Fantastically mind-bending! ... but what on Earth was he thinking?!

Hand with Reflecting Sphere | M.C. Escher | Lithograph 1935

Nothing is as it seems. Your reality is not my reality, and your logic is not my logic.

Fish becoming birds, hands drawing each other, checkered patterns morphing into lizards, bees, horses, and houses. Arrangements repeated into infinity and blendings of sky, earth, and water. Fish-eyed renderings of the artist and geometric shapes viewed from several different perspectives at once. The boderline psychedelic images printed by Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) were not much appreciated in his day and long thereafter. A Dutch newspaper, Nieuwsblad van het Noorden, described Escher’s work in 1955 as “too personal, too thought-out, and too mathematical to be artistically essential” (Kersten, 2018). The public used to consider his work as non-art and, although technically perfect, not interesting enough for critics to consider. Indeed … what on Earth was Escher thinking?!

Day and Night | M.C. Escher | Woodcut print 1938

We see the world from different angles. Viewpoints have been the subject of analysis for many philosophers and other deep-thinkers throughout history. Equally so for artists of many disciplines. Perspectives in the visual arts were first made tangible by Fillipo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) in the architecture of the Baptistery of Florence. His mathematically sound, two-point linear perspective inspired other artists.  His views changed the approach to art and design for centuries to come. As innovative architect, sculptor, and designer, Brunelleschi was considered the father of the Renaissance.

Baptistry of Florence | Fillipo Brunelleschi | 1059-1128

Just to get a little techie on you: linear perspective is a point-of-view system made up of straight lines coming together in a vanishing point. The purpose is to give three-dimensional sceneries depth on two-dimensional surfaces, making any visual more naturalistic. However, already with three-point perspective renderings, the image will start to feel more mathematical but less natural. When we get to five- and six-point perspectives, the lines even start to curve and we now deal with curvilinear systems, distorting reality. Or do they? The illustrations below give a visual explanation of these techniques.

Rectilinear and Curvilinear Perspectives | 1-5 points

For centuries, artists strictly followed the doctrine of linear perspective renderings of the world in search of more realism. Even Impressionists adhered to a certain point-of-view. Although they, sometimes literally, stretched the images to absurd lengths, they used a source of light as linear guidance. This all came under scrutiny with Paul Cezanne, who decided that it was okay to not only flatten his images, but decisively dismiss the rules of perspective and, therefore, perception. Gah, there’s always one! Enter Cubism with our well-known, artistically contrary friends Picasso, Braque, Matisse, and lovely rebel Duchamp. Depicting scenes from different angles in single images still blows our minds. What were they thinking?!

Desmoiselles d'Avignon | Pablo Picasso | Oil on Canvas 1906

Where our rebels sought to purposely take away depth from real-life scenes and making the tableaux abstract, Escher went deeper and more realistic. His mathematical approach to perspective is astonishing. His techniques are meticulous and his ideas are precise, albeit bizarre in a pleasant way. In his later work, he uses combinations of the above mentioned perspectives to brilliantly take us through a world which has no up or down, beginning or end. His concepts are not so much mind-blowing as mind-bending. At first glance, the image feels architecturally logical but, at closer view, we quickly become hopelessly lost in fantastical scenes, taking our eyes in all directions.

Belvedere | M.C. Escher | Lithograph 1958

These days, his eclectic work is heralded all over the world for precisely the qualities that were criticized during his life. “I too disdained him,” says Ronni Baer, curator of Boston Museum of Fine Arts, speaking of the Dutch printmaker (Shae, 2018).  “And now I find him really fascinating — both as a really good printmaker and as a thinker. He was a guy obsessed with certain motifs. He worked them and worked them, and I think that's one of the signs of a real artist” (Shae, 2018). Escher’s search for profound mastery of techniques combined with fantasy and impeccable perspective-play makes his work on par with those of Picasso, Dali, and dare I say it?... our friend Leonardo. Whichever way you consider his intentions, his images are pure examples of powerful and intelligent artistry.

