943. 

It’s located next to “Novokuznetskaya” street which explains the reason behind 

the name of the station. 

The architects I Taranov and N Bykova have used Sculptures, bronze casting, 

smelt mosaic, subtle light lamps which give a unique reflective subtle lighting to 

the design theme. There are extraordinaire arts, seven octagonal ceiling mosaics 

by V. Frolov on the theme of wartime history, works of the artists N V Tomsky, 

A F Zelensky, S. M. Rabinovich, N M Shtamm meticulously describing warriors 

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Novokuznetskaya Metro Station 

By Ludvig14 [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia 

Commons 

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of the Russian Red army in combat with their arts, the Russian war heroes like 

Mikhail Kutuzov, Alexander Nevskty are also paid tribute in the pink and white 

marble pylons decorated with cast bronze portraits. The grandeur of 

ornamentation of the architecture is dedicated to the brave Soviet fighter men. 

Avtozavodskaya Station 

Opened in 1943, the station got its name Avtozavodskaya only in 1956 and its 

theme has memories and association with the events of the Great Patriotic War 

in pinkish widening columns. The architect Alexey Dushkin has used tall pillars 

and walls done in graceful pinkish Oraktuoy marble. 

By Ludvig14 - Own work, CC BY-SA 

4.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/ 

index.php?curid=66157697 

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METRO STATIONS IN ST. 

PETERSBURG 

Avtovo 

It’s a wonder in artistic beauty. All graceful..the grand columns, marble interior, 

the ceiling of the station is supported by 46 columns, 30 are made of marble and 

rest of glass People who come to the end of the platform are greeted with a large 

mosaic mural of a woman holding a child. 

Narvskaya 

It celebrates the different lines of work, occupations, from the Soviet Union. 

Celebrating and honoring the skills and hard works of doctors, builders, farmers, 

sailors and many others through stunning haut-reliefs. The station got its name 

from the Narva Triumphal Gate; it was built to pay tribute to the Russian victory 

over Napoleon in 1812. Its located outside the station. 

Pushkinskaya 

The whole world knows about legendary poet Alexander Pushkin, who has penned 

several poems like “Friendship”, “The Drowned Man” etc. This station is named 

after him and one can see a glorious, outstanding sculpture of Pushkin with flowers 

laid beneath it. 

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Avtovo station Pavilion 

Avtovo station 


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Design Legacy 

The magnificent metros its architecture, the murals, paintings, sculptures the 

spectacular details fulfill its many purposes: commuting people to their 

destinations and treat them to a visual history of art and architecture. 

Pushkinskaya metro station in Saint Petersburg, Russia 

. By A.Savin (Wikimedia Commons · WikiPhotoSpace) - Own work, FAL, 


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BREAdS! SLICES! STORy! 

Breads from Kurmaeva 

By Alshatov2017 [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia 

Comm 

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Borodinsky! Darnitskiy! Rye! Nareznoy Baton! These are the names of Russian 

breads. These warm, tasty loafs made with grains, flours, nuts and raisins are not 

only tempting but also a part of the rich history, traditions of the Russian cuisine. 

There is an old Russian proverb, “Bread is the staff of life.” And it’s indeed true 

for a Russian household to have a variety of breads on their dining tables. It’s part 

of the traditions, history, cultures and in a way and also of climate..Earlier in old 

days, Russians used to bake warm loafs in their stoves at home especially to beat 

the cold climate. The golden brown, crusty or white breads with divine aromas of 

cheese, flours, sesame 

seeds, garlic, and 

rosemary are actually 

complete meals. 

(White rye-type bread) , 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/ 

w/index.php?curid=597244 

They unusually would 

have breads and loafs as 

accompaniments with 

warm soups, traditional 

drinks like Kvass.or beers. 

A sacred and a must have 

on the Russian dining table, these breads and their aromas transport them to the 

happier times when the whole process of cooking these hearty loafs with a varieties 

offering from honey coated to cheese filled sometimes cooked on a large rock over 

an open fire, or in the home stove or wrapped professionally in the canvass 

packaging in a supermarket…these breads are delicious. 

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Let’s talk of these different types of breads from 

Russia as varied as life itself 

Darnitskiy: 

It’s also called ‘the black bread’, finds its roots in Leningrad and yes, it’s really 

historical as it was created in 1930. In Russia, it is called the “Black Bread” though 

not every time, the colour comes out exactly the black. So, this hearty bread with 

black brown crumbs with homely and heavenly aroma is prepared with rye and 

wheat flour. Usually the yeast is not used but Zakvaska (a fermentation starter)! 

And it’s popular for not only being healthy and affordable but also because it’s low 

calorie properties. The bread on the table is not only meant to be just food but a 

symbol of family values and prosperity. It’s also popular as it’s easy to grow Rye 

in harsh cold climate of Russia. 

Stolichniy: 

A real classic treat, this sour-dough rye bread is divine in taste without using any 

yeast. The bread top is usually ly crunchy but at the same time supple, frail…and 

even more soft and delicate with vibrant colours of baked flours in side, only one 

loaf of this bread is sufficient to fill the appetite and senses. This delicious bread is 

often served to the friends, well wishers, and family. It’s the bread for bonding! 

Finnish ruisreikäleipä is a kind of Finnish bread (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], from 

Wikimedia Commons 

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Nareznoy Baton or Bulka 

So, if you happen to be visiting a Russian bakery shop and you spot written 

“Khleb” in glittering neon lights, which in Russian means bread, don’t be surprise 

d if you are not able to resist yourself. Well the Nareznoy bread stand out as it has 

the distinct looks. Nazernoy has found its name from “Narezat” which means - to 

slice… 

A fairly chewy, and at times decorated with large notches, it’s a white bread. Its 

top crusts and edges are called Gorbushki. The very end of the loaf bursting with 

flavours, bursting with aromas, this bread is mostly used to make delicious Russian 

sandwiches topped with butter called, Buterbrod. Russians keep themselves warm 

in harsh winters eating hot soups like Shchi and Borscht, now these breads are 

natural add ons. 

Kalachi 

It’s so much part of life in Russia. It’s indeed a favourite of all, making the dining 

tables look more tempting with buttery -brown colours overshadowing. This is one 

of the bakery products eaten in the mundane meals as well as a super delicacy too. 

The villagers would buy Kalach returning from their works or ordinary town 

people would enjoy the family gatherings with super delicious Kalach to also be 

served in Porcelain crockery on impeccably decorated magnificent huge dining 

tables of the Tsars. In fact, Kalachi was considered a very prestigious gift to be 

offered to high dignitaries and patriarchs. In olden days, it would be given to the 

servants going on a leave as a coin to be spent on a Kalach. This bread is ancient, 

traditional with rich history. For some it’s not the bread but it’s a bun. 

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A merchants's wife is drinking tea, 1923. A kalach in the form of a kettle bell is depicted as was common 

in central and northern parts (Boris Kustodiev [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons) 

Kalach Bread By Лобачев Владимир [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/bysa/3.0)], 

from Wikimedia Commons 

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Gingerbread 

It’s stunning and simply heavenly! A loaf worth trying for! And mind it; it’s not 

only bread it’s a very creative way to make life easier. In fact the Tula Gingerbread 

is been proposed by the Russian government to be included in the UNESCO 

intangible heritage list. Its recipes are varied and different from families to families 

and are kept a secretly guarded passed down to the sons and heirs…decades after 

decades. 

It was included in the family meals as a learning resource for young ones. Children 

would learn alphabets and letters before eating it. It would also act as a match 

maker in weddings. The groom not sure of being accepted would send loaf of 

gingerbread to the brides. If she accepts the bread, it would be considered her 

approval of the proposal. There is giant monument in Tula and the writing on it 

says, “The Tula gingerbread has been famous since 1685.” 

Borodinsky 

1. Boroninsky By Saboteur [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from 

Wikimedia Commons 

42



Quite a treat!!! This bread has got a very interesting past some say they are not aware 

of its origins, some point out the relevance to the battle of Borodino where a brave 

general Tuchkov was killed and his wife built a monastery on the death field of his 

martyred husband. This monastery started manufacturing the Borodinsky bread...still 

its origins are shrouded in mystery but not its charismatic sour aroma! And this 

glorious square rye loaf has a typical look which comes after long fermentation of the 

dough. Usually its crust is topped with coriander. There are hundreds of varieties of 

breads...all sweetened with beet sugar molasses, flavoured and infused with spices, 

salt, coriander, caraway seeds, barley malt syrup. They have stood the test of times in 

Russia and have won a special place in the hearts of its people. 

