Anything you want

"Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something. Unless you've lived so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all. In which case you failed by default.

 J.K. Rowling - Harvard Speech 2008

making space for desire ♥

Some people want everything and then when they accumulate things, they don't feel as good as they thought they would feel. 

Jacques Lacan, a prominent figure in the field of psychiatry and psychoanalysis, introduced the concept of lack as a fundamental aspect of human existence. According to Lacanian theory, the human psyche is structured around the idea of a fundamental lack. This lack is not simply a physical or material absence but a symbolic and psychological void that profoundly influences an individual's well-being and sense of identity. Understanding the concept of lack and its impact is essential to grasp Lacan's complex ideas about the human psyche and its relation to well-being.

The Mirror Stage:

Lacan's concept of lack begins with the mirror stage, a critical phase in a child's development, usually occurring between six and eighteen months of age. During this stage, the child recognizes their image in a mirror and identifies with it as a cohesive, whole self. However, the child's perception of wholeness is illusory, as it does not match the fragmented reality of their being.

Desire and the Other:

Lacan argues that this initial experience of wholeness is followed by the realization of a lack, a sense that something essential is missing within oneself. This lack arises from the infant's dependency on others, particularly the primary caregiver (often the mother), for their needs and desires to be fulfilled. The Other, in Lacanian terms, refers to the person or entity who has the power to fulfill those needs, but they also represent a source of separation and frustration due to their inability to satisfy all desires fully.

The Symbolic Order:

The lack experienced by the child leads to the formation of the symbolic order, a system of language and cultural symbols that mediate between the individual and the world. The symbolic order shapes how individuals perceive themselves and their place in society, but it also introduces a sense of alienation and incompleteness.

Desire and Unattainability:

In Lacanian theory, desire is not about obtaining what is lacking; rather, it is the pursuit of an unattainable object. The object of desire remains elusive, as its satisfaction would mean the end of desire itself. This perpetual longing for fulfillment and the impossibility of its achievement can impact an individual's well-being, leading to frustration, anxiety, and a constant sense of unfulfillment.

Impact on Well-being:

The concept of lack profoundly affects an individual's well-being by shaping their relationship with themselves, others, and the world. The feeling of incompleteness and the search for the unattainable can lead to feelings of existential angst and a sense of alienation from oneself and others. It can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Desire and Fantasy:

Lacan suggests that individuals attempt to fill the void of lack through fantasy. Fantasies provide a way to imagine a sense of wholeness and satisfaction, even if they remain unfulfilled in reality. While fantasies can serve as coping mechanisms, they can also become sources of suffering if they persistently reinforce the unattainability of desires.

Therapeutic Implications:

In Lacanian psychoanalysis, addressing the concept of lack is crucial for therapeutic progress. Understanding how the lack shapes an individual's desires, fantasies, and self-perception can help uncover underlying emotional conflicts and provide insights into the root causes of psychological distress. By exploring and integrating the concept of lack into therapy, individuals may find greater acceptance of their inherent incompleteness and develop healthier ways of coping with desires and frustrations.

In conclusion, Jacques Lacan's concept of lack is a central pillar of his psychoanalytic theory, profoundly impacting an individual's well-being and self-understanding. The experience of lack, desire, and the perpetual pursuit of the unattainable shapes how individuals perceive themselves and their place in the world. Acknowledging and addressing this lack can have therapeutic implications, offering opportunities for self-awareness, growth, and a more nuanced understanding of human subjectivity and well-being.

Freud

I love this Freud book clutch at Olympia Le-Tan.
Fall 2013, Paris.

Passion feeds Lust when the Trust is questioned

Brazilian beauties - Round-ing up at Brazil's Fashion Week fall/winter 2013

                                            Backstage, Brazilian beauties prepare for the runway. 

BOTERO WOULD LOVE THIS.

Obese Brazilian models walked the runway at Sao Paulo's Fashion Weekend Plus Size (FWPS). In a country noted for its stunningly beautiful women, including notable exports like Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, to see these Brazilian beauties in the Saturday show proudly display their round shapes was a clever wink to a discerning audience. 

The fashion show, one of the most important in Latin America, is designed to celebrate plus-sized women, and was created by journalist and writer Renata Poskus Vaz. "The Plus Size Fashion Weekend grew. And when I say that, I am not just referring to the increased number of brands participating in each edition, because it is basically the same,"  but the event has become a business lounge and in addition to the catwalk, labels expose their creations so retailers throughout Brazil can analyze and buy them to resell in their stores. Today I see how FWPS has been important in the growth of plus size fashion in Brazil, making a marginalised fashion scene glamorous."




