Shangri-La Tokyo artist-in-residence

Text & Paintings by gregory burns. Photographs by angie tan-burns. Copyrighted and All Rights Reserved

Upon arriving in Japan, it is immediately apparent that this country has been refined. From the bows to the white-gloved taxi drivers, this is a nation that honors humanity. Public transportation runs smoothly and silently. Nobody speaks on cell-phones in close quarters. There is a sense people understand that their actions affect others and as a result, they curb their appetites. Passing through a beehive of people in the central train station without once being bumped by another person is the norm. Parking lot attendants wear smart uniforms and direct traffic with total respect for pedestrians. Smoking is only allowed outside in designated areas and seldom do you see a defector puffing away in public.

Crossing the street is not a contact sport and cars wait obediently until all pedestrians have passed before venturing forward. It is very civilized here. I can see why for centuries, Japan didn’t feel the need for the outside world. 
FOR VIDEO PLEASE CLICK: GREGORY BURNS_Shangri-La_Tokyo_MADE in JAPAN

SINGAPORE  NIGHT FESTIVAL  . . . . . .

by angie tan-burns
copyright and all rights reserved

An evening that i was glad i did not stay at home lounging around.  i was tired but knew i have to get myself out of the apartment to check out the Night Festival events which take place at the Singapore's art and heritage district. Extravaganza of spectacular aerial performances, music, dance and installation artworks fills the street from Armenian to the main events venue which take place at the public green spaces of the SMU.  International performers La Argentina feat, corredoras and Mylar were fantastic!! My favourite event was from Mylar which i find very interesting and exciting to watch and photograph, performers were dancing in a transparent water bed suspended in mid air.