Monthly Archives: February 2016

Sculptures of abstraction

 

Canto-Aperto by francesco somaini

‘Canto Aperto’ –  Francesco Somaini

Italy, 1955

 

Helene-Fielder--sculptural bust

Helene Fielder

 

 

 

_Sorel_Etrog-Double_Key_Head__RUMI-GALLERIES abstract sculpture head in green

‘Double Key Head’  — Sorel Etrog

Rumi Galleries – 1stDibs

 

Abstraction Creation

 

For our ancient primitives, it was possibly through the absence of any formal education and intellectual training, that when they attempted to create artistic depictions of their idols of worship, they tended to be pure abstract interpretations with only a simplistic resemblance to reality. The Neolithic and Bronze Age Cycladic figures expressed a combination of omissions, distortions and exaggerations that created a tension between the abstract and the real, that resulted in impressionistic, unique sculptures. The Africans merged many perspectives into a single viewpoint, with abstract intersection of the planes that had similarities to the creations of the cubist artists. Carl Einstein, after studying African sculpture, concluded that rather then just being a construction of objects, it was also an attempt to create both the object and consciousness, to determine a way in which an individual could combine different perspectives of the object into one unified impression. Exacting visions of reality were ignored in favour of a more biomorphic grasp of details infused with a rhythmic interplay of solid and related void. Maybe our subconscious intuitive perception of reality perceives the world this way all the time. It was only after education became more established for the elite classes that more realistic imagery began to emerge in the arts.

Picasso claimed that the “primitive sculpture has never been surpassed” It was ironical that at a time when technology was becoming more sophisticated, there was an evocation of the primitive in the arts with a homage being extended to their subtle approach to creativity. Henri Matisse stated “just like the primitivists and the painters of the East, I consider that the most valuable and productive work is that which is guided by direct perception. This opens up greater possibilities to the artist to reveal his own conception of the world, and does not distract attention with unnecessary details, which too often happens when one works from nature”. Henry Moore said that his visits to the ethnographic collections of the British Museum were more important than his academic study. The influence of primitive arts on the early contemporary sculpture is undeniable.

 

Alexander-Calder abstract mobile

“Calder and Abstraction: From Avant-Garde to Iconic,’’ at LACMA’s Resnick Pavilion

2014

 

Amedeo Modigliani, Constantin Brâncuși, Jean Arp, Ossip Zadkine and Alexander Archipenko were all notable sculptors who converged on Paris at the beginning of the 20th century and along with Rodin, Picasso and other artists shaped European modernism. They interacted with existing art movements of Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Les Nabis and other emerging trends like Cubism, Dadaism, Futurist, Constructivist and Surrealism to create striking evocative works and develop independence from the traditional classical constraints of depiction. The classical sculptures that preceded this were quite often connected to historical events and had the constraints of a time frame whereas the emerging abstract sculptures transcended time in comparison. Albert Einstein claimed ‭”‬Men invented time to feel comfortable in space.‭ ‬But it doesn’t actually exist.‭ ‬All experience is happening at once.‭” Eastern mystics also mentioned this concept. Modernist forms alluded to this with their liberated fluidity that moved between the physical, quantum and metaphorical realms. Continuities between the mass of an object and the space around and object were explored in innovative ways. The distillation of form and space with reduction and abstraction, as pioneered by Brancusi at the turn of the 20th century, was widely embraced. These sculptures, having no historical reference or precedence of definition, unleashed a dynamic that became timeless.

 

Henry-Moore- 'Mother and Child: Egg Form' 1977

‘Mother and Child: Egg Form’  – Henry Moore

1977

 

‭Another pioneer of abstract forms, Henry Moore, believed the sculpture mediums had a “vitality of their own” and it was his job to reveal the “truth of the materials” The intense involvement that direct carving in stone and wood demanded required a supreme dedication and understanding of the medium. Franco Russoli noted that the duality of realistic representation and abstraction of form in Moore’s work reflected his drive to express the vitality of the universe: the harmony between the mysterious existence of nature and the secret current of man’s primary feeling–tenderness, passion, energy–in simple powerful forms. He successfully combined the intrinsic forms of nature with humanistic motifs in his abstract sculptures. ‬By the late 1950s and the 1960s, modern sculptors had begun experimenting with a wide array of new materials and sculptors such as Isamu Noguchi, Alexander Calder, Jean Tinguely, Peter Voulkos, Richard Lippold, Louise Bourgeois, and Louise Nevelson reinforced the emerging styles of Abstract Expressionism, Geometric Abstraction and Minimalism, which saw sculpture reduced to its most essential and fundamental features. Other interpretations of modern sculpture such as environmental, kinetic, sound and light also entered the contemporary arts.

The modern abstract sculptures that are revered today are the result of bold, visionary artists that in some instances had to endure ridicule and political interference in pursuit of their artistic ideals. Artists are distinguished as such by the relative vividness of their inner life, strength of their intuitions and their ability to express it. The ‘abstractions’ of the artist exist to be advanced as the significant forms of an underlying and enduring reality, their critical potential all the greater for their emancipation from the merely apparent.

