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Friedrich Christian Flick is the billionaire heir of a giant industrial empire founded by his grandfather, Friedrich Flick, profiteer and war criminal, who was one of the major arms suppliers to the Nazi regime during World War II. He is also remembered for exploiting over 50,000 Jewish forced labourers in his factories.

Likewise, the Flick family has built up a significant and unique collection of contemporary art with the benefits derived from the disreputable legacy of the family business. Sprinkled with the biggest names in the contemporary art world, this valuable collection will be exhibited at the Hamburg Station Museum in Berlin until December 31st.

In a span of seven years, since 2004 more than 2000 works have been shown, occupying a total exhibition space of 13,000 square meters. These works include pieces by the internationally renowned American artist Bruce Naumann, Donald Judo, master of minimalist art, Sol le Wit, conceptual artist, Georg Baselitz and Gerhard Richter, to name a few.

However, this magnificent collection, which has an estimated value of 300 million euros, was not welcomed by everyone. On the contrary, this exhibit caused much controversy and outrage especially within the Jewish community, since “mega-collectionist” refused to continue paying workers compensation to survivors of his grandfather’s atrocities, though he had been sentenced to seven years in prison in the Nürnberg trials for having committed great crimes against humanity under the Nazis.

In unison the critics put an emphasis on the bloody origins of the financial funds which made this lush collection possible, and affirmed that neither the German government nor the artistic community should close their eyes to the atrocities of the past so as to allow for its validation in the art world.

Friedrich Flick, senior was the fifth richest man in the world when he died, and never showed remorse. And so as this collection is on the table once again, the debate about memory and German responsibility for their Nazi past once again heats up. If you want to make your own opinion on this controversial exhibition, rent apartments in Berlin and visit the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum later this year.

Tags: berlin Friedrich Christian, Exhibit, exhibit flick museum berlin, flick museum, nazi Hamburger Bahnhof

Jean-Paul Gaultier is one of the most important designers that currently exist and lately his name has been making headlines because unfortunately, he has just left the artistic direction of the prêt-à-porter women’s collection Hermès. Presumably this decision was taken because the fashionista wants to concentrate on his own personal ambitions.

We can enjoy his last collection for Hermès for fall of 2010 during Fashion Week in Paris. At that time, the presentation of the spring / summer collections for the following year are presented.

Gaultier´s post in the prestigious brand will be occupied by Christophe Lemaire, who until now was the creative director of Lacoste. He has been responsible for renewing their collections and image in the last 10 years.

Gaultier has worked with Hermès since 2004, the year in which he presented his first collection. From that moment the artist’s provocative decisions as far as fashion is concerned, at least according to experts, led to real success and indisputable economic benefits for the company. In the communiqué that was launched to publicize this decision, both parties stressed that the brand is thankful for his great creative input.

Gaultier, 58, was born in 1952 in France. He began to send drawings and sketches to famous designer Pierre Cardin, his teacher, who was very impressed by the great talent of the young prodigy. In 1970 he hired him. Gaultier has since then grown to become a famous and renowned designer for other companies and author of his own collection. You can rent apartments in Paris to enjoy the artist’s last collection for Hermès when it is presented at Fashion Week.

Tags: designers, fasion, Gaultier Hermès, Hermès Lacoste, Jean-Paul Gaultier, style

We talked recently about the publication of the Spanish edition of the American book “BDSM 101″ by Jay Wiseman. This is one of the most important books for the dissemination of the techniques, tricks and safety standards of the erotic sadomasochism scene and thus an indispensable reference for “newbies” who want to delve into this world.

Given the undoubted interest in the book’s publication in Spain, Bellaterra editorial presentation organized several events in various cities: the first was Barcelona, and the place chosen was the multipurpose space at the Triangle FNAC, in Plaza Catalunya. This event was highly publicized and very controversial, since it was one of the first times that a book was presented which dealt openly with sadomasochistic themes in an environment as open to the public as this FNAC.

Three people were chosen to present the book: a representative of the firm, a well known dominatrix in the local BDSM scene, and the Kurt, the Swiss owner of the private club Barcelona Rosas 5, considered being the foremost expert in bondage in Spain.