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44


Russia is an outstanding name in the world of classical 

music, drama, ballet and theater… It has a very rich 

and incredible history behind its journey. And it 

continues to impact the world cultures with its glory. 

When we explore the Russian world of theater, its roots find some relevance with 

the pagan shows, which are full of dramatic recitations of fables, tales, proverbs, 

singing , dancing usually performed by the Skomorokhi ( minstrel entertainers in 

Kievan and Muscovite Russia and they performed for public and Tsar alike). 

Though exact details are not known but it is said to be during the 1644 during the 

Michael I of Russia that the theaters begun. 

It was during 1672, which saw the opening of the first theater and it was during the 

court of Tsar Aleksey Mikhailovich. 

In the 19 th century, Moscow and St. Petersburg became the center of theatrical life. 

The 1824 saw the popularity of the beginning of Maly (small theater) and Bolshoi 

(big theater) in around year 1825. Sergei Diaghilev’s ballet company captured the 

minds and hearts of the world which also left incredible mark in Europe. It later 

came to be known as the Ballets Russes. This helped making Russian culture 

become popular with the English ballet dancers getting familiarized and adopting 

Russian pseudonyms. 

45



Stanislavski and Knipper (centre) in A Month in the Country (1909), the earliest recorded instance of the 

analysis of action in discrete "bitshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51136124 

46



There was a burst of the theatrical activities and new styles at the turn of the 20 th 

century. These were the times when the vibrant and ingenious radical changes 

were added to the rather conventional functioning of Russian ballet. And the 

Alexandrinsky Theater created magic with it. No wonder it exists now for more 

than two hundred sixty years. It earlier looked up to the European traditional 

models but later embarked upon and established its own full expressions. Its 

Russian school of theater!!! 

The Alexandrinsky Theater introduced very famous names in theater personalities 

and produced some memorable theatrical products associated with dramatists 

Nikolai Gogol, Russian playwright Alexander Ostrovsky, and a very famous story 

writer Aton Chekhov. 

SOME DISTINCT NAMES IN THE RUSSIAN THEATER 

The plays of Anton Chekhov 

Chekhov’s plays brought immense depth of psychological aspects in the first 

quarter of the century. 

. 

By Osip Braz - [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=258685 

47



His plays urged the viewers to relate more with the characters of the drama. His 

plays like “The seagull”, “Heartbreak House”, “Three Sisters” and “The Cherry 

Orchard” are memorable 

years after years. 

They have been staged 

many many times all 

over the world and been 

appreciated and adored 

by the likes of 

Tennessee Williams, 

Bernard Shaw... 

Stanislavsky's theory of theater 

Chekhov with Leo 

Tolstoy at Yalta, 1900 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w 

/index.php?curid=1969331 

His theory of theater and the strict ways to coach actors are admired by all. He 

advised his actors to “live the role”. He encouraged the actors to evaluate and study 

the character, nature and identity of the heroes, realize the similarities of their own 

inclinations, behaviors and identity and find the synergies and bring them on in 

front of the spectators. 

Vsevolod Meyerhold and a special kind of theater 

He introduced “Grotesque” and "Biomechanics" terms in the world of theatre. 

His methodology of acting and theater involves cumbersome and complex physical 

movements, vibrant settings, a combination of dance and circus. 

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Biomechanics refers to the physical development of the role - which encouraged 

actors mastering the gestures inherent to their characters. 

Members of Stanislavski's First Studio in 1915, a pedagogical institution in which elements of 

the system were first developed and taught. 


49


50


The spectacular concert by “Kalinka”, the National Children’s Dance Ensemble from Moscow, 

Russia, overwhelmed the people of Delhi at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) in 

New Delhi on October 29, 2018. 

51 

The “Days of Russian Cinema in India” was opened at a 

colourful ceremony at the Russian Centre of Science and 

Culture (RCSC) in New Delhi on October 12, 2018


The Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) in Trivandrum 

organised a seminar on the influence of Tolstoy on world 

literature and, his role in moulding Gandhi's' perspective to social 

work. The function was held on September 9, 2018 

The photo documentary exhibition dedicated to the 75th 

anniversary of the Battle of Kursk in New Delhi On July 5, 2018 

52


The annual concert by the students of the School of Russian Classical Ballet 

RCSC) was held on April 28, 2017, it was dedicated to the memory of the 

great Russian ballerina Maya Plisetskaya. 

53 

First Russia-India Youth Parliament “Vision for Future” dedicated 

to 70th Year of diplomatic relations between India & Russia was 

held on the from 6 th to 8 th of March, 2018 in New Delhi.


With the launching of the new organization entitled “India- 

Russia Foundation”, instituted by the Unity International 

Foundation, Russian-Indian relations would certainly receive an 

inspiring boost 

H.H.Mr Nikolay Rishatovich KUDASHEV Ambassador 

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to 

the Republic of India 

54


DRUZHBA”, a year-long Festival to mark the 70 th anniversary of the Establishment of 

Diplomatic Relations between Russia and India, began in Trivandrum on January 10, 

2017 

The unique scientific feat of Valentina Tereshkova, the first Soviet woman in 

space, was remembered at a function at the Nehru Planetarium in New Delhi 

on June 19, 2018 

55


Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Mr 

Modi shaking hands on an official visit to India on October 4-5.2018. 

https://newstime.win/russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-visit-india-nextmonth/ 

56 

A collection of works by Russian authors in Hindi translation, as well as a textbook on Russian grammar, were 

released at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi on July 26. The event was graced with the presence of 

translators, writers, public figures, diplomats, compatriots living in India, as well as students from Delhi 

universities studying Russia and the Russian language


Russian Ambassador to India H.E. Mr Nikolay R. Kudashev met with Indian 

students from Amity International School, who are to participate in the 

international conference “Young Researches in Natural Sciences” devoted to the 

topic of “Sustainable city development, an ecological approach” in Magnitogorsk 

on April 25-30 

Russian Ambassador to India H.E. Mr Nikolay R. Kudashev met with Indian students from Amity International School, 

who are to participate in the international conference “Young Researches in Natural Sciences” devoted to the topic of 

“Sustainable city development, an ecological approach” in Magnitogorsk on April 25-30 

Pictures Courtesy: Embassy of Russia website 

57



These museums in Russia are cultural gems… 

The iconic, unbelievably beautiful, cultural gems, these Russian museums are 

worth visiting. Art is loved everywhere in this beautiful country called Russia. 

These magnificent museums are the most sought after cultural destinations in the 

word. Preserving and describing the cultural evolution in the most artistic and 

creative displays. The artifacts, documents, sculptures all presented in the 

museums, in the most innovative way. They are indeed the delights to the eyes of 

the visitors.. 

58 

Kremlin Armoury Museum


The Hermitage Museum complex. From left to right: Hermitage Theatre – Old Hermitage – Small Hermitage – 

Winter Palace (the "New Hermitage" is situated behind the Old Hermitage). 

59


By Leonard G. - Image taken June 2003 and contributed by Leonard G.., CC SA 1.0, 


60



Kremlin Armoury: 

Kremlin Armoury is one of the most famous museums in the world and it is 

ancient too. It opened its door some two hundred years back in the year 1851 and 

is located in the Moscow Kremlin. It a sparkling gem in the crown of the Moscow 

museums, a gateway to experience the Russian royal and military life. Most of the 

displays here are the ones which belonged to the Russian Tsars. Way back, it was 

in charge of producing, purchasing, storing weapons, jewellery and various 

household articles of the tsars. And before one starts appreciating the masterpieces 

kept inside the museums, it is impossible to miss and not appreciate the intricate 

designs on the façade’s columns too.. 

The articles, which are at the museum, come from some rare collections of the 

Russian, Western European and Eastern applied arts spanning the period from 5 th 

to 20 th century. The ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and other regal thrones, the 

helmet of Yaroslav II, gold and silver tableware, etc are some of the highlights. 