House of Stairs | M.C. Escher | Lithograph 1951

Kersten, E. (2018, October 27). Escher versus Art Criticism. Retrieved from Escher in het Paleis: https://www.escherinhetpaleis.nl/escher-today/escher-versus-art-criticism/

Shae, A. (2018, Februari 8). More Than Trippy Dorm Room Decor: The MFA Examines M.C. Escher's Skill And Enduring Allure. Retrieved from WBUR - The Artery: https://www.wbur.org/artery/2018/02/08/mfa-mc-escher

I don't like it!

Piet Mondriaan | 1930 | Composition in Red, Blue and Yellow | without education, you would not know that this is originally a tree | this is the final product of a reduction to the bare primary colors

If you don’t learn about art, you won’t understand art

This administration does not see the benefit of art education for our children. It also does not see the point of funding art projects. In 2018, Trump started to reduce the funding which will effectively close the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This will not just have catastrophic consequences for the art world, but also for the business world. Thankfully, Congress has rejected that plan last year and hopefully, they will again in 2019. I am suspecting that our president does not like or understand the importance of art, and he clearly wants to spend the saved money elsewhere. Art is not just what you see in a museum or hear on the radio. Art is the basis of everything we do, see, and touch.

Mark Rothko | 1953 |  without education, you would not know that Rothko's paintings are originally landscapes which he reduced to the minimum color fields. These paintings originally had people in them too. His philosophies stem from the minimalistic zeitgeist of the early 20th century.

Art is all around is. When we mention the word, we immediately think of the various creative products of the visual, audio, and performance art disciplines. And the evidence is abundantly present. Art is the basis of that chair you are sitting on, that mug you’re holding, and even the machine that beverage came out of. Designs were made by artists before the creation of every car, presentation of every haute cuisine dish, and performance of every Olympic athlete. Various industry markets will feel the effects of the lack of creative input not too long after the approval of such countdowns. Robert Lynch, president and CEO of the Americans for the Arts, says that we should invest in the arts because it has a tremendous impact on our culture and economy. You name it, somewhere in the process of creating the world as we know it, art and design will have played a part. Art shaped cultures and cultures shape art. This makes it also of importance in history and therefore economy and politics. This is only one of the reasons it is so important to have a foundation of knowledge in art.

Really, anybody should learn to appreciate art. There is more to art than just its appearance. Especially in contemporary art, we need to know more about the context because without knowing a little about the background, the reason or purpose, the artist, the milieu, and the time period, the images would all be meaningless. Art history lessons will teach a person why a certain work of art was made. It can tell us whether it was pure documentation of life at the time, political commentary, or socio-economic criticism. It can then be related to modern times and important lessons can be deducted. Art history and appreciation will also teach about other cultures and their beliefs, generating more understanding and respect for other populations in the globalization of our world.

The reductive sequence of many of Mondriaan's works

But the best advantage is that we can have more meaningful conversations because we will be able to “hear” what a visual artist may not be able to express in words. Lessons in appreciating art improve communication skills. Communication through visual expression is ingrained in our DNA. Creating art hands-on is even better and certainly the most fun part of it. Nobody, however, needs to become a celebrated and accomplished artist. The least we can do is to learn through art history lessons what motivated people to create the work we initially didn’t like and dismissed. We can only appreciate art through understanding. Understanding can only come from education, and with a different perspective on art, maybe we can actually like artistic works for their intrinsic value. Maybe our president should sign up for a few classes…

https://www.americansforthearts.org/news-room/arts-mobilization-center/national-endowment-for-the-arts-update-trump-fy2018-budget-proposal-calls-for-elimination-of-nea

For All to See

Iggy Pop at Brooklyn Museum on Feb 21, 2019

With his manhood at the center of attention, Iggy Pop pose in his birthday suit for a group of art students in New York. He did this lying down on the podium with the business end in plain view to all. Mr. Pop was asked to pose naked to show the world, and men, in particular, that posing nude is not a woman's prerogative. Even at 68 years of age, a man feels the need for a challenge and posing naked in front of artists may just be the ultimate mental challenge to overcome for some.

