Our London Eye is Jack Eames, a hair and beauty photographer in London with more than 17 years experience in the art of visual storytelling. With his Summer-sun culture hat on, he’s suggesting plenty to do, follow and talk about. We’ll leave it with Jack to explain each one:
Velvet Underground – Todd Haynes
(Documentary)
“Film and music are two big interests of mine. I love media that traverses both genres, particularly when you get a deep insightful dive into the creative mastermind of one or the other. Recently I got a chance to sit down and watch the 2021 Todd Haynes’ documentary The Velvet Underground. It’s a masterful tribute to one of the most influential bands in rock history.
“With his distinctive directorial style, Haynes brilliantly captures the essence of the 1960s avant-garde scene in New York. He blends rare archival footage, striking visuals, and in-depth interviews. The film not only delves into the band’s groundbreaking music and enigmatic personalities but also vividly portrays the cultural and artistic milieu that shaped them.
“I love Haynes’ innovative use of split screens and layered visuals. They mirror the experimental nature of The Velvet Underground’s music. The interviews provide invaluable insights and personal anecdotes, shedding light on the band’s creative process and the dynamic between its members. The documentary excels in its celebration of the band’s legacy, highlighting their influence on countless artists and their enduring impact on music and culture.
“If you get a chance to check it out on Apple TV then it’s a strong recommendation from me!”
Ed Clark at Turner Contemporary
(Art exhibition)
“I’ve mentioned Turner Contemporary art gallery [in Margate] before in my writing for London Eye. It’s just down the road from me in Kent, so it’s an easy choice for a Sunday afternoon. I visited with my son Freddy and his school class and it was so beautiful experiencing it through the eyes of the kids.
“We visited the Ed Clark exhibition. Clark is a brilliant, abstract expressionist celebrated for his bold and innovative approach to painting. His work is incredibly emotive and dynamic and the kids really responded to it! I asked Freddy what his favourite painting was? He chose the one featured above, because we’d read a book about sharks earlier that morning and the shapes reminded him of shark fins. It’s so interesting how children link things and what informs their preferences.
“Another of Freddy’s classmates told me it was her first time ever visiting an art gallery. This was a stark reminder how easy it is to take these things for granted if it’s something that you have the opportunity to engage with regularly.
Perfect Days – Wim Wenders
(Film)
“Wim Wenders is one of my favourite directors – he directed one of my favourite movies of all time: Paris, Texas. Earlier this year I went to see his latest film Perfect Days. It is an incredibly beautiful and gentle film that follows the character Hirayama – a Japanese man. He lives an unpretentious life, full of routines and simple pleasures. The film is a perfect character piece with little drama or adversity, but the level of detail and care taken to paint a portrait of Hirayama is truly arresting. The small disruptions to his daily regime feel impactful and deceptively emotional, and only strengthen the bond you build with him. Overall the film is incredibly meditative, meticulous and contemplative.
“Another recent one to watch from Wim Wenders is Anselm. This is an incredible filmic experience that explores the work of artist Anselm Kiefer. Much like Perfect Days the film is a cinematic portrait that feels like a very genuine insight into the subject’s life and routine.
“If Wim Wenders isn’t on your radar yet, then these two movies would be an excellent place to start – and why not throw in Paris, Texas too for good measure.”
Animal – New York Times
(Podcast)
“I binged a new six-part podcast series from New York Times writer Sam Anderson called Animal. Usually my podcast choices are more relevant to creativity and work so it’s nice just to escape into an easy listen. I really enjoyed Anderson’s tone and tenor, and the affection he shares towards animals is joyful and heartwarming.
“The series begins with Anderson telling the listener how his fondness for animals began, as it does for many of us, with a beloved pet. He describes his bond with his late dog Moby as the “most profound, non-human relationship” he’s ever had. This is something we can all relate to. The episode explores the feeling of never really being able to replace that perfect pet. Yet when you make that difficult choice to do so, you build a new connection with a beautiful little creature. A creature who hasn’t come into your life to try and replace the old one. But one who you love very differently for their own character and personality. It was a very moving listen as I sat with our lovely dog Jerry on my lap.
“The podcast then follows Anderson as he travels around the world meeting different people with an affinity for particular animals – from puffins to ferrets. If you are looking for some easy humorous listening that will warm your heart along the way then pop your headphones in and give this one a go.”
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Great inspo for the holidays – thanks Jack! If you enjoyed his recommends for his London eye series, look out for more coming soon. Our London Eye is brimming with ideas to make the conversations flow.
To find out more about Jack, visit: jackeames.com
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