State Hermitage Museum 

The sheer grandeur of this museum has earned it a top slot among the top ten of the 

world most visited art museum. The area of the museum is so vast that it’s 

considered the second largest museum in the world. The Neva River flowing by, 

the building’s beauty is adorned with the brilliant baroque, pleasant looking skyblue 

and white, ornamental architecture. Also known as the White Palace, this 

dreamy structure has richly decorated iconic columns, parapets of the building are 

decorated with statues and vases…and it is spread in almost six buildings and four 

hundred rooms. The museum displays exquisite and the culturally rich collection 

and boasts to have the artworks by Raphael, Rambrandt, Van Gogh, Picasso, 

sculpture by Michelanglo, ancient armour and weapons…many many more. 

Erarta Museum 

The Erarta (Era and Arta or Era of Art) came into existence in the year 2010 with 

a purpose to make exquisite contemporary art accessible to as many as possible. 

61


The Pavilion Hall of Hermitage museum (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons 

62



The building of the museum is neoclassical Stalinist building with approximately 

three thousand works are on display. Erarta also creates its own creative 

independent projects designed to encourage emotions of the visitors, where they 

feel and see the paintings as the characters.. The museum has objectives to 

promote the creative instincts of the visitors with organizing the concerts, 

screenings, lectures and live performances… 

The Rubens Room. Hermitage museum By Nagyman - Flickr.com - image description page, CC BY-SA 2.0, 


63


Vincenzo Petrocelli, Hermitage Museum, Portrait of Young Duke N.B. Yusupov.jpg 

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Moscow Museum of Modern Art 

This is the first state museum in Russia it has exclusive collection on the art of the 

20 th and 21 st century. It enjoys the grandeur status of highly dynamic and vibrant 

center of cultural activities. Zutrab Tsereteli, a painter, sculptor, architect is also the 

President of the Russian Academy of Arts. 

He brought his private collection for the public display which comprised more than 

two thousand works by some legendary and masters artists from the 20 th century 

like Kazimir Malevich, Marc Chagall, Natalia Goncharova and Mikhail Larionov, 

Aristarkh Lentulov, Vladimir Tatlin, Pavel Filonov, Wassily Kandinsky, Alexander 

Archipenko, Niko Pirosmani, Ilya Kabakov, Anatoly Zverev, Vladimir Yakovlev, 

Vladimir Nemukhin, Vitaly Komar and Alexander Melamid. What’s interesting is 

that the collection continues to grow through acquisitions and donations. 

The one main building among the three main buildings is situated in Petrovka 

Street which has the pride of displaying permanent collection. This building is in 

the former 18 th century mansion house of merchant Gubin , an imposing marvel of 

the neoclassical architecture by Matvey Kazako, who was known for his expertise 

in neoclassical architecture. 

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Erarta Museum 

By Peterburg23 - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12061834 

66



Golden Ring of Russia has so much to offer to its visitors and remains most 

favorite travel route for the domestic as well as foreign tourists… A circular route 

created during Soviet era which takes you on a tour of picturesque history, 

heritage, ancient onion-domed churches, gingerbread cottages and picturesque 

churches, gold domes and untouched green, nature-rich countryside, come and 

explore the most loved tourist route not far from Moscow…called GOLDEN 

RING. 

Why the name Golden Ring? 

It’s easy to understand when you take a brief look at the map of this famous tourist 

itinerary that encompasses the oldest, historic and cultural heritage sites from 

central part of European Russia that looks like a breathtakingly beautiful large 

golden circle. The Golden Ring, connecting all the cities in a big large circle, holds 

a distinct place because it takes you through the hearts of present city life and 

Russian history, its people and it’s so enchanting and absorbing. 

As though there are no fixed names of cities that come under the Golden Ring, still 

traditionally eight names are definitely associated with this famous route- Sergiyev 

Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, and 

Vladimir. 

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Korostl river https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1011501 

68



There is another story which goes like in the year 1967, an art historian and 

journalist Yuri Bychkov thought of writing a series of travel articles and decided to 

visit Vladimir Oblast...and as he travelled further his route looked like a Golden 

Ring. And later he published his works under the name “The Golden Ring.” 

What’s so rich about these places? 

Yaroslavl 

A remarkable century old historic city with churches, museums, monastery and the 

Volga! A riverside! There is a place called Strelka at the river junctions, where 

river Volga meets Kotorosl river. The historic part of the city is located at this 

confluence. A walk along the Volga is a cultural ural experience in itself. 

There are many two-lane highways roads that connect Yaroslavl to Moscow and 

beyond and also there are areas where one finds coniferous forests around 

Yaroslavl. Yaroslavl is full of beautiful places like churches, universities, 

institutions, museums, like Transfiguration monastery founded in the 11 th century, 

and a museum now, the Governor’s house museum, old citadels, Yaroslavl 

paintings and so much more.. 

Dormition cathedral https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21405155 

69



Vladimir 

It’s surrounded by the river loop so that during spring, it’s not flooded. The 

graceful monumental cathedrals - “The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl”, 

“The White Stone Cathedral” are some of the ancient landmarks of Vladimir… 

The most famous landmarks of them is the Golden Gate, which leads one into the 

old town. “The Museum of Crystal and Lacquer Miniatures” displays some 

traditional art works and souvenirs. And yes, people love to gorge on Russian 

crepes, Blini and other delicacies from the museum café called Blinnaya Izba. But 

people also love to see the “Gingerbread Museum”, where the café is located. 

Views along the upper Volga River, between Yaroslavl, Vladimir, and Kostroma 


70



Kostroma: By Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskiihttps://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23787 

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiyev Posad 


71


Sergiyev Posad 

It has the privilege to have one of the largest monasteries in the universe dating 

back to the 14 th century. Its name is “The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius!” And when 

you feel tired walking around Larva’s huge buildings, head straight to a nearby 

restaurant which serves Russian food made from monetary produces. There are 

amazing treats available, one must try but the local specialties are homemade 

bread, pastries and kvass.. 

Kostroma 

It also had a glorious history; a home to the Romanov Dynasty that ruled Russia 

from 1613 to 1917…the Ipatyevsky monastery with its 16 th century architecture 

also has unique wall paintings telling ancient stories with colours and arts. There 

are cathedrals with its medieval frescos. The Resurrection Church (1652) 

represents 17 th century Russian art and it’s superb. Though exact times of 

foundation of Kostroma are not known but it’s said to be nine hundred years old. 

Kostroma is a major jewellery center of Russia. For centuries, a home to 

craftsmen from all over Russia especially of lacquer painting, painted enamel and 

many others. Want to get a feel of mundane life? Take a dive in the traditions and 

routine lives of the ancient Rus at Shchurovo Gorodishche Museum in the city of 

Suzdal. . The most daring of the visitors can even have a whack in farm work. 

It’s difficult to put together each and every detail about all the places of the Golden 

Ring…but one thing is sure that the Golden Ring has charms and beauty of long 

standing Russian culture and history as well as the natural character of a country 

life. 

72



Italy 

Enrico Garff 

73



Italy 

Enrico Garff 

Enrico Garff born on 26 th November 1939, is an Italian portrait painter and artist. 

His works include oils, watercolors, acrylics, gouaches and paintings on silk. The 

beautiful images of humans, horses and mythology find their expressions in his art. 

His art works are displayed in several world exhibitions and also in the home s of 

art lovers, museums, Government organizations, galleries wining him laurels and 

awards. A true ‘figlio d’arte, his father, Emilio Boffi, was an opera singer and 

mother, Gertrud Garff, had studied lyrical singing and belonged to a family of 

poets, musicians and artists. 

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Italy 

Enrico Garff 

His paintings have won the hearts of commoners and critics alike, they seem to 

converse directly to the senses, establishing a material and spiritual connect. They 

have an ethereal air around them with intelligence encouraging the unrestrained, 

analytical thinking. 

Many a prominent personalities had some precious words to say about Garff 

paintings. 

“Looking at his paintings, one can sense a tension vibrating between Nature and 

human figure, which I dare to call, “Mythical.” 

