Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Courbet and After Courbet













Here's an opportunity for us to take a look at John de Andrea, the creator of this week's piece here at Fifty Two Pieces. We've entered his studio as he gazes at the mold of his model's face. The model looks down at de Andrea. Much like Dying Gaul, neither figures looks the viewer in the eye. We are there, but not. We're free to examine these two people and their relationship for long as we wish, unbeknownst to them. De Andrea is a master of creating the realism of the human body. Both he and fellow sculptor, Duane Hanson, are discussed in the video below.






1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I came into the room where the “Dying Gaul: was exhibited. At first, I did not see what this piece of art was. I walk into the room and there it was. I waited. It was almost so real I thought it was performance art. I immediately rejected that because even as arty as Portland is the area was not cordoned off with a warning “nudity” and live people.

I found the sign and realized that it was an interpretation of the “Dying Gaul” which I have seen. It was so real I felt I could comb my fingers through his hair. It was so real that I felt at any moment he would lift his head and look at me. And then I thought what if he does what do I do then.

....
“Dying Gaul”

He is despair, he is pain.
Pain and despair that lies deep in the soul.
He is not naked but clothed in his death and agony.

I think of times past and times present. Return either carrying your shield or on it. A life partner might say that an honorable death is more important than returning to me in defeat. Words said but not meant.

I wanted to shout look at me! Just lift you head and look in to my eyes so I can share your despair, not you’re dying because that is yours but your despair, and shared we will make it less.

I wait for you to lift your head. I want for your eyes to look at me. Please! I wait.
You do not but you will always be with me in my memory and I believe that someday you will lift your head.