Photos: reuters 
Source: International Business Times

in ba

Take a walk and breathe.

summer

Postcards from La Angostura

Fly

Sunday

Hi! did you have a nice weekend?

 Let me try and explain this one. Hopefully, you'll understand it and you'll love it as much as I do. "Pinchar el globo" (something like "puncture the balloon" in English) is an Argentinian expression commonly used to say something like: "that shattered my hope/expectations". For example, let's say that you want to take a one- month trip to a really nice, exotic destination and your bank account and/or your work and /or your husband, wife, etc. say "no", you could say something like: I wanted to take a trip but "se me pinchó el globo" when I saw my bank account / realized all the work I have /my wife, husband,etc. said it's not a good time.

Another example: let´s imagine that you really like a guy/girl and your friend says "oh, he/she is moving out of town next week." That too is "puncturing your balloon".

So, to make it short, anything that "shatters your expectations, wishes, hope..." is "pinchar el globo". In the drawing above, as you can see, the group of people on the right, have no balloon. They have obviously been through love experiences that "punctured their balloon". That's not to say (as you can see in the drawing) that they are not in favor of love (like the first group, with the big, red heart balloon). They are; (HOW could anyone one not be). It's just that their balloon "has been punctured".

Drawing translation:

Group with balloon: we are in favor of love. What about you guys?
Group without balloon: we are too, but they've "puntcured our balloon"

Brilliant.  Tute.

 Drawing by Tute for La Nacion- revista

The Hub

The Hub, located in one of the most upscale blocks in Buenos Aires, is a new hotel I want to recommend, cause I love it! and I think you will too.

Need a break? go rest and feel like a tourist, relax and breathe. 


 Images, courtesy of the HUB.

film & architecture

The other day I saw "El Hombre de al lado" (English: The Man Next Door) a very good Argentinian film if you ask me. The entire movie takes place in this location (seen on the photos) "Casa Curutchet" is the only house Le Corbusier* built in South America. It's located in La Plata, capital city of the province of Buenos Aires. Do you like it?




 *Le Corbusier (October 6, 1887 – August 27, 1965), was an architect, designer, urbanist, and writer, famous for being one of the pioneers of what is now called modern architecture. He was born in Switzerland and became a French citizen in 1930. His career spanned five decades, with his buildings constructed throughout Europe, India and America. He was a pioneer in studies of modern high design and was dedicated to providing better living conditions for the residents of crowded cities.

Beautiful

"Every day I discover more and more beautiful things"

HAPPY WORLD ANIMAL DAY

In this photo, the Argentinian Jaguar in extinction. Sadly, there are fewer than 200 wild jaguars left in all of Argentina. They have been hunted almost to extinction for their fur and pushed out of their territory for developments.

Soon, the only remaining populations will live in zoos. Although jaguars have a reputation as man-eaters, there are numerous stories about men being followed for miles through the forest by solitary jaguars. These stories give credence to the theory that these animals prefer to escort men off their territory rather than attack them.

These (and all animals) are amazing. I love animals and wish people would take more care of them.

Have a nice day!

Last Night

Buenos Aires, September 13, 2012


Why are the people rebellious?
Because the rulers interfere too much.
-Lao Tsu




Instagram Photo via: Oscar Villas 

Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light) Photography Festival

"What will make your work pass to posterity is not so much the problem that you have chosen or the spirit with which you treat it, but the characters that you have created and the atmosphere you've immersed them in." 
- Arthur Shnitzler


The 2012 Festival of Light is currently taking place in Museums, Cultural Centers, Galleries and Art Venues in many cities of Argentina, including the provinces of Buenos Aires, Neuquén, Salta, Córdoba, Mendoza, Misiones, Río Negro and Tierra del Fuego, among others.

Today, I went to Centro Cultural Recoelta and I loved the work by Sara Facio. What you can read above (photo #2)  is the concept behind her work. Her landscapes are people.


For those of you who don't know about it, the Festival of Light is an international collaboration of 27 photography festivals around the world and the most important photography biennial exhibition in Latin America.