Lassi Nummi is one of the beloved Finnish poets of his times, 

“His art is invigorating like a strong pure wind and at the same time it is mild and 

full of aesthetically educational finesse.” 

By Sophie Sievers. 

“As you know, I have a little time with Enrico…but he is a great painter.” By 

Mary Mandelin – Dixon. 

SoCultures is ecstatic and honoured to publish this piece where Enrico Garff 

ponders over his thoughts, memories, views, and life journey as an artist, family 

person and pens down in these beautiful words. 

My first playground 

My first play-ground mate was a tree. I grew up in a rather lonely childhood 

surrounded by nature in my mother's private garden secluded from the mayhem of 

the world. My deep connection with nature, combined with the loneliness 

stimulated my fantasy to build up an imaginary world. The vacuum of a human 

relationship filled by my growing creativity triggered to fulfill the emptiness with 

colours, stories, imaginary beings and fantasy shapes. 

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76


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Italy 

Enrico Garff 

Drawing artistic sensibilities 

An arid soil was my foundation for a fertile imagination where I developed my 

artistic perception like a "third eye" shedding light into the darkness. I started early 

just after overcoming the age of a toddler drawing horses, pirates, Zorro and other 

marvels. 

I grew up mainly surrounded by female figures: by the record my mother, my 

cousins, and nine aunts. My father who was unanimously recognized mastering an 

outstanding singing voice vanished quite suddenly out of my life. His artistic 

sensibility is something I although inherited. I can still recall waking up in the 

morning at the echo of his soothing and harmonious voice sounding in my mind 

like a warm embrace while singing a beautiful Neapolitan an tune named la "La 

Montagna" (the Mountain). However excelling in a different artistic field, I can 

feel how he transmitted his musical pathos into the touch of my brush through his 

DNA, influencing my way of painting with the ancient Italic classical heritage, still 

running in my veins. 

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Italy 

Enrico Garff 

At that time, when I still hadn't developed much awareness of my skills and 

knowledge of what I was doing, the first recognition of my dawning talent came 

from a Lady deemed to be an art connoisseur by the pictorial circles of the time. I 

remember how she claimed to notice already plenty of action and dynamos 

embedded in my early stage drawing and painting attempts. 

Appreciating art 

In my nineteenth year, I learnt to appreciate the French impressionists and then the 

renaissance masters, especially Masaccio. Driven by passion and total devotion to 

shape and colours my pictorial ability took a remarkable leap towards a constant 

growing inspiration. I didn't paint to chase fame, accolades nor money, left alone 

one exception when at the age of 14; I remember that a compelling thought popped 

up from nowhere: I didn't want to end up my life anonymously or die without 

leaving a legacy to the world. Surely I yearned to be remembered for having 

delivered during my existence something of substantial value to humanity. 

Creating a legacy 

In the late 80s, I started a classical Greek-inspired cycle, portraying scenarios with 

sculptures in a wide range of styles, including Classical, Hellenistic, Minoic and 

Cycladic art. The inspiration gained from the full immersion in those historical eras 

was overwhelmingly corroborating: the statues appeared to take life under my 

brush while the mystical atmosphere of those eras captured my soul in rapture. 

The liberation of thoughts 

I never lacked the inspiration, to be honest, but during that period the creative flow 

was so powerful that I perceived it as an uncontrolled flow of energy streaming 

down to the painting. In conjunction with that blessed inspirational connection, I 

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Italy 

Enrico Garff 

was practicing a spiritual discipline regarding the "liberation of the thought". A 

meditational technique based on disciplining the clarity of thinking. The discipline 

stands in between the Hindustan Yoga and western logic and reason. The 

encounter with Lassi Nummi and Riita Harjunen wasn't by chance. They were both 

on the same wavelength and on a similar spiritual pathway. 

Humanity 

A common purpose united us regarding inner freedom, liberty and independent 

thinking. In Marcus Aurelius eyes, I could see the tragic of the ancient world, the 

incapability of the human being, trapped into subjectivity to reach a higher 

consciousness and develop a more objective insight. 

The objectivity of a crystal clear reason controlling the overemotional wave. Today 

his message is more than ever of the actual importance: the survival of our 

civilization based on evidence, reason, and liberty is heavily compromised. 

My artworks: 

My favourite artworks have secret meaning and logic: the meeting point between 

earth and heaven. "Five persons walk in the night", "The future is coming towards 

us", "Sintesi", "La Domenica delle Palme", are my most representative paintings 

forming the backbone of my core artistic values. I won't pretend to reach the heart 

of every person on earth. I hope my contribution to the art will add an objective 

standard of beauty and aesthetics reflecting the necessity of objectivity in the 

modern world, to counterbalance the fallacy of relativism and subjectivity of the 

postmodern world vision. Predictions on the trajectory of the art market are 

Hard to make but coherently to my previous statements, I wish that the art market 

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Italy 

Enrico Garff 

Inflated by subjective evaluations due to the subjectivism of relativism that 

hijacked the art will get back to common sense. 

East & West 

I think that western culture and Indian culture have much in common. A 

continuous exchange of values has been enriching each other through centuries. 

West and east still need each other if they want to continue to thrive. 

SoCultures is thankful to the great words of Enrico Garfff. 

83



Mexico 

Ponxo Taifa 

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, 

flight to the imagination and life to everything.” 

Music! Its indeed the soul of life. And when it’s about the global music…the music 

in different languages, instruments, intonations, rhythms…it is just music! No 

barriers of languages and cultural contexts.. Absolutely the blissful melodies, 

beats, emotions and voices that connect you to your heart and soul connect. It’s so 

healing! So spiritual! Meet Ponxo Taifa Angeles who is 

an Expert Panelist at Transglobal World Music Chart 

(TWMC) and Director at 

Radio Taiffa….. 

He introduces himself as, 

percussionist), photographer, cultural 

journalist, short story writer, survivor 

of the war and drugs, the crusade 

against hunger, six 

devaluations of the Mexican peso and 

much more. 

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Mexico 

Ponxo Taifa 

Radio Taiffa is the Radio project that appreciates the cultures of other latitudes 

through its music. It plays various musical styles that allow us to know and 

appreciate cultures – from ancient to modern cultures. In their sound library, one 

can find music from Rock, Jazz, Blues, Tango, Fado, Flamenco, Celtic, Gipsy, 

Afrobeat etc. With the support of many Record Labels, independent producers and 

the artists RADIO TAIFFA is creating a global audience for the global music. 

SoCultures talks with Ponxo Taifa about music and his global radio ventures. 

Do you think that it is important to think of our lives, purposes and works in 

the global context? What is role of cultures there? 

Cultures are social features that distinguish us and give an identity in a global 

framework,. 

The most rooted cultures not only propose but recompose this socioeconomic 

dynamics that allows us not only to be part of a consumer industry, but with the 

new trends and digital tools available easily, spread our cultures, traditions, roots 

and customs. It seems very interesting to me as most of the music we listen to, 

have kept alive their oral and musical traditions with a history of not less than 

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Mexico 

Ponxo Taifa 

hundred years. Although Rock (more recently) allows us to fuse all styles as well 

as imbibe their ideologies of each region, literality! 

The inherited music with its roots intact, becomes part of the daily life of many 

societies in the world and reaches more audiences, generating a musical 

community without borders. 

Tell us about your venture of Online Radio? The concept! How it’s executed 

and what is its impact? 

I have the opportunity to see different Online Radio websites and although many 

of us have different styles and designs, the main thing is that we seek to expand, 

communicate, entertain... the content is what differentiates us or makes us similar. 

Radio Taiffa has no more pretensions than playing the music that does not have 

access or is very scarce in traditional radios, we bet for the intelligent public that 

does not conform to sticky melodies and prefabricated artistic designs. In addition 

to the musical programming, we offer is a faithful reflection of our own tastes. 

Who all are your resources? 

The music comes to us through specialized agencies, the labels and the artists 

themselves as well, we are a part of the critics panel of Transglobal World Music 

Chart since January 2016, where it gave us worldwide visibility as well as 

networking groups. We also have programming from different countries of the 

world and it is very interesting how sometimes without agreeing with all 

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Mexico 

Ponxo Taifa 

presenters, we got to schedule the same albums in the same week. This way, the 

dissemination of the albums is reinforced from our station. 

