although not one of this season’s block buster exhibitions (how to to compete with the popularity of van gogh), i was pleasantly surprised with the curation of the joan miró exhibition at the cobra museum of modern art aptly called miro and cobra - the joy of experiment. notwithstanding the great selection from miró’s oeuvre, the parallels drawn from his influence on the cobra artists is a touching and humble tribute to this catalan artist. personally i found the gesture of this acknowledgement beyond quaint. miró has fascinated me since childhood, everything shrouded in almost meaningless squiggles and single strokes, none of my art teachers ever said: why can’t you paint more like miró. but the real reason behind my attraction to this magical artist came after his death, when i realised the strange incidence of his birth date and that of his death; 1893-1983. coincidence? after a brief encounter with some of his sculptural work earlier this summer at the rijksmuseum in amsterdam, i was awakened to the mythical qualities of the artist and his experimental attitudes. the exhibition contained some well known works but then surprised with some lesser known material ranging from ceramics and assemblies to paper and poetry. the reconstruction of his studio and mallorca and some of his objets trouvés filled in a necessary context that i feel cannot be employed enough in exhibitions. seeing what the artist sees is after all a great part of understanding the work and sympathising with the artist’s character. the further contextualising of dispersing the cobra artist’s work in between those of miró made for a greater celebration of the artist’s influence. the last exhibition i visited that had this down pat was ‘picasso et les maîtres’ at the grand palais in 2008. at once the exhibit succeeds in not only highlighting the innovative approach of the artist but also relates his poetic spirit and playfulness which had such a great effect on the post-war generation of cobra artists like karel appel, asger jorn, constant nieuwenhuys and pierre alechinsky. bravo.
LB Louis Boshoff
Miró, Miró on the Wall
Stupidity & Sensitivity
Since it’s nearly impossible to gauge each individual’s level of sensitivity or stupidity, I’d rather play it safe and classify this site as suitable for adults only. Although that term is still nebulous to me, the responsibility remains that of the viewer.
Curating & Criticism
The identification and definition of creativity are two different things. Challenging conventional interpretations and perspectives expands its validity and effect. I am convinced that collaborations and participation across creative industries allow for discovering a greater realisation of our potential.
Art & Collecting
I love mixing styles and textures, media and materials. But I believe in respecting personality when it comes to choosing work. There is of course the investment angle which is too boring to discuss here….or anywhere really. It is important to remember that when you live with art, it should be alive to you. That is to say it needs to move you. You need to have an affair with it.
Fashion & Architecture
Starting with the roof over your head and the clothes on your back. These are the things we inhabit. Without entering into the fashion vs trend debate. They also shape our sensibilities and the way we present ourselves.
Design & Function
Whether colour or form is your thing. Pattern or plain. What we choose to live with can make our lives easier or more challenging. Consider your commitment and convince yourself.
Gardens & Flowers
Since Eden it has been a fascination, inspiration, an indulgence of kings and common gardeners, a joy. No home is complete without it. Whether you go for potted, landscaped or organic, dry or shade, just go for it.
Treasures & Trash
Most of which are filed under S for sentimental. I respect that.
Heirlooms. Bargains. Souvenirs. Gifts. Curiosities. Found Objects. Impulse Buys.
Never hide what’s important or meaningful. Denial is a very ugly word.
History & Reality
Get to know yourself and others. As much as we live in the same world, everyone has their own version of it. Live up to yours, never fear your dreams and ideals lest they remain aspirations forever.