 

 

Alberto-Giacometti - Head 1934 abstract sculpture

‘Head’ – Alberto Giacometti

1934

 

 

 

2003-Ballerine-Bronze---André-Eijberg

Ballerine’ Bronze — André  Eijberg

2003

 

 

 

The-Ball---Roger-Capron

‘The Ball’  – Roger Capron

 

 

 

Constantin Brancusi, Cock, 1935, Bronze, National Museum of Modern Art -Georges Pompidou Center, Paris-constantin-brancusi-theredlist

Constantin Brancusi, Cock, 1935, Bronze

National Museum of Modern Art – Georges Pompidou Center, Paris

 

 

Paris-jacques-lipchitz-sculpture Centre Pompidou - Musée national d'art

Jacques Lipchitz

Centre Pompidou – Musée national d’art moderne – Paris

 

 

 

 

Curved-crease-sculpture---Erik-Demaine - abstract contemporary sculpture

Curved crease sculpture  — Erik Demaine

 

 

 

archipenko_queen_sheba-Frances-Archipenko-Gray--Collection

‘Queen Of Sheba’  – Alexander Archipenko – 1961

Frances Archipenko Gray Collection

Photo: Petro Hrycyk – The Ukrainian Museum, New York

 

 

Alexander-Archipenko,-'Architectural-Figure,'-1939-1954,-painted-terra-cotta

‘Architectural Figure’  – Alexander Archipenko

painted terra cotta – 1950

Photo: Petro Hrycyk – The Ukrainian Museum, New York

 

 

 

 

Alied-Nijp-Holman-Netherlands modernist sculpture figure

Alied Nijp Holman, Netherlands

 

 

 

Antigraceful--Umberto-Boccioni--1913, futurist sculpture

‘Antigraceful’ —  Umberto Boccioni

1913

 

 

 

Ochicagogo-Bronze-Antoine-Poncet,-1979-Museum-outdoor-sculpture-garden-Tino-Rossi,-St

‘Ochicagogo’ –  Bronze sculpture by Antoine Poncet, 1979

Museum outdoor sculpture garden Tino Rossi,St. Bernard Port, Paris V

 

 

 

Antoine-Pevsner,-Spatial-construction-in-the-3rd-and-4th-dimensions,-1961,-Bronze,-National-Museum-of-Modern-Art---Georges-Pompidou-Center,-Paris

Spatial construction in the 3rd and 4th dimensions –  Antoine Pevsner

1961, Bronze

National Museum of Modern Art– Georges Pompidou Center, Paris

 

 

 

 

Barbara-Hepworth,-Two-Forms-1938

‘Two Forms’ –  Barbara Hepworth

1938

 

 

 

Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs---Valeria-Yamamoto

Valeria Yamamoto

Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs

 

 

 

Brooklyn-museum--contemporary-art-earth-forge-ii----Seymour Lipton

‘Earth forge II’  — Seymour Lipton

Brooklyn museum contemporary art

 

 

 

Beatrice Hoffman-titled-'Questioning- Big-Abstract-Female-Head-Sculptures

‘Questioning’ – Beatrice Hoffman

 

 

 

Soulmates---Alied-Holman park sculpture

‘Soulmates’ – Alied-Nijp-Holman

La Lanka: Arts: Sculpture Garden and Gallery in Friesland

 

 

 

Barbara-Hepworth---Curved-Form-(Bryher-II),-Bronze,-1961

Barbara Hepworth with the plaster of ‘Curved Form (Bryher II)’

1961

 

 

 

Bertil-Gado contemporary sculpture Sweden

Bertil Gado, Sweden

 

 

 

BitontoLive Emanuele Rubini on display in MIlan

Emanuele Rubini on display in Milan, Italy

 

 

 

Bloem-Simone-van-Olst - Netherlands

‘Bloem’ – Simone van Olst

Netherlands

 

 

 

 

Bruno-Pedrosa - sculpture - Blue Angel

“Blue Angel”  – Bruno Pedrosa

2005

 

 

 

Exile-Bronze-Patrick-Blythe,

‘Exile’ – Patrick Blythe

 

 

 

La-femme-à-la-guitare---Henri-Laurens---1919-23 Christies

‘La femme à la guitare’  —  Henri Laurens

1919 – 23 1/4  inches height

Christies

 

 

 

Brutalist-Bronze-Sculpture-by-Roland-Monteyne,-Dated-and-Signed-1973

Bronze Brutalist panel sculpture by Roland Monteyne

 

 

GORDON-BALDWIN---Warrior-1960

‘Warrior’ – Gordon Baldwin

UK, 1960

 

 

 

Clay-sculpture-and-mirrors-with-wood-accents-by-Jan-Jacque

Clay sculpture and mirrors with wood accents – Jan Jacque

 

 

CONES-ET-SPHÈRES-Joseph-Csaky---1919---Christies

‘Cones and Spheres’ – Joseph Csaky

1919

Height: 31 1/8 inches   Christies

 

 

Fons-Bemelman-_sculpture 'Energetica' -Holland

‘Energetica’ – Fons Bemelman

Netherlands

 

 

 

Dan-Molyneux abstract sculpture

Dan Molyneux

 

 

 

davidson_robert_18x13x5_lacquered_aluminum_ed26_supernatural_eye_maquette

‘Supernatural Eye Maquette’  – Robert Davidson

18x13x5 inches – lacquered aluminum

 

 

Deutsche_Bank_Place_Tom_Bass---Relief-by-Tom-Bass-Originally-installed-in-1983-in-the-AGC-building

 Sculpture by Tom Bass

Deutsche Bank Place, Sydney, 1983

 

 

 

Figure--Alberto-Giacometti--1926--Bronze

‘Figure’ — Alberto Giacometti

1926

 

 

102-79-35

‘Rhythms of life 3’ – Andrew Rogers

Southbank, Melbourne

 

 

 

Hermann-Glöckner-1975 red-angular-abstract sculpture

Hermann Glöckner

1975

 

Eames-sculpture-Ray-and-Charles

Charles and Ray Eames

 

 

 