I have perceived that we all receive the benefits ---- the musicians, labels, agencies, 

announcers, and our own station. Because although the pop industry pervades us 

commercially, the inclusion from our different cities keeps us united under this 

concept -- Online Radio Station! 

What are the statistics of global music industry? How it’s expanding its 

reach? 

I think it is on the rise, the world music has opened up many channels of 

information and dissemination of it, generate groups of diffusers, festivals, new 

labels, reinforce existing ones and position this as a more reinforced industry. I 

suppose that the musicians, agencies and labels must receive good income, because 

they generate more albums every time. The artists if they are not composing are on 

tour, the agencies always working, so I guess their income is in movement, that 

part I do not know because the Radio Taiffa service is free. 

How does it expand? Well, with the union and inclusion of all platforms, online 

stations, traditional radio, print and digital media, with audio or video programs for 

dissemination and move it around the world. 

How do you observe the music trends in differ cultures? Give us some 

examples with interesting stories? 

There is always a preference for the local music of each region but there is always 

opening for new currents or fusions that allow to expand each rhythm, I have 

listened to music from France or Spain where they resume the tropical music of 

America, the salsa or the Colombian Cumbia, the fusions of Arabic music with 

flamenco, Tango with Balkan rhythms or with electronic music, this also makes 

the different cultures continue to amalgamate musically. 

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Mexico 

Ponxo Taifa 

My country has adapted very well the Rock n 'Roll of the USA with lyrics that 

reflect the moments of daily life in Mexico. The Mexican Rock was flagging with 

a social force for a large part of the young people coming from different cities and 

following a mix of other styles. 

Name a few of music icons who are able to make impact worldwide? 

I think Paco de Lucia! But it also seems to me that Peter Gabriel when he left 

Genesis began to make more interesting music, but many a local musicians ended 

up being great pop artists. Niña Pastori, Lila Downs, Chavela Vargas, Cigala, Ravi 

Shankar, Buena Vista Social Club, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Piazzolla, etc. 

What it takes to create soulful music for a musician/singer/ artist? 

Many artists comment that they create music from their experiences or even adapt 

traditional music from their countries or take inspiration from others to make new 

versions. Well, I think it simple like for writers to write first, they have to read. 

Similarly to play first, the new musician has to listen a lot of music. 

Name a few Indian music artists who are listened and loved by the world 

audiences? 

Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar seem to me to be the most loved and listened 

widely. Recently I listened to Anandi Bhattacharya and the flamenco fusion of 

Indialucia, I loved both albums 

Share your own experiences of working with music artists of different 

languages and cultures? 

It has been amazing, musicians from Sweden, Italy, France, Spain, Colombia, 

Argentina, Venezuela, USA ... I think that through the distance we have achieved a 

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Mexico 

Ponxo Taifa 

a friendship, I am very pleased when I share the podcast of my program, they 

listen it and share even if they are not included in that broadcast. 

Radio Taiffa has always given me moments of immense joy and satisfaction. 

Meeting people, their art, to have their music in my music library, talking a little 

and achieving coincidences across the seas has been a fabulous experience, there is 

no money/ treasure that could buy these meetings, there are no borders that stop 

us, That's how I met this magazine too. 

Please write about you and your venture story. 

Radio Taiffa was founded in 2014, as a world music radio program. In 2015 

created the Online station RADIO TAIFFA (The Music of the World). 

Ponxo Taifa is a producer, announcer, programmer and director of it. 

My best wishes to India from Mexico. 

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An artist finds inspiration from everywhere. Robert Owen, who 

is an engineer by schooling and trade, but also pursues his artistic interests and 

does so with aplomb! His art involves nature, paints, photographs and real 

models, mix of performance art, different painting techniques of pieces in each 

set, loads of imagination. “I’ve mastered a technique that utilizes engineering 

technology with art and I can now build a multi-layer piece of art.” Says, Owen. 

He has also introduced Body Paint Art… let’s chat with the creative Owen about 

his life, muses, art, trees, sea. He is an artist and a Writer/Photographer/Artist 

at Iconique Magazine. 

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USA 

Robert Owen 

What is that you find fascinating with different cultures? 

Each culture views the world differently based upon their heritage. These 

varying looks at life allow other cultures to see their own life differently. Every 

culture can learn something new from another culture, values, heritage, lifestyle, 

music and art. 

How can we create a more beautiful world with cultures? 

We can create a more beautiful world through embracing our differences, and 

making efforts to understand other cultures. Like, what is important to their world 

and respecting their traditions. 

Beauty has a universal theme, each culture views beauty differently, but taking 

the time to understand and at times assimilate varying pieces of other cultures 

into your own will open up new ideas of what beauty and values are shared in our 

world. 

What are the major sources of inspiration for you? 

Nature allows me to create a positive mindset for the art that I create through 

flowers, foliage, impressionist nature scenes and such. Since every person has a 

natural beauty, I strive to incorporate their soul and being into each piece and 

bring to life the true soul of the art. 

Art has many forms! What makes you to explore the options as a mixed media 

artist? 

I started off my artistic journey in photography but soon realized that the market 

for photography in galleries was limited. I researched and envisioned art 

installations that were a mix of performance art, different painting techniques of 

pieces in each set, then started mixing those creations with photography. 

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USA 

Robert Owen 

My technique utilizes engineering technology with art and produces a multilayer 

piece of art that combines a variety of artistic skills. 

The characters in 

striking especially the 

background…what 

execution? 

I decide on a concept, 

models that fit the 

being created. I feel 

its own soul and that 

by a character that has 

emotional skills to fill 

I believe we are able 

meaning and soulful 

your works are very 

way they are set in the 

goes behind the 

I research specific 

personality of the art 

that each creation has 

needs to be portrayed 

the physical and 

that role. In doing so, 

to truly pass on the 

feeling of each piece. 

Paining and photography, how do you combine then effortlessly? 

Once I find something that piques my interest I begin to procure pieces for the 3D 

installation set. I select a performance model that fits the subject matter, I 

purchase wardrobe specifically for the model and project. The process then 

moves to painting the individual items in the set, piece by piece, backdrops, 

furniture, props and clothing. We select the venue, build the set, set up the 

lighting to suit the pieces need, take a few images of the set without the, 

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USA 

Robert Owen 

performance model in the set to make sure I am happy with the look, lighting, 

line of sight, composition and content. At that time, I start to paint the model 

using brushes and body paint. We take several hundred to thousands of images 

from each set, from different angles and positions of the model, different 

hairstyles and painting touch ups throughout the shoot. The next phase is of 

reviewing images on large screen computers to find the exact look then the final 

ones are sent to our printer and once we receive those pieces back, we either add 

more acrylic paint to the painted and photographed image or send them straight to 

framing. Then these are placed in designated galleries or exhibits around the 

country for sale. 

What is Body Painting art? 

Body Paint Art utilizes performance art models in conjunction with painted sets, 

wardrobe, props and photography to create unique and inspiring pieces of artistic 

expression. The color palette, lighting, model , expressions, the vision of the 

artist, brush strokes and capturing photograph images, are all parts of the process. 

Subtle and uninspiring on its own, but once put together, the entire process play 

like a world class symphony orchestrated to perfection. 

Who are your favourite artists? 

Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Dan Gagen, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 

Jackson Pollack and many more. 

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Painting the 

models 

I let the brush 

follow the body 

lines of each 

contour, accenting 

each person’s 

individual 

character, colours 

flowing with 

shape, light and 

shadow dancing 

on each pore, 

crevice, muscle 

and sinew. These 

few images are then lightly cleaned up for color, contrast, saturation, hue and 

such to build the final image. These images are then printed on flexible PVC or 

aluminum with a UV stabilized ink that allows me to paint more features onto the 

images with acrylic until I have created the artistic vision that had been trapped in 

my mind. 

How much time it takes to finish these projects? 

Some pieces take as little as five hours and others will take upward of hundred 

hours. It truly depends on the complexity of the project. 

Are you interested in incorporating others mediums/ different types of paints etc? 

What will be the natural progression? 