This cooperation has a common website: www.festivaloflight.net, and a continuous exchange of exhibitions, activities and participants. The Festival of Light - FOL is integrated by the cities of: Aleppo, Atlanta, Ballarat, Bamako, Braga, Brasilia, Bratislava, Buenos Aires, Derby, Cracovia, Houston, Kaunas, Lodz, Luxembourg,  Mexico, Montreal, Moscow, Odense, Paris, Portland, Porto Alegre, Tampere, Tenerife, Thessaloniki, Toronto.

If you're around, don't miss it, you'll like it!
xo

High Voltage

Lupe's SS "High Voltage" collection is fresh, energetic and beautiful, but most importantly, its truly personal. Love my talented friend. 

First photo, courtesy Mass PR.

I feel good when I sleep

The Benefits of Power Napping: Recharge and Rejuvenate

I understand that you are vey busy and that finding time for rest and rejuvenation has indeed become increasingly challenging for most of us. However, a simple yet effective solution exists—power napping. A power nap refers to a short period of sleep, usually ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, taken during the day to enhance alertness and boost productivity. So, read on and explore the numerous benefits of incorporating power naps into our daily routines.

Increased Alertness and Focus:

One of the primary advantages of power napping is its ability to enhance alertness and sharpen cognitive function. A brief nap can help combat fatigue and drowsiness, allowing you to regain mental clarity and improve concentration. By giving your brain a break, you can recharge your cognitive abilities and be more alert, leading to improved performance and productivity.

Enhanced Memory and Learning:

Research has shown that power napping can have a positive impact on memory consolidation and learning. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information, improving recall and retention. By taking a nap, you provide your brain with the opportunity to reinforce and organize newly acquired knowledge, which can enhance your ability to retain information and learn more effectively.

Improved Mood and Emotional Well-being:

Feeling tired and overwhelmed can significantly impact your mood and emotional state. Power napping offers a quick and effective way to reset your emotional equilibrium. By allowing your body and mind to rest, you reduce stress levels and promote the release of positive hormones like serotonin. Consequently, you'll experience improved mood, increased emotional resilience, and a greater capacity to handle challenges.

Increased Creativity and Problem-solving Skills:

Power naps have been found to boost creativity and enhance problem-solving skills. During sleep, the brain forms unique connections and reorganizes information, facilitating creative insights and innovative thinking. Taking a short nap can provide the mental clarity needed to approach complex tasks with a fresh perspective, leading to enhanced creativity and improved problem-solving abilities.

Physical Revitalization and Energy Boost:

Aside from the mental benefits, power napping also provides a physical revitalization. Napping can help alleviate physical fatigue, reduce muscle tension, and restore energy levels. It promotes relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing you to tackle the remaining part of the day with increased vigor and vitality. 

By recharging your body, you can combat the negative effects of sleep deprivation and maintain overall well-being.

The benefits of power napping are undeniable. Incorporating short periods of rest into our daily routines can lead to increased alertness, improved memory and learning, enhanced mood, heightened creativity, and physical revitalization. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone striving for a balanced and productive life, taking regular power naps can be an invaluable tool. By recognizing the importance of rest and embracing the power of a nap, you can unlock your full potential and lead a more fulfilled and successful life.

Art Exhibition"Meraviglie dalle Marche" in Buenos Aires

After being on display at the Vatican City, 50 paintings from 15 museums in Le Marche region of central Italy on the Adriatic, will be exhibited at the National Museum of Decorative Arts in Buenos Aires, from July 6  to September 30, 2012.

Buenos Aires city was chosen, since the capital has a large Italian community that immigrated from the Marche region generations ago.

At its very foundation, the purpose of the art exhibit is to show the strong links between art and faith. Centuries may pass, but this exhibit shows that despite time, that unique combination still remains.

“Meraviglie dalle Marche” includes about 50 pieces, made by artists who have a direct connection to Italy's Marche region. It was in that area that many Italian artists produced their work. It's also where some of the most important artists in Italian history were born, like Raffaello, Barocci and Podesti.

The exhibition includes works such as a lesser-known version of Raphael’s “Saint Catherine of Alexandria,” (the most famous one is in the National Gallery in Washington), Titian’s “Resurrection”, and Guido Reni’s “Annunciation” and “Saint Sebastian”, and works by other painters equally remarkable as Guercino, Luca Giordano, Maratta, among others.

Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo: Av. del Libertador 1902


Photo courtesy: ilcorrieredelsud.it

Good bye June

Buenos Aires, June 2012.