Richard Rhodes_Embrace photo Clyde Lee

‘Embrace’ – Richard Rhodes

photo Clyde Lee

 

 

 

Dominique-Allain-Raku-sculpture-(2)

Dominique Allain Raku

 

 

 

Doug-Herren sculptural teapot

Doug Herren ceramic teapot

 

 

 

Ed-Bentley--http://www.edbentley.co.uk/

‘Hidden Dip’ – Ed Bentley

One-off slab built stoneware sculpture. Vitrified for internal or external installation.

edbentley.co.uk

 

 

Ferne-Jacobs-Medusas-Collar,-2010,-coiled-waxed-linen-thread,-18inchx14x19-Nancy-Margolis-Gallery-NYC

‘Medusas Collar’, Ferne Jacobs

2010, coiled waxed linen thread

18″ x 14″ x 19″ – Nancy Margolis Gallery NYC

 

 

 

Figura-Sdraiata-GIANCARLO-FRANCO-TRAMONTIN

‘Figura Sdraiata’ – Giancarlo Franco Tramontin, Venice

 

 

 

JUAN-GRIS-(Spanish-1887---1927).-Harlequin,-circa-1917---1918.-Bronze

‘Harlequin’, Juan Gris  circa 1917-1918

Bronze

 

 

 

Lake-Ballard-Sculpture-by-Anthony-Gormley

 Sculpture by Anthony Gormley

Lake Ballard, Western Australia

Photo credit: by Sally Wittenoom (salkiwi, via Flickr)

 

 

 

Lee-Gass-The-Gift-stone-sculpture

‘The Gift’ – Lee Gass

 

 

 

marler-miner-abstract-sculpture in succulent garden

Marler Miner

 

 

 

Maternity-2000-SAK-Sculptures---SCULPTURES-EN-BRONZE-Sahra-Abdallah-Khodja

‘Maternity’  – Sahra Abdallah Khodja ( of SAK Sculptures)

2000

 

 

 

Max-Bill-sculpture,-Zurich,-1946-47

‘Continuity’ – Max Bill

Zurich, 1946-47

 

 

 

---HABATAT-GALLERIES----Florida---Herb-Babcock--cast-glass-and-bronze--High-Plain

‘High Plain’ – Herb Babcock–cast glass and bronze

Habatat Galleries—-Florida

 

 

 

Monica-van-den-Berg bronze sculpture South Africa

Monica van den Berg, South Africa

 

 

 Joan Miro sculpture Tate

4 Wings by Alexander Calder,

Joan Miro Foundation, Barcelona, Spain

 

 

 

MOSES-&-THE-TEN-COMMANDMENTS-SCULPTURE-BY-GUISEPPE-MACRI-SIGNED-1969---flea4all

‘Moses and the 10 Commndments’ bronze sculpture- Guiseppe Macri

1969

flea4all – ebay

 

 

 

No-one-combs-my-hair-like-the-wind'-Marta-Cadonici-exhibits-sculptures-at-MUG-in-Forte-dei-Marmi-2014

‘No one combs my hair like the wind’  – Marta Cadonici

Casa Museo Ugo Guidi ( MUG ) in Forte dei Marmi, Tuscanny

2014

 

 

 

Aigua-Blava,-2006,-Slip-cast-earthen-ware-from-hand-built-model-17``-9``x-7`

‘Aigua Blava’, – James Kemp

 2006, Slip cast earthen ware from hand built model

17“ 9“x 7″

 

 

 

Pablo-Curatella-Manes-Sculpture-'Le-Contrebassiste,'-1922 GALERIE-JACQUES-DE-VOS

‘Le Contrebassiste,’ Pablo Curatella Manes

1922

GALERIE JACQUES DE VOS

 

 

 

Puerto-Vallarta-Malecon-Sculptures-The-Good-Fortune-Unicorn-by-Aníbal-Riebeling----vi-warkentin-travel-photography

‘The Good Fortune Unicorn’ by Aníbal Riebeling

Puerto Vallarta Malecon

Vi Warkentin travel photography

 

 

 

Raku-Sculpture-by-Roger-Capron---Vallauris---France---1995

Raku Sculpture by Roger Capron

Vallauris—France—1995

 

 

 

Sculpture-by-Le-Corbusier-The-child-is-there-,-1961.-Made-out-of-Polychrome-wood

‘The child is there’ – Le Corbusier  1961

Polychrome and wood

 

 

sculputral glass pieces are by artist Vladimira Klumpar

Vladimira Klumpar glass sculpture

 

 

 

Seymour-Lipton-(1903-1986),-flood,-1937

‘Flood’ – Seymour Lipton (1903-1986)

1937

 

 

Abstract sculpture Sequita---Richard-Erdman-Studio

 ‘Sequita’ — Richard Erdman

 

 

 

Sophia-Vari-DOUBLE-EPEE,-1997-Nohara-Haime-Gallery

‘Double Epee’ – Sophia Vari  1997

Nohara Haime Gallery

 

 

 

Theodoros-Papagiannis---Sculptures,-1994-2000---National-Technical-University-of-Athens

Theodoros Papagiannis

 

 

Torso-eines-Riesen-von-Jean-(Hans)-Arp

‘Giant Torso’ – Jean Arp

1957

 

 

 

Barbara Hepworth Pelagos ('sea' in Greek)

‘Pelagos’ – Barbara Hepworth

 

 

 

umberto-boccioni-dynamism-of-a-man-s-head

‘Dynamism of a man’s head’ –  Umberto Boccioni

 

 

Untitled-Stoneware-Sculpture-by-Peter Voulkos

Peter Voulkos

 

 

 

Wouter-Dam-Untitled-Blue-Sculpture-2004 Cowans

Wouter Dam

 

 

NEXT POST – Ceramics – subdued palette, matt surface

 

Portuguese azulejos art grandeur

 

 

azulejo wall art, Almas Chapel of Santa Catarina, Oporto

Azulejo Mural – Almas Chapel of Santa Catarina by Silvestre Silvestri

The Igreja de Carmo church in Porto is one of the examples of the Portuguese baroque era with neo-classical features. The large ceramic panel is a depiction of the foundation of the order of Carmelites on Mount Carmel in Israel.