Yes, I hope to expand these creations with light painting added to my Body Paint 

Art installation pieces. I want to push the boundaries of using light to paint in 3D 

and see how I can incorporate that medium into my current skill set of artist 

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USA 

Robert Owen 

I also plan to incorporate more abstract painting onto my photographed images 

of the Body Paint Art. 

How it makes life so fun? 

The joy I receive by creating this art comes in so many fashions, first, the 

amazing people whole new level of peace and joy to my life. Second, I am 

always trying to get better at my art and I love that challenge. Last, the thought 

that something, I’ve been a part of creating. will reside in someone’s home and 

hopefully be passed down for generations gives me the sense that possibly part of 

me will live forever. 

Please share your favourite and beautiful memories in your journey of life. 

The birth of my son, Robby! That feeling of being connected to someone that is 

a part of myself, nurturing that life, watching him grow, learn has been 

mesmerizing and truly the most beautiful and rewarding part of my journey 

through this life. Ada Olszewska and I are expecting another beautiful newborn 

creation next year and I know that experience will be just as rewarding if not 

more. I’ve been blessed to be able to experience life to the fullest in so many 

ways, bring mechanical visions to life for utilitarian purposes, and bring artistic 

visions to life for ethereal purposes. And I wouldn’t go back and change anything 

in my life. 

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Art by Robert Owen 

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Indialucia 

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Spain 

Indialucia 

Music is a dream for and Polish renown flamenco guitarist Miguel Czachowski 

who believes strongly that world is full of melodious music… it’s true that when 

Bono had said, Music can change the world because it can change people. He talks 

about Indialucia… 

Indialucia is a project that started to exist back in 1999 in Nagpur, where I came to 

study Indian classical music. I and my sitar teacher Avaneendra Sheolikar started 

learning together. Soon after, we prepared the first few tracks with my 

percussionist friend from Spain - Pierluca Pineroli and his tabla guru Sandesh 

Popatkar. This is the beginning of our career. A few years later, we released our 

first album where we played together Flamenco music and Indian classical and 

Qawwali as one form of music. The word “Indialucia” has two meanings. It’s the 

fusion of two words "India" and "Andalucia" - two lands where the music from is. 

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Spain 

Indialucia 

And the second one is that the word "Indialucia" we can translate as "India 

enlightened" that is more of the spiritual meaning. 

flaMenCo 

Flamenco is the music of southern part of Spain from Andalucia. It was born by 

the end of XVIII century and was created mainly by Gypsies (their origin is from 

India). It's music of simple people who by playing Flamenco music wanted to find 

relief from their hard life. So in this historical context, it started to be the very 

emotional type of music. 

Cultures 

I think the most beautiful element in travelling the world is to explore other 

cultures. By culture, I mean the way of life, the art, the music, the food, and the 

traditions. Anywhere I travel, I always want to know about the place I visit. The 

history, the language, the cuisine, the architecture and of course music, there is so 

much to explore. I am a musician so naturally, I focus mainly on music, but as 

being an architect I also like to feel the cities, buildings and art. And as a food 

lover, I like to explore and experiment with new tastes. So far the best food of the 

planet is Indian, and I am a very big fan of all the Indian vegetarian dishes. 

global Context 

I am very much concerned about our environment and sustainability. We are all 

part of this world and only it depends on us what will happen to our planet in the 

next decades. Nowadays people think more about economic growth than spiritual. 

We should stop for a while and think why we are here and where we all go to. By 

playing music I believe I can ignite people's hearts and somehow contribute to their 

spiritual life. 

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Spain 

Indialucia 

global 

MusiC 

industry, 

its reaCh, 

the 

beauty of 

fusion 

MusiC… 

Global music 

and especially 

the World 

Music is 

nowadays 

growing very 

fast. There is a 

huge market 

for this kind of 

music almost 

everywhere. 

All over the 

world, we have 

festivals. 

Indian music 

has a very 

strong position, 

and so is 

Flamenco 

music too. And we are the only band that plays those two genres combined. 

Wherever we play, we always have standing ovations and cheered by full house. 

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. Muzyczna Owczarnia in beautiful mountains. 

Indialucia With Anandita Basu, Miguel Czachowski, Kiureli Sammallahti, Julia Davidko, Avaneendra 

Sheolikarand Kamal Sabri 

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Concert in Warsaw 

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Spain 

Indialucia 

a few of My favourite MusiC iCons Creating an 

iMpaCt worldwide 

Oh! There are many..There will be the group “Shakti” formed by John 

McLaughlin, L. Shankar, Vikku Vinayakram and Zakir Hussain. They are the 

examples of fantastic fusion and collaboration between the cultures. Another 

source of inspiration I could name, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Niladri Kumar and 

many others. 

My MusiCal journey 

I started playing guitar at the age of 12. As a flamenco guitar player, I am a selftaught 

guitarist. I formed my own flamenco group in 1992, but the career took a 

turn, when I started to play with the Indian musicians. Together, we started to 

travel the world. So far we have visited thirty countries and five continents with 

our music. 

Message for My indian friends and MusiC lovers 

I am glad to be part of Indian culture by playing with all the Indian artists I had the 

privilege to. I am happy that I visited India twelve times and I got addicted to 

Indian masalas (spices). I am very happy that Indian audience accepted the 

flamenco fire we added to fantastic Indian music. 

dhanyavaad hindustan! naMaste! 

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France 


These black and white photographs 

capture all the vibrant colours, varied 

moods and dramatic scenes with acute 

and sharp CAPTURES. Let’s ask the 

ace photographer how he does it all… 

Emmanuel Cherki is a renowned award winning 

photographer; he is also a journalist with AFP 

press agency since twenty years. He studied 

philosophy at the University of Aix-Marseille 

in the south of France. 

He is excited about the interesting works and assignments, he could take up as a 

journalist, and it led him to work in the "Culture" department of the agency. It gave 

him so much exposure and interaction with so many creative people. He was 

always passionate about the photography; He integrated the "photo" service of 

Agence France Presse for several months. He captures some very “out of the 

world’ pictures...all breathtakingly beautiful, presenting a cutting edge sharp 

narrative and tell a story which is so relevant with our lives. 

SoCultures pursues the talented photographer and journalist to reveal the 

process and secrets of his brilliant captures. 

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(All the photographs are clicked by Emmanuel Cherki) 

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France 


What is your vision around your work? 

The central idea is that the city is at the heart of human activity. It is the place of 

exchange but also of solitude. The absurd meets every street corner, day, night. In 

the midst of the calculated regulations of a rational architecture is sometimes born a 

situation which contradicts this organization 

What is the creation process for you? 

The process is essentially to look for "non-coincidence" between the real and the 

idea that we have. The photo is the sign of this deregulation. Each person's hot 

object is able to create this "non-coincidence". The beauty of a face, the shape of a 

building, an attitude can take us out of the real world. 

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France 


How do you get your best works? What are your inspirations? 

I do not know what the best pictures are. Sometimes I am amazed by what others see 

when showing them my work. Some pictures that I considered less successful were 

much appreciated. Conversely, some that seemed interesting to me did not find 

echoes. Another "non-coincidence”..... 

Your photographs are mostly in the 

shades of black and whites. Why do 

you find these colours so 

fascinating? Well! No doubt that 

they are amazing captures. 

There is a terrible dilemma between 

black and white and colours. B/W is a 

way of insisting on things or people, it 

requires attention. It gives 

a thoughtful image, out of 

immediacy. Colour reflects the movement of the world. It gives the movement, not 

that of the street or the event, but that of the thought of a "before" and an "after". 

Your captures are around different aspects- architecture, street, minimalism, 

portraits, sea, offbeat etc.. How is it different to capture these images technically? 

The colour is fascinating in itself. When you look at a colour it makes you think, 

imagine objects of the same colour and even feelings of the same colours. It disturbs 

the image because it is image itself. There is no "refuge" in the black and white; the 

obstacle is the meaning of the image under t 

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France 


Who is your favourite pictures from your collection and why? Also name a few 

from your award winning photographs as well 

It is very important to try all photography styles. I absolutely do not want to lock 

myself into a genre. I receive awards in all categories and it is very important for 

me. All the categories are part of a photographic process that I like to borrow. 

What are the differences between black/white and colourful pictures; you kind of 

capture your own beliefs, attitude for life in them? 

