At the RA. I was trying to give Dennis Hopper’s photos their full due.. but the vibrant stream of whoops ‘n screeches issuing from the hidden occupant of a buggy being inched-along by the young woman just a few exhibits ahead of me, wasn’t helping. ‘Just my luck’ I think. ‘A cavernous gallery space.. hardly any other visitors.. ‘n I get a toddler creating bedlam!’ In mid-shuffle to the next snapshot, an ear-splitting ‘Yaargle-blaggle-kahooch!’ nearly knocks me over – but any urge to protest is instantly snuffed by the infectiously joyous giggle that immediately follows! I’m already grinning as the realisation hits me: the kid is really digging the acoustics of this magnificent room.. and he – well, it sounds like a ‘he’ – is absolutely right, it’s begging for the kind of welly he’s giving it. The rich echo is magnificent. A strong part of me is very tempted to join-in. So, the youngster continues with his very vocal investigations, while I enjoy not being in the least upset by it, ‘n get back to the photos. Plus, from the corner of my eye, I catch and admire the completely relaxed attitude of the mother – again, I can’t be certain of course, but this ‘feels’ like a mother ‘n child outing. I love that she’s really comfortable with what’s happening – so very LOUDLY..! She either knows the utter futility of any desperate attempts at ‘hushing’, or more likely hasn’t the slightest inclination to go there. Awareness of this picture is doing more for me than anything on the wall, thus far – sorry, Mr H. (Though, I’m betting he wouldn’t have had any problem with that at all..) As I move round these two ‘slow-coaches’ I allow myself a proper look-back at them.. ‘n boy, am I blessed! Firstly, I had not thought to see such a heart-stoppingly beautiful creature, looking so shapely in a simple summer cotton print .. and secondly, not to find her looking straight at me with her lovely, large, clear, laughing eyes.. and third of all, I could never have guessed what she proceeded to do next, as her happy offspring chortled ‘n crooned between us. Without giving me any time to get stricken with self-consciousness – thank God! – this delightful siren raises the fingers of the hand that isn’t controlling the buggy up in front of her face and, still smiling broadly ‘n holding my uncomprehending gaze, she loosely.. languorously.. and with utter confidence that the sensuousness of it will not be misunderstood.. strums on her perfect, slightly open lips a couple of times with her fingertips, while blowing baby-noises at me. I’ve already given-way to the most helplessly spontaneous guffaw I’ve emitted in a long, long time.. when she lowers the fingers a tad and says: “I didn’t want you to think it was me..!” – which doesn’t make much sense, thinking about it now.. but then and there it had all three of us making a real public nuisance of ourselves for a few more unforgettable moments. (I’m glad Dennis wasn’t around to witness his show being so thoroughly upstaged.) Amazing – the people one meets, eh! :)
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 22:40:20 +0000