 

 

 

Azulejo tiles on balcony, Portugal

Arabesque geometric azulejo balcony

 

 

 

Azulejos_of_a_caravel_-_Lisbon---©-José-Luiz-Ribeiro-Bernardes

Caravel (sailing ship) azulejos panel

© José Luiz Ribeiro Bernardes

 

 

Fabulous Portuguese Azulejos

 

The azulejo (ceramic tiles) of Portugal are ubiquitous and usually presented on a monumental scale, with a grandeur and elegance, rarely seen with public tile art. They also represent a visual public history record, serving as a chronicle of many aspects of Portugal’s past, displaying military battles, daily life, mythical Gods, creatures and other cultural and historical references. The term azulejo comes from the Arabic word az-zulayj, meaning “polished stone.”
The early azulejos, which appeared in the 13th Century, had a distinct Arab influence with interlocking curvilinear, geometric or floral motifs and was used to imitate the Roman mosaic arts. In accordance to Islamic law, they portrayed no human figures, only geometric patterns. Azulejos were utilised to decorate the entire facades of buildings and used extensively on the interiors, adorning whole walls. Over time the Portuguese painters introduced more human or animal figures into their designs. The pervasive azulejos can be witnessed at palaces, railway stations, schools, fountains, churches, homes, restaurants and bars.

 

Azulejos moorish fountain_à_Sintra,_région_de_Lisbonne,_Portugal

Moorish Fountain, Sintra National Palace

 

With the influx of Italian potters into Seville in the 16th century, sophisticated Majolica techniques were introduced that allowed the artists to represent a much larger number of figurative themes in their compositions. There was also an influence that filtered through from the printed textiles that were imported from India, which manifested as Hindu decorative symbols, flowers, leaves, animals and birds. The latter half of the 17th century saw the introduction of blue and white tiles from the Dutch Deft company by Spanish artist Gabriel del Barco y Minusca. These blue and white figurative tiles, designed by academically trained Portuguese artists, became the dominant fashion, superseding the former taste for repetative patterns and abstract decoration.
From the mid 1700‘s on, the taste of Portuguese society changed from the monumental narrative panels to smaller and more delicately executed panels in Rococo style. Another innovation that appeared was the use of transfer printing on the blue and white tiles, but hand painted tiles still remained popular. The cultural elite dismissed the Azulejo tile art as decoration for the masses but since the 1950‘s a revival had occurred with contemporary artists such as Maria Keil, Costa Pinheiro, Nuno Siqueira and Cecília de Sousa all contributing to a program to uplift the metro underground of Lisbon with Azulejo art.

The unique azulejos art is a regular feature as you travel around Portugal and it still constitutes a major aspect of Portuguese architecture, being applied on walls, floors and ceilings, making it easily accessible and a vivid history source.

 

Seated ceramic decorative figurines - National-Palace-of-Pena-Corbis

Cross legged oriental porcelain figurines

Palace of Pena, Sintra

 

 

Azulejo-street - Blue and white azulejos, Santa Catarina Chapel

Santa Catarina Chapel

 Porto, Portugal

 

Palace of Pena, Sintra - Art Nouveau bowl, two flamingo sculptures, two ornate pitchers

Indian parlour, Palace of Pena, Sintra

 

 

 

Azulejo_Mercado_Municipal_Funchal Leda and the Swan

Leda and Swan azulejo motif

Ceramic tiles (Azulejo) with a market scene at the wall of the Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

 

 

trompe-loeil-portuguese-tile-mural-

Portuguese Trompe Loeil azulejo mural

 

 

Aqueduto-AzulejoÁguas-Livres-Aqueduct-(Aquädukt)-als-Tile-Wandbild-in-der-Street-Alcrim-in-Lisbon--by-SchiDD

Azulejos shopfront mural , matching blue and white ceramic vessels

Lisbon

 

 

Arab-Room-in-National-Palace-of-Pena-Corbis-Images

National Palace of Pena arabesque orientalist room with Saxony porcelain

© Sandro Vannini/CORBIS

 

 

Arab-Room--Palacio-de-Pena-Sintra,-Portugal

Arab Room

Palacio de Pena Sintra,Portugal

 

 

Azulejo---a-form-of-Portuguese-painted,-tin-glazed,-ceramic-tilework-and-have-been-produced-for-five-centuries

Igreja do Carmo azulejos wall

Porto, Portugal

 

 

 

jesuscm-flickr azulejos church facade

Azulejo church facade

Cortegaca, Aveiro, Portugal

jesuscm – Flickr

 

 

 

blue-and-yellow-tiles-detail-atalentfordesign-com

Azulejos wall mural, National Palace of Queluz

atalentfordesign.com

 

 

 

Viuva-Lamego,-Lisboa-©Luis-Novo azulejos entrance

Viuva Lamego, Lisboa ©Luis Novo

 

 

 

Ceramic-wash-bowl Pena Palace, Sintra

Pena Palace, Sintra

 

 

1db3b27e-7885-4da6-a8b5-a6a49d2e0fcc

Barcelona Cathedral

My two sons on their way to Portugal, where they took some photos at Sintra, added in this post.