Ancient Greek bronze and marble Roman sculptures are to blame for the need for perfect physical appearances throughout the ages. Classical students of the arts intently studied the anatomy of the human body in search of ideal beauty. The human form is the most difficult to render, and what the perfect proportions exactly are has been debated throughout the ages. Bodies without curvature were not interesting and where women would often be sculpted or painted in a horizontal position, men would strike strong poses.

Leonardo da Vinci's caricature studies

I do not understand the infatuation of the fashion world today with Twiggy-like physiques. Early in my art education, I found that I much prefer painting facial or anatomical features that are out of the ordinary. I loved da Vinci’s physiognomy. He made ugly mugs look attractive in all their glorious ugliness. In live model classes, I would complain about the youthful scrawniness of the models, both female and male. I wanted models who showed the years in their features, who had eyes shaped by their trials, and who proudly wore their wrinkles. I like painting men with distinct musculature from sporting or fighting, but my preference goes out to round or robust female models with endless curves and crevices to explore. 

Curve Heaven at Nude Nite

So in my artistic view, Mr. Pop certainly qualifies to be most interesting to render, even though he is not a voluptuous lady. The years show on his face, his body has seen rough times, and he dared to go naked in front of younger people. He showed the world that we should celebrate our bodies in all our beautiful ugliness. Apparently, the paintings and drawings will go on tour throughout the United States this fall. I cannot wait to attend the exhibition.

I would love to hear your comments and insights. Please leave me a note on your platform of choice below..

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/iggy-pop-posed-naked-for-new-york-art-class-67654/

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/05/arts/design/leonardo-faces-teylers-museum.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physiognomy

Touch me!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Shocking? Why?

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Dare to go Bare!

Every last Friday of the month at Bokeh Bar Gallery

Poopie-mishaps, profound poems, missing doggies, promotional plug-ins, Bullgator anecdotes, and Nimrod’s ballad. These were some of the topics last Friday night at the Bare Your Soul evening at Bokeh Bar Gallery, owned and run by Tucker Joenz and Dorothy Guerrero, located at the main entrance to St. Augustine. Some stories were prepared, others were completely improvised. Some recited personal poems, family anecdotes, or sang touching songs from the depths of their souls. Others spontaneously put their name in the hat to share a funny situation or string together stand-up jokes. The bar was buzzing with interested listeners and adventurous speakers. Artists of all disciplines were gathered for a cozy, down-to-earth, we-are-all-human get-together in this literary-café-in-the-making.

Bokeh means ‘blur’ in Japanese and is used both as a term to indicate a mental state of a person and as a technical term in photography. In some photographs, the overall visual is more pleasing if certain areas are softened and out-of-focus. The idea of blurring objects and perspectives has been an evolution in visual art since the first half of the 19^th century, originating in Parisian Salons, now called Literary Cafés. French artists would roam the new-and-improved streets of Paris and gather in cafés to talk about their art and visions. New philosophies developed and Eureka!-ideas were experienced. This new artistic style of Impressionism was very much concerned with the impression of the moment, expressed and executed with vagueness of the images, letting the eye understand the overall harmony of the visual. Mental connections between artists are important for art to evolve, and Literary Cafés accommodate this basic need for creatives to bare their souls.

 

Michael Lagasse sharing his song and story about Bullgator

Bare Your Soul is a spoken word and open mic happening at Bokeh every last Friday of the month and invites anybody to go bare. Nobody has to be embarrassed or shy because we are all just people with our own experiences, sorrow, insecurities, and insights. But while being authentic takes courage and standing up can be daunting, the Bokeh atmosphere is genuinely inviting and, unlike regular bars, feels like coming home to friends and family in a safe environment. And that is just what the after-work Friday evening crowd wants: relax and enjoy good company! The evening is facilitated by Ward Hughey, music editor at Narrow magazine and founder of Bleeding Tree Entertainment. Ward brought this event to Bokeh a few months ago and happily jumps in with a story when needed while Tucker and Doe tend the bar.

