In March, Bertie Pearce took the audience on what he described as "a whistle stop tour of art which fools, surprises and amuses the viewer"; an in-depth look at the profound mystery of perception. The tour started with René Magritte and Surrealism: change of perspective, thought provoking images challenging the viewer's preconditioned perceptions of reality and thereby opening fabulous possibilities. Examples included the works of art Magritte painted for the London house and for the estate in West Dean, near Chichester, of the English poet Edward James, patron of Surrealism: L'Image en soi, La Reproduction interdite, Time Transfixed (La Durée Poignardée), Alice in Wonderland, Le Blanc Seing.
Hogarth in "Perspective Absurdities", a satire on false perspective, challenges our perception through visual tricks and jokes. The lecturer stated that "it is a Universal delight to be deceived by optical illusions". Since Roman times, optic illusions have existed in mosaics, in mural paintings.
"Stretching and distorting of perspective were used by artists to create a range of effects on the viewer": in Pompeii, space was used for illusionistic visions; in the Renaissance, perspective views of urban and rural landscapes were painted by Baldassarre Peruzzi in Villa Farnesina (Rome); Andrea Pozzi's illusionistic perspective in Apotheosis of Saint Ignatius (Rome), Tiepolo in the Würzburg Residence; Antonio Verrio in the Heaven Room (Burghley House, Lincolnshire).
From the 16th to the 19th century anamorphosis became popular: The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein the Younger in the National Gallery (London).
Arcimboldo in the portrait of Rudolph II shows a fascination with riddles, puzzles, and the bizarre. Surrealists were influenced by such techniques: Salvador Dali much later on in "Mysterious Mouth Appearing in the Back of my Nurse".
The lecturer defined Trompe l'oeil (different from Still life) quoting paintings by Samuel van Hoogstaten, a XVII century Dutch painter, skilled in trompe l'oeil still lives (Kunsthistorische museum Vienna), and "perspective boxes" (National Gallery, London). His trompe l'oeil letter racks inspired Frederic Peto and William Harnett. As masters of trompe l'oeil Bertie showed illustrations by J.B. Chardin, John Haberle and Kenneth Davies and Rex Whistler. In his illustrations "Tinker and Housewife", Whistler uses reversible heads playing with optical illusions (one way a tinker, turned upside down a housewife). Another creative vein were the Dummy board figures. At the V&A: Man with a cane (XVII century). Followers include the U.K. Police rediscovering their usefulness to signal dangers on the road. Stickers with fake potholes are also used nowadays to slow down the traffic !! Bruno Catalano (born 1960) is a French sculptor renowned for his figures with substantial sections missing "Le Grand Van Gogh". Street art is also using all possible illusionistic techniques: Banksy in Bristol: The wall hung lover (stencil graffiti).
To conclude this brilliant lecture, Bertie Pearce, the Magician, tested our sense of observation performing the "Three Ropes to one magic trick" deserving a standing ovation from the audience.
(Courtesy of Andrée Rolla)
Next Lecture
Thursday, 21st April at 20h00
A Brief Story of Wine
By David Wright
This is a great subject. Wine has been part of our global society for over 7,000 years, and the story tells of its origin and appearance in all societies across the Mediterranean and through Europe. There is rich evidence of the role wine has played in these societies and how it became an important component of faith, well-being and festivity. From the kwevris of Georgia in 5,000 B.C., the symposia in ancient Greece, the thermopolia of Pompeii, the hospices of Europe, to the dining tables of fine society wine has been ever present. Drawings, paintings, engravings, buildings, pottery and wine labels themselves all contribute to the story.
Come along and bring a friend! You will not be disappointed. Our lecturer has a very interesting story to tell!
Our guided tours are being organized with Marzia so please sign up if you would like to join the group.
Sunday, 24 April at 15:00
Maison d'Erasme and Béguinage of Anderlecht
Come and explore Anderlecht - Maison d'Erasme, Collégiale St. Guidon, Béguinage...
A guided tour of the house where the famous philosopher Erasmus lived and worked, the discovery of some very special houses and the treasures of the church as well as the local Béguinage await us on this day.
Price: Free for all - Museum is holding a open house day.
Please send an email to brussels@theartssociety.org to sign up. Further details will be sent to participants by return mail.
Sunday, 15 May - 15:00
A Vol D'Oiseau - Felixart Museum, Drogenbos
Felix De Boeck; a pioneer in Belgian abstract art, held his first big individual exhibition in the Ixelles Museum. A few miles away, in Drogenbos, in the middle of 5 ha of greenery where he lived, 50-odd abstract works of art belonging to the Ixelles Museum will echo his creations. Aspect, Reflections and Talents, three exhibitions platforms in the oeuvre of Felix De Boeck, his contemporaries and other abstract artists from Belgium.
Price: Members €10 Seniors €10, non-members €15 Museum Pass holders: Free for Museum Pass Holders.
Please send an email to brussels@theartssociety.org to sign up. Further details will be sent to participants by return mail.
We look forward to seeing you again.
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