 

 

Sintra-Pena Palace charger

Pena Palace charger, Sintra, Portugal

 

 

Sintra Palace dragons sculpture

The ‘guardians of the penumbra’ at the ‘Guardian Gate’ which leads to the ‘Initiation Well’

Quinta de Regaleira, Sintra

 

 

The Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira, Lisbon

The Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira, Lisbon

 

 

 

Fabrica-sant'anna-ceramics tile-factory-est-1741

Fabrica  Sant’ana, Lisbon (azulejos tile factory still in production since 1741)

 

 

 

front016

The Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira, Lisbon

Built in 1641

 

 

 

dj travel experience Sintra outdoor sculpture

Sintra sculpture

djtravelexperience.com

 

 

httptrilhos-da-ana.blogspot

Fabrica  Sant’ana, Lisbon

trilhos-da-ana.blogspot

 

 

imagem-da-gare-do-oriente-Lisbon underground azulejos - photos by Mario Rui Fernande

Oriente Underground Station Azulejos

Photo by Mario Rui Fernande

 

 

 

Palácio-Real-do-Buçaco---Mealhada,-Portugal-•••-Bussaco-Royal-Palace---Mealhada,-Portugal

Bussaco Royal Palace, Penacova, Portugal

 

 

 

Interior-da-Mexicana-Painel-de-Querubim-Lapa-Acervo-do-DMC.ceramic-panel-Sol-Mexicano-by-Querubim-Lapa

Mid Century wall mural by Querubim Lapa, Lisbon

 

 

 

Querubim Lapa,-Prato,-figura-híbrida,-1959

Modernist charger  – Querubim Lapa, 1959

 

 

Os-azulejos-de-Manuela-Madureira,-de-1965,-0-00

Manuela Madureira azulejos, 1965 (  monumental wall mural on the cusp of demolition)

Monsanto Panoramic Restaurant

cidadanialx.blogspot.com.au/

 

 

 

Jos-Dielis---Lisboa-Uploaded-by-tm

Azulejos Lisbon

Photo by Jos Dielis

 

 

 

Sintra-Portugal bronze figure sculpture

Pena Palace bronze sculpture lamp, Sintra

 

 

 

Sintra-Antique-Handpainted,-Portuguese,-Tiles

Handpainted azulejos, Sintra

 

 

 

 

Olhao_-_Azuelos_tile_picture

Caption – ‘O inico revolta con os frances’ – ( start of revolt with France)

Olhao seaside, Portugal

 

 

Lisboa,-Janelas-Verdes-JaimeSilva -Flickr

Janelas Verdes, Lisboa

JaimeSilva -Flickr

 

 

Flickriver--jaime-silva geisha girl azulejos Lisbon

Geisha azulejos at  Avenida 5 de Outubro, Lisbon

JaimeSilva -Flickr

 

 

Viana-do-Castelo-by-Ricardo-Silva

Viana do Castelo Cathedral, Portugal

Photo by Ricardo Silva

 

 

Lisboa---Avenida-5-de-Outubro azulejos

Azulejos at Avenida 5 de Outubro, Lisbon

 

 

 

Metro-Lisbon-Oriente-Station azulejos

Oriente Railway Station azulejos

Lisbon

 

 

Azulejería portuguesa.

Stair azulejos, Queluz National Palace, Portugal

 

 

 

Estate Quinta-de-Regaleira,-Sintra, Portugal

Ornate entrance at Quinta de Regaleira, Sintra

 

 

 

Quinta-de-Regaleira portuguese estate at Sintra

Rococo decor at Quinta de Regaleira, Sintra

 

 

 

Sintra Quinta-de-Regaleira-Kangaroo in a porthole

Kangaroo in a porthole

Quinta de Regaleira, Sintra

 

 

 

Lisbon Oriente-Station contemporary azulejos

Oriente Station azulejos

Lisbon

 

 

Murals+São+Bento+train+station

Sao Bento Station azulejos murals

 

 

Sintra-Peno Palace ceramic-gourd-vessels

Pair of lidded ceramic double gourd vessels

Peno Palace, Sintra

 

 

 

Traditional-portuguese-pottery-made-in-NISA-with-'stoned'-decorative-technique,-made-with-small-white-quartz-fragments

Traditional Portuguese pottery with white quartz inlay from Nisa

 

 

 

Sintra-Palace Portugal

Pena Palace, Sintra

 

 

 

 

Parque-do-Eduardo-VII-uplodaed-tm-Lisboa, Pavilhão Carlos Lopes

Azulejos at Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, Lisbon

 

 

The Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira, Lisbon

The Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira, Lisbon

 

 

 

Art Deco facade Teatro_Eden_-_superior_esquerdo

Teatro Eden Hotel Art Deco, Lisbon

 

 

 

porto-azulejos-nonne-small

Azulejos mural, Porto

 

 

Climbing cork oak in Alentejo Photo: © Gabriela Tavares

Climbing cork oak tree in Alentejo
Photo: © Gabriela Tavares

 

 

Portugal-ceramics at Pena Palace wash bowl

Pena Palace, Sintra

 

 

 

The Church of St. Sebastian in Darque- azulejos

The Church of St. Sebastian in Darque – Viana do Castelo

 

 

 

Azulejos mural Rail-railway-station-of-Porto

Mural at Porto Railway Station

 

 

 

Swan-Room-ceiling at Sintra Palace

Swan Room azulejos ceiling, Pena Palace

 

 

 