The photo testifies to my vagabond spirit. I like this idea of being a gypsy in the 

world. By making photos I do not try to freeze events but rather offer crossroads for 

those who live them. It an alert to what seems to me to be a non-coincidence between 

the idea and the image that interests me. For that you have to roam here and 

elsewhere. Being a stranger everywhere, be amazed all the time. In this sense, 

Koudelka's work is essential for me. In his life, as in these images, he is travelling. 

Your idea of cultures and also your vision of appreciating each other’s cultures to 

create global inclusivity. 

I would like to add what should have been the beginning of my reflection. The photo 

cannot stop the "living", cannot freeze it. The photo does not say anything about 

what's going on, happened or will happen. It is a bifurcation, it opens other 

possibilities. It does not offer solutions but poses questions and problems --Aesthetic, 

moral, political and social! It is a revealing accident of a "not everything goes without 

saying”.... 

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(All the photographs are clicked by Emmanuel Cherki) 

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118


Cultural Innovations 

Israel 

Amit Shimoni 

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Israel 

Amit Shimoni 

Hipstory through its vibrant colourful pop arts wishes to re-imagine the great 

leaders of modern history and place them in different times and culture era. 

A cultural innovation! 

Hipstory is the brainchild of Amit Shimoni, who is from Tel Aviv, Israel. He 

is a professional illustrator who was raised in the Mediterranean country. 

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Israel 

Amit Shimoni 

Shimoni brings sense of adventure and boundless creativity in his namesake art 

series “HIPSTORY” - world's greatest leaders of modern history recreated and 

conceptualized as nowadays hipsters. 

His journey began in 2014 and throughout this period of time he has received over 

two hundred media coverage worldwide including leading magazines and several 

television Shows like The Guardian, Stern published from Germany, Wired 

magazine, Vice magazine, Forbes, Entertainment weekly etc 

Shimoni has also worked with top brands around the world including the New 

York Times, the New York Observer and lately with the Norwegian leading 

political party. Shimoni was also selected for the most promising people 30 under 

30 -Israeli list of Forbes 

Today he operates his design studio “Amit Shimoni Illustration”, which 

collaborates with corporations from all around the world. 

SoCultures in conversations with the artist himself, Amit Shimoni... 

He lives with his wife Noga and their adorable dog Adam in Tel Aviv.. We 

urge the innovative artist to draw a lively picture of his life, works, 

inspirations, projects and future life for our readers in the interview.. 

Lets head straight to the artist and ask about his incredible 

works...who are you, Amit Shimoni? 

“I always loved art; I used to draw on my bedroom walls as a teenager. During my 

military services when I was hardly nineteen or twenty, I started painting abstract 

art expressing my emotions of that chapter. After my military service, while 

backpacking Northern India for a few months, I finally acknowledged the purpose 

of my life and it was creating an affordable art. 

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Israel 

Amit Shimoni 

What inspired you to create Hipstory series? 

Once I had an assignment to create communication through a preferred art. That's 

when Hipstory was born. I was looking for a way to connect generation Y to 

history's finest leaders. Googling, searching like any random teenager, for pictures 

of hundred years old world leaders, all I could find were black & white, faded, old 

pictures of leaders. Then the idea to “Hipsterize” them struck me This reality 

frustrated the me deeply and brought to life this art series Hipstory – my way to 

connect the Y generations with political and cultural visionaries of our past and 

giving them a new way of expression in modern times. 

What is a “Hipster”? Define it please! 

"Hipster" is not a specific fashion way of dressing or acting like most people 

would say. How I see it, it reflects the imbalance the Y generation is experiencingwhile 

everybody around is trying hard to be more unique, in reality, it seems 

everybody is more and more of the same. 

What does Hipstory wish to covey? What it talks about? 

Let me clear what Hipstory doesn’t want to talk about. 

It doesn't talk about politics, it talks about generation Y. I often find myself 

wondering how different my generation, Y generation, is from the generation of 

these great leaders of modern history. How different their belief system, the way 

they thought and what motivated them, compared to our more self-centred 

generation which is in a constant chase after fashion, style and trends as a way of 

self-expression while steering away from the big ideologies and meanings of life. 

I wanted HIPSTORY to re-imagine these great leaders and place them in a 

different time and culture - ours. I wanted to create a sort of mirror- a mirror that 

on the one hand is supposed to make one smile, but on the other, to make them also 

think. 

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Israel 

Amit Shimoni 

What is the creative process for each new character? 

"For every character I try putting my own interpretation, but I'm always leaving a 

place where the viewers get their own interpretation, their own story. During my 

thinking process, I study each character as a leader and as a person for at least a 

few days. I try bringing a new twist to the smallest details that define the character. 

For example, on Obama’s picture, you can find the words "Hope" and "Change" 

which are slogans anyone can immediately realize. But I also try painting details 

that are less notable and less recognized by most viewers, like the tattoo on 

Obama’s right shoulder which represents a scene from the book Moby – Dick, 

which is Obama's favorite reading book. 

It will be interesting to see how pop icons such as Marilyn Monroe or Michael 

Jackson will fit in with this respectable bunch in my next series titled - Hipstory II. 

It will be presented on the internet and social media and printed on items like 

Smartphone cases and coasters. 

Amit sums up, “I think that art belongs on one's phone or coffee table just as it 

belongs in a museum 

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CULTURE MANAGEMENT 

As SoCultures aspires to connect the world with cultural stories and collaborations, 

it’s extremely interesting and inspiring to see the initiatives like Producciones 

Dante SL. 

Now Sala Dante is about doing cultural management in a new and innovative 

ways. Let’s get the world more clued in about how Sala Dante is doing it — 

What is Producciones Dante SL? What is the vision and inspiration ,about 

starting this unique project? 

This project was born from the need of young artists to show their progress on 

stage. The theatres of Palma de Mallorca are rarely open for inexperienced artists, 

or amateur groups, so they have to go to spaces outside the city to obtain this 

experience. The Dante Room, as a private company, is always open to anyone who 

wants to show what they know to the public 

What is your assumption about the cultures? How it is a major catalyst to 

connect the world as SoCultures strongly believes in it. 

Today, thanks to globalization and the media, any artist is able to find sources of 

inspiration in all cultures, leading to unexpected merger of creative ideas, projects, 

new creations based on traditions and cultures that ultimately help the culture 

remain alive in the hearts of art and society. 

What is CULTURAL MANAGEMENT? 

Cultural management is that professional work of those who put culture and 

society in alliance, in rhythmic balance and do not do so as critics or as educators, 

but rather through cultural programming and cultural projects. A cultural manager 

fulfills the functions that many times an artist does not know how to perform, 

especially that of showing art to the public. 

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Great atmosphere in the complete total of Lolo Cervera & Norbert Fimpel 

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Culture ManageMent 

Armand Abraham! He is the founder partner of Sala Dante. How he 

envisioned about bringing in change in the area of cultural management? 

Armand thought that the city lacked a space of free access for all artists. His 

training as a professional pianist led him to look for his own performances, and all 

the times the theaters closed the doors on him, those were as an inspiration to him. 

All artists have the right to teach what they know, not only those who are already 

known nationally. Surely it is not the most lucrative way, but it is something 

necessary in our country. 

Albert Serra- Producciones Dante SL 

cofounder 

Sandra Gaspar - MAX Teatro Musical 

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Culture ManageMent 

You means Albert Serra, Artistic Director, have initiated viable programs to 

run the organization; can we know more about that? 

Of course! My first musical training was at the Principal Theater of Palma, where I 

also formed part of their choirs, participating in the opera seasons until 2008. I 

studied the Higher Degree of Musical Composition at the Superior Conservatory of 

the Balearic Islands with the composer Josep Prohens, receiving the "Extraordinary 

End-of-Degree Award". 

Now I am currently the co-director of MAX Musical Theater together with Sandra 

Gaspar, a musical theater academy that develops its activity inside Sala Dante. 

How do you offer the most conducive and inspiring atmosphere to the 

promoters and artists? 

Through economic conditions that favour both parties. We are aware that the artists 

who start can not pay certain amounts of money for the theater rental, so we offer 

the possibility of acting at zero cost, earning only through percentages of the ticket 

revenue. 