The presentation was very interesting but was not without controversy: during the questions, an obviously agitated old man accused the speakers of being nothing short of crazy, evil and perverted, and drew historical comparisons between sadomasochism and events such as the rise of Nazism or the Civil War. Kurt responded by improvising a vibrant discourse on the lack of understanding of sadomasochism by the general public, caused by hundreds of lies, clichés and misconceptions shown in film and literature that does not reflect at all sensual and pleasurable reality of BDSM. A serious problem which books like the one discussed here are helping to redress …

The presentation was able to continue without further incident, and the book finally arrived, fortunately, to bookstores throughout Spain. You can find a copy at the Scorpion’s Nest (http://www.nidodelescorpion.com), a cultural association whose small but select BDSM LIBRARY can be perused, its as simple as renting apartments in Barcelona and daring to knock on the door …

Tags: BDSM, bondage, erotic, fetish clubs, leather, S&M, sadomasochism

It is undeniable that the world of fetishism and sadomasochism has become fashionable in recent times: just take a look at the recently released pictures of Kylie Minogue wearing a rope harness, or Lady Gaga being bound by Japanese genius Nobuyoshi Araki … Not to mention the growing presence of traditionally notorious fetish accessories such as masks, blindfolds or extremely high heels in the latest fashion catalogues.

With this sudden popularity, many people begin to feel curiosity for this world, which until recently was very obscure and difficult to access … As they approach the BDSM world they may not know where to get reliable information. Of course on the Internet one can find everything, but without filters with which to gauge the quality of information.

On the internet there are a lot of lies and half truths contained in the thousands of websites that are available on the subject. In the world of print, things seemed no better thing: plenty of erotic books and fantasy literature, but few really serious books with which to start. In the nineties, people began to talk of an American book called “BDSM 101″, written by Jay Wiseman, which explained with clarity and humour all that a “newbie” should know about the world of BDSM, from how to make simple ties to basic safety principles when using a whip.

However, the translation into Spanish has lagged quite a bit. Fortunately, it eventually reached the hands of the Editorial Bellaterra, and the Spanish edition is entitled “BDSM. Introducción a las prácticas y su significado.” This book is a best bet for anyone wanting to enter the world of sadomasochism …. It can be purchased in Spain, but as the publisher is Catalan, it’s easiest to find in Barcelona: bookshops Laie as well as La Casa del Libro, Taifas or Central will all have copies. It will be easy to rent apartments in Barcelona and buy the book to initiate you into a world of new sensations.

Tags: bdsm1

The Parisian Jean Aicard Avenue is a spacious and bright avenue in the Ménilmontant district, near the famous Père-Lachaise cemetery. Upon arriving at the number 6, a sign displaying only the letter “D” announces that you have reached the Demonia Boutique … A very discreet entrance considering that it is one of the largest fetish shops in Paris, both for its size and the variety and quality of their merchandise.

After passing through and a curtain a short hallway marked with signs “Minors prohibited,” and a curtain we reached a vast open-plan living room, over a hundred square meters, divided into sections. The most abundant, of course, is the clothing section, featuring garb from materials such as latex, vinyl, leather and rubber, especially in black, red and white. The variety of brands is immense, both for women as for men: Corsets, skirts, tops, pants, aprons, shirts, socks, suspenders galore!… And of course boots of various heights and platforms, along with dozens of shoes, most dramatically high heels. Both corsets as some other items can be custom-made if needed … And in any case, the store is known for their excellent customer service, if you need an extra pair of hands in the changing rooms to tie a corset, just ask and ye shall receive.

But it’s not just clothes that can be purchased at Demonia: a complete collection of accessories for sadomasochistic sessions like whips, crops, canes, ropes, clamps of all kinds, metal tongs are all displayed and available for purchase … They also have a nice section devoted to jewellery, always with a touch of fetish: O rings (rings which indicate that the bearer is involved in the BDSM world), necklaces, bracelets, earrings and various accessories. Finally, check out their selection of more traditional sex toys obviously fetish fans will appreciate the power of a good vibrator, Chinese balls, or a quality lubricant.