Swan-Hall,-Sintra-National-Palace-Entrance,-Sintra,-Portugal

Swan azulejos with arabesque border

Pena Palace, Sintra

 

 

Sintra-Palace-Dining-Room-ceramic-walls crumpdillyicious.blogspot

Dining Room azulejos walls – Sintra Palace

crumpdillyicious.blogspot

 

 

stunning-azulejos-panel-depicting-Neptune.-Aquário-Vasco-da-Gama,-Dafundo,-near-Lisbon

Neptune azulejos panel – Aquário Vasco da Gama

Dafundo, Lisbon

 

 

Adam-&-Eve-cast-from-Eden-by-Querubim-Lapa…-the-ultimate-judgment-on-the-Palácio-da-Justiça-(1970)

‘Adam & Eve cast from Eden’  by Querubim Lapa

Palácio da  Justiça (1970)

 

 

God, Adam and Eve in Azulejos-in-Coimbras-Chapel, Braga Portugal

God, Adam and Eve

Coimbras Chapel, Braga Portugal

 

 

Fountain-Sintra

Sintra Palace fountain

 

 

 

Bathroom at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan Wisconsin

Blue and white azulejos bathroom at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center

Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA

 

 

 

Next post – Sculptures of abstraction

 

Mural Street Art

 

South African muralist – faith47 –  ‘Saturation.Incubation.Illumination’

 

 

 

ARYZ-aryz-street-Art-mural on side of building

Wall mural in Civitavecchia, Italy by Barcelona artist Aryz

 

 

Art on the streets

The painting of murals on walls is one of the oldest art forms known and its rich history extends to the ancient Minoans and Etruscans who were one of the earliest practitioners of this large scale art, fortunately preserved by the temperate Mediterranean climate. Egypt, Rome, Mesopotamia, Greece and India refined the use of frescoes, mosaics and reliefs to more sophisticated levels with their celebratory, ceremonial murals  and the recording of important events filled with decorative detail.

Mural art in Mexico evolved from the Olmec civilization in the pre Hispanic period through to the colonial period, where the motive wasn’t purely for aesthetic reasons but used to express social ideals and depict daily life. During the Mexican Revolution mural art grew further as a medium for public and political expression. They were used as a means to spread the ideals of the revolution to the largely illiterate Mexican population. Muralists David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera all received commissions to create works that would help to educate the masses.

Todays street art has evolved to be on a monumental scale comparable to mural arts of the past and now rates as one of the key evolutions of art across the 20th century. It has grown from the early edgy graffiti art and use of tagging stencils to become a modern global art phenomena, especially with the participation levels and the revitalisation of drab urban landscapes. The initial illegality of the medium added an urgency and spontaneity to the urban street art aesthetic and pushed the discovery of new techniques and materials. With the gradual acceptance of this public art came a move away from the ephemeral nature of the street art to more elaborate and ambitious projects. Art influences such as trompe l’oeil, impressionist, classical, abstract and ancient mythology became integrated into the street arts vernacular as the skill sets expanded. Techniques such as handpainted pasteups, collage, photo-realistic portraits, photo paste ups, multi layered stencils, complex themes were added to the creative armory of the street artist to elevate the medium to a new levels. This Renaissance of the wall arts also filtered through to being popular in interior designs for the home and the interiors of Public Buildings.

 

A-seamstress-stands-at-the-entrance-of-her-workshop-decorated-by-Spanish-artist-Malakkai

A seamstress stands at the entrance of her workshop decorated by Spanish artist Malakkai

 Photograph Mohamed Messara-EPA

 

Some of the artists that developed their talent in the street have expanded into studios and become more commercial, even using fine art galleries for exhibitions. Others, that already had an artistic background, like graphic arts, have increased their recognition through their pursuit of street art. The adaption and spatial innovation demanded by street art has helped their flexibility as an individual artist. The early clandestine activities, mainly at night, bred an edgy spirit into the art. Combined with the need for mercurial speed in their street art and preference for the use of aerosols, efficiency of strokes and spontaneous application ensued, leading to a spirit of freestyle innovation, that still permeates the street art today.

 

Most street artists are self taught, being drawn to the street medium for its immediacy, allure of expressing individuality and having the freedom to exploit the broad availability of walls and buildings for their street canvas. Although numerous street artists have found fame, others still choose to shun the appeal of the commercial art machine.  It’s been fascinating seeing the depth of themes being explored – love, suffering, aggression, irreverence, temptation, fear, angels, alienation,  demonic creatures, mischievous characters, religion, death and humor supporting a diverse street art language. This vibrant culture of artists are still exploring the possibilities for developing this arresting street commentary and lets hope they have an endless supply of walls for sustaining this impressive journey.

 

 

Wall art at Szpitalna 6 Warsaw, Poland

Mural at Szpitalna 6, Warsaw, Poland

 

 

30ft.-tall BURMESE-MONK-By-Shepard-Fairey-in-San-Diego

30ft high Burmese Monk by Shepard Fairey

San Diego

 

Bristol street-art-by-3Dom-&-Voyder-in-Stokes-Croft

Bristol street art by 3Dom & Voyder in Stokes Croft

photo by Gary Newman

 

 

Alexandros-Vasmoulakis public art mural

Alexandros Vasmoulakis, Athens, Greece

 

 

 

By-SOKRAM.-At-DESORDES-CREATIVAS-2012-in-Ordes-Galiza-Spain-5

Snake mural – Sokram

DESORDES CREATIVAS, Ordes Galiza Spain – 2012

 

 

 

Street-Art-by-Linz-in-Sydney,-Australia

Art Mural by Linz in Sydney, Australia

 

 

 