What is MAX Teatro Musical School? 

It is the first training center specialized in Musical Theater in Mallorca. Our school 

aims to provide comprehensive training of the three fundamental disciplines 

(singing, dance and theater) with the possibility of performing stage practices and 

participate in professional shows. 

. 

What makes you different from other cultural organizations? 

The immediate access to our space at the zero cost and the way and the speed of 

cultural management. 

The Message to the world … 

Do not let the culture die! 

Lastly, please add your inputs to add value to the concept of cultural 

management 

To assure the future of art and culture is safe, it is essential to help young artists, 

and provide a good environment for their performances so that they can gain 

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The musical “the hairspray show ", based on the famous “Hairspray “of Broadway, in Sala Dante! 

"The House of Bernarda Alba", in musical adaptation at Sala Dante 

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experience and ensure the next generations of artists. Many times this is not 

possible from government institutions sometimes. 

So, we believe that initiatives like ours are the good options. 

Piano Concert with the award-winning Hugo Button at Sala Dante 

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Welcome to the Culture Café! 

Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, flower freedom in life, and 

also coffee! Well also… of course! Conversations too! For lots of issues of the 

world can be solved over a cup of coffee. 

SoCultures had a chit-chat over a cup of coffee with the people from around 

the world to discuss cultures, and so much more that matters under the sky 

in the world. Let’s brainstorm issues, philosophies and views with the people 

from around the world. 

balogun olalekan 

Country: Ibadan, Nigeria 

He has studied science and technology and is 

an Executive Director at Photographer. 

Let’s discuss the cultures? What is your 

definition? 

I think that culture is a way of life. It’s our 

lives... 

Do you think in today’s globally connected 

scenario, cultures can be main agent to bring 

in the positivity and peace? 

Oh yes, the technology is doing wonders. It’s 

connecting the world. It’s easier to stay 

connected in these times. I feel that culture can 

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Culture Café 

be an agent to spread peace and positivity..Hmmm...Unfortunately not all 

cultures promote that. 

The biggest culture shock you ever lived? 

The biggest culture shock, I have received when I realize that the certain 

cultures deny the widow the rights to own her husband’s properties. 

Tell us about your favourite film, book or art anything which fascinates you 

from your culture? 

What fascinates me most about my culture 

is, the traditional dresses worn by our 

women and men. Oh yes, I love my native 

language too. 

Photographs clicked by Balogun Olalekan 

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Culture Café 

siyabonga sikosana 

Country: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal 

(He is an acclaimed artist, and studied 

at Durban University of Technology.) 

Let’s discuss the cultures? What is your 

definition? 

Culture is something that I find in my 

roots, the way I live! Even the way I 

think! I dance! It’s there in my art! It’s 

like Ubuntu! It’s the “HUMANITY” in 

everything. 

Do you think in today’s globally connected scenario, cultures can be main agent 

to bring in the positivity and peace? 

Culture is important for growth. If we stay away from our culture, it would 

mean that we can’t go forward and that we have lost our identity, it means that 

we are living in a nation which is not developing. For me, culture is Ubuntu! I 

like the positive values of the cultures. 


I don’t know which culture has given me the shock but I can definitely say, if it 

is about killing innocent people, abusing or doing bad to people that will be 

really shocking to me. 



The book I love to read is time and again, “Long Walk to Freedom” , a book 

about life of Nelson Mandela. Humanity is to forgive and building afuture for 

nation. Film, “Battle of Isandlwana” this film taught me that one must die, if he 

has to die, moving forward but not running away no matter what 

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Art works by Siyabonga Sikosana 

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Culture Café 

ogbu anuriChukwuka 

Country: Owerri IMP State, Nigeria 

(An artist who is constantly 

experimenting and innovating 

with the brushes and colours) 

Let’s discuss the cultures? What 

is your definition? 

Culture is dynamic, it changes, so 

as people change too because it 

people's way of 

life. It varies from generation to 

generation. 

Do you think in today’s globally 

connected scenario, cultures 

can be main agent to bring in 

the positivity and peace? 

Yes! When viewed in these 

perspectives (CULTURE), it is an 

open-ended and unclear 

definition which is not specific to any experience, activities, ideas, which is 

present in the society for the creation of art. My views - 

1. Culture is been dynamic in nature. 

2. It also enters in a marriage. 

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Culture Café 

3. One can borrow other people's culture which can bring positively changes in 

them, in their lives. 


A woman is handed over to her late husband’s brother for marriage forcefully. 

It’s really something very disgusting in any culture. 



“The Joys of Motherhood” by Buchi Emecheta! It’s a novel published in 1979. 

A painting by Ogbu Anurichukwuka 

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Culture Café 

eva Maria friese 

Country: Lacchiarella, Italy, An extremely talented artist. 

Let’s discuss the cultures? What is your definition? 

Culture or cultures takes place when a group of humans are evolving by striving 

for survival, for progress, for producing things, clothes, food and art. And also its 

in the developing the thoughts and technologies in spite of what is offered by the 

nature, people, resources and territories. Irrespective of the differences of one 

group of culture to another, the cultural solitarily always encourages intelligence, 

positivity and security, also helps in 

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solving conflicts. To develope and grow a high quality of culture, it needs good 

education of each individual person. If that isn't possible for everyone then it 

should be taken care by the others, the society, the government and anyone who is 

able to help. The cultural education can be spread not only with material products 

but above all with love. 

Do you think in today’s globally connected scenario, cultures can be main 

agent to bring in the positivity and peace? 

It's a mystery for me how much negative power can grow in humans by one's own 

choice to destroy and kill other human beings. I feel that in most of the cases it’s 

also due to the political and sociological problems. 

It's not a supernatural power. It can be achieved by learning from each other, 

integrating thoughts, technologies and also religions of other cultures for 

expanding horizons and improve problematic situations. It's wonderful and 

stunning how people are different but also much similar to each other and how 

much beauty exists around the world. In our technological present it's not difficult 

to interchange the most important and intelligently ideas for creating a better world 

and so a harmonious globally culture. It needs more education of loving and 

respecting each other. 


When I had been in The Holy Land, in Israel and Palestine I had gone through a 

really cultural shock. Especially in Gerusalemme (Jerusalem) a holy, treasured but 

also fought over place by three great monotheistic religions and rebuilt again and 

again over the years. There, every stone has a story to tell of events that it had 

seen… words and voices it had heard. But the inhabitants of this much-contested 

old ---- Muslim, Christian Armenian, Jewish live so happily and raising their 

families with much love. I compare it with many parallel universes which exist 

without interacting and barely respecting each other. But I’m sure that there are 

intelligent people 

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who make difference by loving and accepting the others. But these three great 

cultures in the Holy Land have one thing in common, that they respect the great 

culture of tourists and pilgrims. 



One night I had a dream of a person I didn’t know before. A boy led me through 

countryside to an old house with a room with many children, a long old wooden 

table and many chairs. We all had to sit down and then entered a man who looked 

at me and began to teach the children. The day after, on television, they were 

telling the story of this man. I thought, ‘Oh look there, I saw him in my dream last 

night’. The TV was showing old photographs of this old house, the room with the 

wooden table and many children and this man teaching them. This person was Don 

Lorenzo Milani, a catholic priest who lived during the war and fought for the rights 

of the poor children who had no possibility to go to school and had to work hard in 

the fields. He was an intellectual person and so he founded a school of himself 

teaching poor children in this old house in the countryside of Barbiana, Italy. But 

he had a lot of difficulties. Months later I found a book which talks about his youth 

and his choice to become a catholic priest. But there was a period of his live the 

television did not talk about it. The title of the book is, ‘Lorenzo Milani, 

l’artistachetrovòDio’ which means Lorenzo Milani, the artist who found God 

written by Valentina Alberici. He was an artist, a painter like me. He taught the 

children painting. He studied art in the “Accademia di Belle Arti” of Brera in 

Milan, where I live actually. What a surprise! He or God wanted to tell me this in 

my dream. I bought the book. But no one talks about him like an artist. Neither is 

he known as a saint. Perhaps one day people will call him that. But for me he is a 

saint now 

Below is a painting by Eva. .titled… God’s Perspective 

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SoCultures Magazine November 2018

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