Monday, March 16, 2015

An Exhibit

A last thought about the Bardo Museum, which has inspired drawings in my sketchbooks. Last December, the Bardo held an exhibit of the artwork from Paul Klee, and Ausguste Macke, and Louis Moilliet's 1914 trip to Tunisia.  

Because cameras were not allowed, I sketched. I was surprised at the poor quality of paper they used when sketching. It looked like newsprint and was yellowed and very fragile.
This exercise helped me to closely examine the styles of Macke and Moilliet. Macke structured his sketches more carefully, while Moilliet had a freer hand.
And why was this trip so important? For Klee, this trip changed his entire way of seeing; it was a breakthrough. The white buildings and especially the bright light forced him to re-evaluate color and form.

Besides the fact that Klee visited Tunisia and experienced the bright light that has affected my work as well, he interests me because of his use of color and his geometric shapes that vaguely resemble patchwork. So I did a layout of his work (blatant copying).
Klee, Macke, and Moilliet visited Kairouan, which is famous for its rugs. Klee's drawing in the upper left was inspired by the designs of those rugs, however, it is actually an abstracted house with a window and steps to the roof. The watercolor is from his study of Kairouan. 

I had to throw in Klee's sketch of a man because of its interesting lines and proportions. He seemed to fit right in.

All in all, a most enjoyable artistic and intellectual excursion. 

15 comments:

MARIA CRISTINA said...

Siempre es muy interesante su mirada y revelación que le generan las obras de arte.
Un gran saludo!!

Anonymous said...

Great post - I was interested in your comment about the impact of bright light. Australia too has bright light and I'm sure it has an impact on how we view the world.

Anonymous said...

I was listening to NPR here in Boston this morning and heardof a terrorist attack in Tunisia, it made me think of you. I had to come to your blog to check out what you've been doing hope you are okay :-)

Laura T said...

Hello Nadia, lost your blog for awhile and re- found it. I also heard of the attack on the museum and hope that you and your family are safe and well. So sorry to hear about the attack.
LauraT

KhadijaTeri said...

So sorry to hear the news about the events unfolding regarding the Bardo Museum.... I would have expected this to happen here in Libya, not Tunis. I pray that this doesn't escalate... stay safe Nadia... you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda in Calif. said...

Lovely art work as usual. That is one of my greatest joys - looking at the world through different lights - it's brighter at different times of the year. I've noticed this in different areas that I live - Italy and in Calif. I do hope the unrest in your area settles down soon.

American Homestead said...

Oh Nadia, as soon as I heard of the attack I thought of you and then I saw this blog post today and a chill went up my spine. Hope all is well. ~ Ellen

Bouts Choisis said...

Oh dear. More incomprehensible news items - what is wrong with the world? Thinking of you and Tunisia... Lynne.

rtquilter said...

Nadia! Are you alright? We are just hearing about the attack on the Bardo Museum. Disgusting and VERY distressing!! Please DO be careful. Thinking of you with live and concern,Carolynn.

rtquilter said...

That was LOVE and concern!

mokrasouth said...

I just learned of the horrible terrorist attack at this museum in your beloved home. My deepest sympathies are with you for I know you mourn for your country's people, your government, and the museum that showcases its heritage. Today is Thursday bee and we will all be sending comforting thoughts to you.
Deb

Mo Crow said...

(((Nadia)))

Mary said...

Like everyone else...hoping to hear you are okay and safe.

Bonnie Hull said...

Nadia...best love from Salem...like Ellen I got a chill when I heard of the Bardo Museum horror and immediately went to your blog to find all the beautiful posts about moments in the Bardo. Thinking of you and your world tonight. Bonnie

Salsy said...

HI Nadia. Also hoping you are ok.