Brazilian-artist-Claudio-Ethos-works-on-his-mural

Brazilian artist Claudio Ethos

 

 

 

Firebirth-Seal-Kraser mural

 “The Warrior Inside”  –  Firebirth, Seal y kraser
Photo by krasertres on Flickr

 

 

Vhils wall portarit using etching, tearing or acid-burning of the surface

Portuguese artist Vhils’ creates powerful portraits using subtraction rather than addition by etching, tearing or acid-burning the surface, to add depth to the image.

alexandrefarto.com

 

 

French artist Vinnie-Graffiti reclining girl with wall creeper hair

Paris artist Vinnie Graffiti

 

 

 

A-Tunisian-woman-walks-past-a-mural-by-Spanish-artist-Btoy.-Photograph--Mohamed-Messara-EPA

A Tunisian woman walks past a mural by Spanish artist Btoy as part of the street art project ‘Djerbahood’ in the village of Erriadh on the island of Djerba, Tunisia, August 2014.

 

 

 

Alexandros-Vasmoulakis---Greece--is-known-for-enormous,-often-surreal-walls-that-seem-to-embody-a-fashionable-glamour-and-dream-like-quality.--

‘Karditsa’ – Monumental wall art by Alexandros Vasmoulakis

 

 

 

Alexandros-Vasmoulakis-Karditsa

Alexandros Vasmoulakis

 

 

 

LA-LLORONA’S-SACRED-WATERS-Acrylic-mural-on-stucco,--30’-60’

‘Sacred Waters’ – La LLorona

Acrylic mural on stucco, 30’ x 60’

24th and York Streets, San Francisco Mission District by marifrancille – flickr

 

 

 

An-intricate-mural-in-São-Paulo

Sao Paulo – World Cup protest mural

Photograph: Nacho Doce/Reuters

 

 

Puerto-Rican-alexis-diaz-new-mural-in-Bratislava-Slovakia-phantasmagoric-animals

Phantasmagoric animal by Puerto Rican Alexis Diaz in Bratislava, Slovakia

 

 

 

A-piece-by-the-Brazilian-artist-Cranio-depicting-a-man-flushing-money-down-a-toilet-bowl

World Cup protest art by Brazilian artist Cranio depicting a man flushing money down a toilet bowl.

Photograph: Nacho Doce/Reuters

 

 

 

Blue head mural art-by-Zina

Zina

 

 

 

Large mural by Aryz_Italy Palazzo Nuovo Corso San Maurizio

Aryz  – Palazzo Nuovo, Corso San Maurizio, Turin

 

 

2014-Aryz-Granollers,Catalunya, Barcelona

Aryz monumental mural – Granollers, Catalunya, Barcelona

2014

 

 

2014-Aryz-Granollers,Catalunya-=

Aryz monumental mural – Granollers,Catalunya, Barcelona

 

 

 

Vinnie-Graffiti-Paris street art

Vinnie Graffiti, Paris

 

 

 

tilo-driessen

‘Compass’ mosaic mural by Fabrice seen here wearing his mural inspired coat, Amsterdam

 

 

 

cuore-buenos-aires-murales-street-art-buenosairesstreetart.com_

Buenos Aires Argentinian street artist

buenosairesstreetart.com

 

 

 

DFace-mural-corey-helford-gallery

DFace mural

Corey Helford Gallery, California

 

 

 

3D-Sidewalk-Chalk-Art.-Kurt-Wenner

Sidewalk Chalk 3D Art – Kurt Wenner

 

 

 

Egypt 2012-Cairo street art

Cairo street mural, 2012

 

 

Ethos-paints-surreal-scenes-with-monochromatic-characters,-often-with-photo-realistic-faces,-amid-a-swirl-of-imagination.

Claudio Ethos paints surreal scenes with monochromatic characters, often with photo-realistic faces

 

 

The-Scream-Of-Vallicaldi-Street-art-in-Agrigento-Via-Vallicaldi-Sicily-Italy-by-Italian-street-artist-Mr-Thoms

‘The Scream Of Vallicaldi’  by Italian street artist Mr Thoms

Agrigento Via Vallicaldi Sicily, Italy

 

 

 

Epic-Hindu goddess urban-art-in-India---mrpilgrim-co-uk

Epic Hindu mural in India

mrpilgrim.co.uk

 

 

Argentina-Graffiti-With-the-Wings-of-the-Soul by Monica "la" Lopez

‘Con las Alas del Alma’ ( With The Wings Of The Soul )… by Monica “la” Lopez

 

 

Frenchman-C215-creates-romantic-stencilled-portraits

Romantic stencilled portrait by Frenchman C215

flickr.com/photos/c215

 

 

 

Fleury Les Aubrais, France. - French-Street-Artist,-Seth-globe painter

Mural by Seth – Fleury Les Aubrais, France.

