September 2012

“Between Darkness and Light” runs until Oct. 21 at Seoul Arts Center. — Ed. 

In a career spanning some three decades, Steve McCurry has seen and experienced more than most of us will in a lifetime. He has worked in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Cambodia, Burma and many other countries, boldly capturing images of civil wars in the Middle East, the devastation of the Kuwaiti oil fires of 1991, grounded Japanese fishing boats following the tsunami in 2011 and harrowing scenes of New York City firefighters and ambulances from 9/11.

At the London Olympics, people gathered to stare in disbelief at the astounding performances of gymnasts as they demonstrated unbelievable strength and coordination and eye-popping physiques. Would you believe these amazing athletes use little more than their own bodies to develop their abilities? There are no barbells, dumbbells or weight machines at gymnastics gyms.

There’s a lot going on in the music scene in Seoul that people miss.  

A push going on right now amongst musicians is to get out of Hongdae. The reasons are varied. Many would go to the common cry of our generation: gentrification. Too many corporations now go there to try to prove how hip they are, and it doesn't sit right in an artistic scene. Some sounds are tickling a tired spot in fans as well. 

It could be the heat, or maybe its days spent at the beach showing off my spare tire. But the humble salad has grown more and more heroic in my mind. 

I was on the Mediterranean coast for the summer, and shock therapy has begun. All these perfect bodies, no fat to be seen, and there I was, trying to hide under a beach wrap, a hat, an umbrella, a newspaper — all the while wondering why I wasn’y getting tanned.