Near the exit, a small dresser includes dozens of flyers, postcards and notices of BDSM and fetish parties held throughout France: no one wants to miss out on a chance to promote their event at a popular in the capital. Moreover, as we approach the end of the year, the store gets streams of visitors, especially to check out the clothing section … December marks the annual celebration of Nuit Demonia, the biggest fetish party of the year, not only in Paris but throughout France. Hundreds of BDSM and fetish wear fans strut their stuff in their best clothes and get naughty. As the 2010 edition of Nuit Demonia approaches, we´ll be sure to fill you in on all the details of this huge party, but in the meantime, get ready by reserving and renting apartments in Paris and assembling your top quality fetish wardrobe from the huge shop on the Avenue Aicard …

Tags: corsets, crops, fetish shop, leather, pvc, rubber, sex shop, suspensions, whips

There are European countries that where squatting (the occupation of abandoned buildings) is completely normal, and for example in both Germany and the Netherlands the practice is quite common. In Berlin there is a place that was bombed during the Second World War called Tacheles (which in Hebrew means “speaking out”) that after the fall of the Berlin Wall began to be squatted in by young artists. This place became a symbol to raise awareness and breeding ground of underground art in the city.

The site offered culture 24 hours a day, and it became one of the most visited sites throughout the city. The problem is that Fundus Group, which is technically the owner of the building, is not so keen on the artistic occupation of the building, as it doesn’t generate any profits. Eviction notices have been issued

However, there are many voices fighting for Tacheles on the eve of its 20th anniversary, and both mainstream artists and underground artists are fighting to keep this symbol of artistic rebirth alive.

These problems have been brewing for a while. In the late 90s, the building had been acquired to create a luxury property but the building was in deplorable conditions that the project could not be carried out, which is why artists took charge and made themselves responsible for the maintenance and renovations of the facilities. Funds were gathered through the various events that were held.

However, the contract that the artists had with the bank owner of the place Fundus Group has been completed and now the property is being reclaimed again. They say the place is being squatted in illegally and others who are in favour of maintaining this heaven for artists say otherwise. Tensions are running high with respect to the possible outcome of the situation, and we recommend renting apartments in Berlin to visit Tacheles before corporations take control of one of the most important artistic spaces in the city.

Tags: art, berlin, Fundus Group, Germany, squat, tacheles, Underground, underground art

Francisco de Goya y Lucientes was one of the most important Spanish painters of all time and one of his drawings recently sold for $ 1,339,722, a price even higher than Sotheby’s had estimated for the painting.

The work was called “El ladrón de nidos” (The nest thief) and it has not been on the auction block since 1877. It belonged to what they call the” Album F ” also known as the” Sepia Album “or ” Images of Spain,” which were part of the eight private albums” of the artist, featuring pictures he gathered over a lifetime.

The drawing, which is 200×140 mm, like many of his works, is related to hunting and deals with the idea of the “hunter hunted” because it attempts to portray the dangers of stealing from eagle’s nests.

You can see a hunter who intends to rob nest with a rope hanging from a rock on the horizon and an eagle carrying in its beak was a freshly hunted hare.

The Album “F”, according to experts on the subject, is made up of drawings created between 1812 and 1820. All the albums of this precious collection of Goya were acquired by the painter Federico de Madrazo who bought them from Goya´s grandson. Later they were unbound to sell part of the collection and now are completely dispersed in both public and private collections.

The Prado Museum has one of the largest collections of Goya in the world. You could rent apartments in Madrid and get to know the great works of one of the best artists on the planet.

Tags: album f, auction, drawing, el ladron de nidos, El Prado, Federico de Madrazo, goya, goya drawing auction

There is a picture hidden in a drawer in my mother’s house, and she always used to whip it out when I called her a square as a teen. In the photo, there is a perfectly bronzed little architect building a castle in her birthday suit. “See,” she says, “We were not always such squares. We went to nude beaches! Look, you look like an angel in this picture! Maybe I should put it up on facebook!” She has a point: they were not always such squares. Consider how great it will be to have a photo like that as a bargaining chip when your children are teenagers (Do your homework or I will show the family holiday album to your boyfriend!) And meanwhile, you can enjoy the beach experience “au natural.”

There is nothing better than to feel the sun caressing your body everywhere, and we all know that children often think bathing suits are a nuisance. In Barcelona and surroundings, there are a variety of sites where you can go sunbathe and swim nude. Within the city, you can take the metro and get to spend time in the nudist beaches of Sant Sebastia (right next to the Barcelona Swimming Club), and Mar Bella.

