Welcome to Isolation Diaries Volume 50. This is an odd milestone we never thought we would reach, but here we are nonetheless. This past year and a half has taught us a lot, we like to think we're better for it. So here we go again, for the 50th time, sharing the things that are keeping us inspired and motivated through the changing restrictions, Zoom fatigue, home schooling and failed sourdough starters.

September 24th marked 30 years since the launch of Nirvana’s Nevermind. This album, CD, no cassette felt like a revolution— rejecting the leather-clad, big hair glam with a revitalised spirit full of unwashed hair, beaten up Converse, and flannies. It provided a new soundtrack to growing up, swagger and DIY attitude. Tim Rogers reflects on supporting ‘the Vana’ and the new paths carved for contemporary artists.

As always, we have been seeking out rainbows and casting our
eyes up during our morning walks. ‘Our Magic Hour’, a beautiful installation, can be seen from the Yarra Trail, and we have tracked down its creator, artist Ugo Rondinone.

Talking of rainbows and arcs, check out the extraordinary vision and documentation of the latest work by the late artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, titled L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped. 25,000 square meters of recyclable polypropylene fabric in silvery blue, and 3,000 meters of red rope encase the Arc. Magnifique!

To get that ‘Eye of the Tiger’ feeling, we revisited Rocky—parts one, two and three. We dropped in with the fashionable villain Cruella (terrific soundtrack), rebooted The Suicide Squad and found the sweet spot where wholesome suburban life and gang bosses intersect in Good Girls. Bingefest 'R' Us.

With the ‘celebration of the boot’ long weekend just gone, we had plenty of time to test a few delicious dishes for all of our Isolated friends.

For starters, we are serving some tasty, bite-sized sausage rolls.
For mains, Ottolenghi’s sweet and smoky Mexican chicken with rich, bitter chocolate. And for desert, we have tiny, sweet shortbread. Perfect with a cup of tea. We call it multi-kitchenism.

Of course, Nevermind is on repeat. The mega thirtieth-anniversary boxset features a previously unreleased Melbourne concert recorded at the Palace. February 1st,1992.

And while we can’t visit the NGV’s French Impressionism exhibition just yet, we’re still getting auditory inspiration through their themed playlist. For an odd and unexpected break, we’re tuning out to the voice of Russell Brand to find serenity and our inner nirvana.

Respect.