Blowin’ in the wind... Chagall and Robinson Crusoe 389

Starting with September, autumn in Istanbul means film festivals, galleries and the Istanbul Biennal. Having reached November without visiting any of these –except Filmekimi- it was time to hit the road when Chagall was in town. (Thank you Yucel!)
The Chagall exhibition composed of both paintings and beautiful prints takes place in the Pera Museum and will continue until 24 January 2010.

The exhibition was originally intended for January 2009, but was postponed due to the “one minute” event of Davos last year in which the political sensitivities between Prime Minister Erdogan and İsraeli President Simon Peres*.

Chagall’s theme of lovers is only one part of the exhibition. But, it was my favourite. Having gone through 3 marriages, his paintings and understanding of love was devoted to his first wife, Bella.
Here’s a quotation from the man himself: “Is it not true that painting and colour are inspired by love?” (chagall,1973)

Our day continued when we popped by to the cutest bookstore on earth,Robinson Crusoe 389. (Does anyone has any other favourites?) Located on Istiklal Street Istanbul in entering this store, you never want to leave. One can spend hours muddling through the books... especially with the mild jazz playing in the background. When leaving they will wrap your books in the most elegant brown paper bag.

Oh by the way, they do have a website too**, but I would suggest dropping by to the store itself when you are in town.

*Source:http://sanat.milliyet.com.tr/Sanat/HaberDetay.aspx?aType=HaberDetay&KategoriID=45&ArticleID=1154058&Date=30.10.2009&b=Gec%20de%20olsa%20CHAGALL%20Pera%20da

** www.rob389.com