Going a little further away from the city centre, there are some other great options, such as the famous Playa Musclera near the town of Caldes d’Estrac. A few minutes from the city in the RENFE train, you can discover the magnificent Sitges Cala Home Mort or the silky sands of Balmins. Closer still is the beach de la Mora, with access via RENFE ( get off at San Adria).

And don’t forget: Playa la Murtra or Moll and Farrel in Sant Pol de Mar, Playa del Fortí in Mataró, Ricarda Beach in El Prat de Llobregat or Boadella Beach in Lloret de Mar. In all, there is a mix of more familiar zones or more of a young scene. You are sure to find one that is to your liking. And don’t worry: even if they are close to the city, many of these beaches have earned the prestigious blue flag, which means they are some of the cleanest beaches in Spain. Rent apartments in Barcelona, and enjoy accommodation as good as the time you spend on the beautiful nude beaches.

Tags: barcelona, beaches, naturism, nude, nude beaches barcelona, Nudism, nudist

For those women with whom nature has not been very kind, don’t despair. Even if silicone implants are not an option for you, there are new technologies.
After long debates on this issue, it seems that the experts have come to new conclusions.

Women can now kill two birds with one stone; reducing the amount of fat they have in other parts of the body to harvest it for use in their breasts, to boost them to their desired size via surgery. Breast volume can be increased without the use of
silicone implants.

Breast enlargement with the body’s own fat is an innovation in the field of mammaplasty and liposuction which involves sucking the fat out a low pressure so that the cells do not die. After extraction, the fat is purified and injected into microscopic tunnels in the skin in a procedure known as fat grafting. Normally 70% of the injected fat survives.

As explained by Dr. Jesus Benito Ruiz Unit Anti-aging Group Barcelona, this technique, while making breasts larger, without changing the structure of the mammary gland.

A U.S. study conducted in women between 17 and 63 years shows that with the help of this procedure, bust increases of up to 210 mm can be maintained for at least five years.

For women who want to increase their breast size thinking about this type of surgery, it is important to know that the treatment does not increase scarring, and generally can only be used to go up a size. There might also be some women who are too thin to have enough fat to transfer. Final results can be observed after fourth months.

In Barcelona you’ll find an excellent team of doctors who perform this surgery. The price of treatment is about € 7. 000. Rent apartments in Barcelona for much less, and make your stay in the Catalan capital very comfortable.

Tags: big breasts, breast implants, breasts, fake tits, harvested fat, plastic surgery, silicone

“I am neither a passenger nor an ethnologist,” says the director of the Maison Rouge in Paris, Antoine de Galbert, of the magnificent exhibition “Journey in My Head” which he is currently curating. Galbert has the spirit and excitement of a big obsessive collector, which led him to gather more than 400 indigenous headresses from the farthest corners of the world. “Journey in my head” is an ethnographic world tour guided by one of Galbert´s great passions, and one of the most interesting exhibitions you will find in Paris this summer.

These devices/garments/ accessories exhibited at the Maison Rouge testify to the rich imagery of the different ethnic groups represented in the sample, and point out their most idiosyncratic features. What fascinated Galbert and pushed him to embark on this exhaustive search for the most rare and beautiful headdresses, was his first acquisition, a headdress decorated with huge Papuan bird feathers that belonged to a statue and was in fact too small to be worn by a human. It was this first experience that opened the door to a fascinating world of shamans, guerrillas and hunters and the ornaments they wore in ceremonies, either for protection or social distinction.

Thus the exhibition shows the headdress in their many forms and uses, starting, for example, with headdresses of female seduction, such as decorated bridal veils or gorgeous veils designed to arouse male curiosity. On the other hand, there is a vast library filled with feather headdresses, or those made from animal bones, beads or ape skulls which symbolize virility and the bearer´s strength as a hunter or fighter. You will also find headdresses worn by priests and shamans, which have a sacred and ritualistic value.

You have until September 26th to take advantage of the opportunity to appreciate this exquisite collection that offers you a glimpse into fantastic and unknown worlds. Rent apartments in Paris and begin a journey in your head though the most interesting cultural artefacts.

Tags: anthropology, art, Exhibit, Exhibit Journey in my head Paris, head, Journey in my head, orientalism, paris, travel