Tucker Joenz generously shares his gallery with other artists to exhibit creations, accommodate performances, and provide a space for creative interaction. Art is regularly changed out for new work and openings are usually on the first Friday of the month, which makes Bokeh Bar Gallery an important stop on St. Augustine’s popular Art Walk. In the back of this modern space is Tucker’s own studio which he will also happily share for a fee. Live, original music, especially on the weekends, sets the mood and attracts locals and visitors alike. Next time you are in the neighborhood, walk in and settle down for one of the craft beers or a glass of vino. Ask Tucker about the bokeh technique or his next literary event. Go bare!

http://bokehbargallery.com/

https://www.fourseasons.com/magazine/discover/salons-around-the-world/

https://www.facebook.com/BleedingTreeEntertainment/

Royalty!

Sway DiFeo as Marie Antoinette with your author

The Napoleonic Wars are a series of empire conflicts under Napoleon Bonaparte broken into coalitions. In 1809, Napoleon’s Empire and Bavaria are fighting against the Austrian and United Kingdom alliance in the War of the Fifth Coalition. Pauline is heartbroken and does not expect her fiancé, Captain Neuville, to come back from the battlefield. Despite his promise to write every day, Neuville does not even send one letter. Naïve ideas and a sheltered life make Pauline sick with worry so Elizabeth, her sister, decides to write her love letters from the front instead. If that does not create funny scenes on its own, the unexpected return of Neuville creates a Boeing Boeing effect for Elizabeth and Neuville, producing hilarious situations where the two schemers concoct a variety of cover-ups.

Le Retour du Heros (Return of the Heros), a French comedy film, directed by Laurent Tirard was the 7 o’clock movie presented Friday night at the Lewis Auditorium in Saint Augustine and the official opening night film of the annual Film Festival. This festival is organized by Gregory von Hausch, CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival and sponsored by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and The Saint Johns County Tourist Development Council. The films, from various countries and cultures, are presented over four days in three locations downtown Saint Augustine, starting on Thursday, January 17 and running till Sunday, January 20. I was late for the start of this film and when I walked up to the Lewis Auditorium, I casually bumped into Marie Antoinette, with her head attached, and her lady-in-waiting, also quite alive. I decided to skip the movie and just hang with royalty.

Marie Antoinette was the last queen of France and married to King Louis XVI. She was accused of high treason after the monarchy was abolished during the War of the First Coalition. She lost her head by guillotine in 1793 at the onset of the French Revolution, when Napoleon was still only twenty-four and a pocket-rebel. He became emperor of the French in 1804, during the War of the Third Coalition. Technically speaking, my royal friend and cohort were slightly outside the time-loop, but that did not spoil the fun! Let them have bread, right?! … that’s right, it wasn’t cake. Although her court was a decadent affair with extravagant expenses and displays, Marie Antoinette is famous for donating generously to charitable causes and showing compassion for the less affluent. The callous remark was uttered decades before by somebody else and corrupted in meaning and intention like in a Chinese whisper game, where the outcome is almost always different than the original word. It just conveys how hateful the French people felt toward the immoral and self-indulgent French monarchy.

Nevertheless, my Marie Antoinette, embodied by Sway Difeo, organizer, costume-maker, and artist-extraordinaire of the annual Great Gatsby Charity Event in Saint Augustine, was a great success greeting all the visitors right before the start of Le Retour du Heros. This particular dress was not made by Sway, though. Zoom camera to the quiet cohort lady-in-waiting, portrayed by Juliana Koutouzakis, top stylist and creative director of Panache Salon in Saint Augustine and costume creator and participant of many fashion shows. Juliana made the dress from plastic Walmart bags and trash bags. She crocheted the bodice, wove strips of plastic boxes through the gaps, and stitched and glued the whole skirt over a petticoat. Needless to say that she also designed and created the almost two-foot high wig. The three of us ended up in Casa Monica, where we had a glass of vino while having fun chatting and talking to the many admirers approaching the Queen and her lady-in-waiting. My friends are royalty indeed!

https://www.visitstaugustine.com/event/st-augustine-film-festival

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Antoinette

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon#War_of_the_Third_Coalition

https://www.gatsbyforcharity.com/