 

 

Gaia's-printed-pasteups-of-portraits,-animals-and-hybrid-creatures---au-complex-com-

Printed pasteup by Gaia

gaiastreetart.com

 

 

Georgina-Ciotti-artista-buenos-aires-street-art-©-buenosairesstreetart.com_1

Georgina Ciotti art mural, Buenos Aires

 

 

 

graffiti-buenos-aires-Pineapple express with Rodez and Malegria

‘Pineapple Express’ with Rodez and Malegria from Bogota, Colombia

 

 

Handpainted-pasteups---Zilda

Handpainted pasteup by French artist Zilda

 

 

Herakut-in-Frankfurt,-Germany

Black on white wall art by Herakut

Frankfurt, Germany

 

 

 

Herbert-Baglione-BrazilHerbert-Baglione's-simple-human-alien-characters-are-complemented-by-beautiful,-detailed-patterns.-

Detailed alien head wall art – Herbert Baglione, Brazil

herbertbaglione.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Hollywood-Goddess-mural-by-the-MAC-----Motion-Pictures-Arts-Building----5504-Hollywood-Blvd-+-Western-Ave

‘Hollywood Goddess’ mural by the MAC—–Motion Pictures Arts Building

5504 Hollywood Blvd & Western Ave

 

 

 

Hyuro-Spain-paints-with-Escif

Hyuro & Escif street art

 

 

 

 

Lemza-France large mural on factory wall

Lemza, France

 

 

Interesni-Kazki-is-a-Ukrainian-duo-(AEC-&-Waone)-that-paints-huge,-incredibly-complex-murals-Ukraine

Interesni / Kazki – Ukrainian duo (AEC & Waone)

 

 

 

 

JR-French--street mural

French street artist JR

 

 

La-Boca-graffiti-buenos-aires - Colombian street artist Nice Naranja

Two boys with traditional masks holding a Bocachico, a freshwater fish common in Colombia – Colombian street artist Nice Naranja

La Boca , Buenos Aires

 

 

 

laurel-mural-large

Outdoor Stan Laurel mural by Gnasher Murals located behind Siths Tattoo shop at 7 Heigham street, Norwich.

 

 

 

 

Mariela-Ajras-(Argentina,-2013)

Mariela Ajras

 

 

Most-Beautiful-Street-Art...Herakut Melbourne mural.

Melbourne laneway mural – Herakut

 

 

 

Lean-Frizzera-&-Spok- mural-hydra

‘3 Headed Lernaean Hydra’  (holding tri headed toothbrush) – Lean Frizzera & Spok

Buenos Aires

 

 

Let's-straighten-it-out--acrylic,fabric,rhinestone-on-wall-2006Alexandros-Vasmoulakis-is-one-of-many-street-artists-whose-artwork-reflects--urban-fabric-of-contemporary-Greece

‘Let’s straighten it out’ — acrylic,fabric,rhinestone on wall – Alexandros Vasmoulakis

2006

 

 

 

Liqen,-Spain full wall mural

Street artist Liqen, Spain

 

 

 

Painted-door.-Mermaid-on-a-swing.-Madeira,-Portugal.

Door mural of Mermaid on a swing. Portuguese Rua de Santa Maria street in Funchal, Madeira

 

 

 

Paul-Delvaux-painting-mermaids-on-the-walls-of-the-house-of-his-friend-Georges-Grard-in-1949.

Paul Delvaux painting mermaids on the walls of the house of his friend Georges Grard in 1949

 

 

 

Wall art by Phlegm----uk

Phlegm , UK

phlegmcomics.com

 

 

Mural by Pixel Pancho, an italian street artist from Turin

Robot mural of street art artist Pixel Pancho, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia,

 

 

 

Blu and Ericailcane have teamed up for another piece – this time in Bologna

Blu and Ericailcane teamed up for this mural in Bologna, Italy

blublu.org

 

 

 

Palazzo-Nuovo-Artefatti-+-Il-Cerchio-e-Le-Gocce-+-Style-Orange-(Palazzo-Nuovo).-Pictures-by-Eleonora-Pollano,-Riccardo-Lanfranco,-eMe

Picturin at Palazzo Nuovo

 

 

 

Palazzo-Nuovo_Turin Italy street mural

Picturin mural by Artefatti + Il Cerchio e Le Gocce + Style Orange (Palazzo Nuovo).

 

 

 

Alexandros-Vasmoulakis_Perfect_Oct-2010

Alexandros Vasmoulakis, Berlin, Gerrmany

vasmou.com

 

 

Roa-animal wall mural

Epic mural featuring six enormous African animals – Roa

Johannesburg

 

 

Roma-graffiti-buenos-aires-buenosairesstreetart.com

Rojo Roma Mural in Mar Del Plata, Argentina

buenosairesstreetart.com

 

 

santiago,-chile Chilean street artist Teo Doro mural in Valparaíso.

Chilean street artist Teo Doro mural in Valparaíso, Santiago

 

 

santurce-es-ley-de-los-ms-jason-velez

Puerto Rica Santurce Es Ley festival – ‘De Los Más’ by Jason Velez

 

 

 

Sly2-(soul) wall painting

Abandoned building mural – Sly2 – Paris

 

 

 

street_art_75

‘Jazz in free time’ by Sepe, Poland, 2010

www.sepeusz.com

 

 

 

Street-Art-(on-a-rusty-ship-wreck)-by-Fin-DAC-in-North-Wales

Geisha mural (on a rusty ship wreck) by Fin DAC in North Wales

 

 

 

Street-Art-Utopia-»-By-David-Walker-in-Lorraine,-France.-Photo-by-Thierry-Vilmus

David Walker mural in Lorraine, France.

Photo by Thierry Vilmus

 

 

Street-art-by-Fin-Dac---such-delicacy-on-a-completely-non-accomodating-canvas...

Fin DAC – refined art on a non accommodating canvas

 

 

mural by pixel pancho_santurce_sanjuan_puertorico

Pixel Pancho, San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

 

wd---No-land-for-the-Poor,-Athens-2015

‘No land for the Poor’ by WD

Athens 2015

 

 

Street art by Zoo-Project---France

Zoo Project

 

 

 

Pronkstilleven,-Kingston,-NY by Gaia-with-Opositive-Festival

‘Pronkstilleven’ by Gaia with Opositive Festival

Kingston, NY

gaiastreetart.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next post – Portuguese azulejos art grandeur