14.12.05

EIS Manille: À la découverte d’un artiste !

« En novembre, tous les élèves de l’école, du CP au CM2, sont allés à l’Alliance Française de Manille voir l’exposition de Mariano Akerman. Il y avait beaucoup de tableaux et nous étions impressionnés.
Nous avions un questionnaire. C’était comme une enquête, un jeu de piste.
Il fallait répondre au plus de questions possibles et pour cela il fallait bien observer les tableaux.
Cette exposition était intéressante.
Elle nous a donné des idées. Beaucoup d’enfants ont aimé l’oeuvre de monsieur Akerman.
Nous sommes revenus à l’école fatigués, affamés mais ravis ! »


Maryvonne Salvan, "A la découverte d’un artiste !", EIS LETTER, European International School Newsletter, Issue 3, Manille, Décembre 2005, p. 5, http://www.eis-manila.org/pdf/Newsletter_12_05.pdf (15.12.05).

7.12.05

My Inner Constellations


This is the first of my Inner Constellations.

26.10.05

Les Constellations Intérieures




Les constellations interiéures
Mariano Akerman - Paintings, drawings and collages
Alliance Total Gallery, Alliance Française de Manille
November 2005



26.10.05 - L.A., Yahoo!
Las Constelaciones Interiores
Hola a todos. Quiero compartir con ustedes los trabajos de Mariano Akerman. La invitación acaba de llegarnos desde Manila, capital de Filipinas. Para una imagen completa de su trabajo, ver www1.wooloo.org/akermariano. Comentarios y preguntas acerca del trabajo este arquitecto, pintor e historiador del arte argentino son siempre bienvenidos. [...] 52 pinturas, dibujos y collages forman "las constelaciones interiores" (inner constellations / constellations interiéures), las obras reproducidas son: A. "Ondulante" y "Principio creativo-destructivo", B. "Microcosmos" y "Noga--portadora de significados", C. "Amistad" y "Mucho, mucho, mucho amor", D. "Flor de ceibo", 4 constelaciones, "Centauro", 16 constelaciones, "Sheba", "Recordar", y "Oro y Cenizas." Todos los trabajos pertenecen al artista (todos los derechos reservados). Saludos para todos.



01.11.05 - 24/7 Nocturnal Navigator
Compass
Nov. 7-25: Les Constellations Interiéures, featuring the paintings of award-winning Argentinean artist, Mariano Akerman at Alliance Française Total Gallery. Call 895-7585



01.11.05 - Circuit
Exhibits: Les Constellations Intérieures
Mariano Akerman was born in Buenos Aires in 1963. He specializes in visual communication. With the present exhibit at Alliance Française de Manille, the painter shows a series of select paintings and drawings [...]. Mysterious and suggestive as they are, Les Constellations Intérieures are invitations to imagine. Notably inclusion and identity characterize Akerman's inner constellations, which are bright and illuminating. Exhibit opens on November 7 with cocktails at 6:30PM and runs until November 25 at the Alliance Total Gallery.



06.11.05 - Jean-Paul Girault, The Daily Tribune
Les Constellations Intérieures Exhibit by Mariano Akerman
Alliance Française de Manille presents "Les Constellations Interiéures," an exhibit by Mariano Akerman. The show opens at Alliance Française Total Gallery on Nov. 7 and runs until Nov. 25. Akerman shows a series of select paintings [...]. Mysterious and suggestive as they are, Les Constellations Intérieures are invitations to imagine. Notably inclusion and identity characterize Akerman's inner constellations, which are bright and illuminating. Akerman was born in Buenos Aires in 1963. He specializes in visual communication. His artwork is original, subtle, and personal. Architect and art historian, Akerman knows that his artwork has little to do with mimesis: "Rather than being a camera, I am myself. A camera reproduces appearances, which are an aspect of the reality surrounding us. By contrast, the inner constellations involve one's associative imagination."
Artist reception shall be at the Alliance Total Gallery tomorrow. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 pm. For more information, contact 895-7441/895-7585 or e-mail cultural@alliance.ph



07.11.05 - Ramon Lerma, The Philippine Star
Arts: Mariano Akerman
MARIANO AKERMAN shows his original, subtle and personal artworks in Les constellations intérieures, on view until Nov. 25 at Alliance Total Gallery. Architect and art historian Akerman says his artworks have very little to do with mimesis: "Rather than being a camera, I am myself. A camera reproduces appearances, which are an aspect of the reality surrounding us. By contrast, the inner constellations involve one's associative imagination." For inquires, call 895-7441 and 895-7585 or e-mal cultural@alliance.ph



09.11.05 - Machel Ramos (interviewer)
Inner Constellations
Filmed interview with Mariano Akerman, Alliance Française de Manille. Broadcast on NBN channel 4, Philippines, 18.11.05 and 23.11.05





24.11.05 - Wins News
Les Constellations Interiéures, Mariano Akerman 1963 年、ブエノス・アイレス生まれの Mariano Akerman(マリアーノ・アケル マン)による作品展示会です。ビジュ アル・コミュニケーションが専門のア ーティストです。アルゼンチン、ウル グアイ、イスラエル、スペイン、日本 で作品を発表し、それぞれ賞を受賞し ています。
期間:11月25日(金)まで
場所: Alliance Total Gallery,
Alliance Francaise de Manille, 209
Nicanor Garcia St., Bel-Air II,
Makati City
連絡先:8957585 / 8957441



15.12.05 - Maryvonne Salvan, E.I.S. Newsletter
A la découverte d'un artiste !
En novembre, tous les élèves de l’école, du CP au CM2, sont allés à l’Alliance Française de Manille voir l’exposition de Mariano Akerman. Il y avait beaucoup de tableaux et nous étions impressionnés. Nous avions un questionnaire. C’était comme une enquête, un jeu de piste. Il fallait répondre au plus de questions possibles et pour cela il fallait bien observer les tableaux. Cette exposition était intéressante. Elle nous a donné des idées. Beaucoup d’enfants ont aimé l’oeuvre de monsieur Akerman. Nous sommes revenus à l’école fatigués, affamés mais ravis !

10.9.05

From Van Eyck to Magritte


1830-2005 - 175 Years of Belgian Independence
THE BELGIAN CONTRIBUTION TO THE VISUAL ARTS
From Van Eyck to Magritte

by Mariano Akerman, Art Historian



13.01.05 - Embassy of Belgium, Manila: Anniversary Programme
Art Historian Mariano Akerman's Travelling Lectures on The Belgian Contribution to the Visual Arts: From Van Eyck to Magritte
This series of lectures aims to reveal the singularity and originality of a select group of Belgian masterpieces, including artworks by De la Pasture, Campin, Metsys, Bosch, Brueghel, Rubens, Khnopff, Rops, Ensor, Spillaert, Horta, Van de Velde, Delvaux and Folon. Mr. Akerman discusses their style and meaning, historical context, aesthetic qualities and raison d'être, appreciating them from unexpected, innovative perspectives.
The lecture series will start at the Belgian Residence, De La Salle University (The Museum), University of Santo Tomas (Arts and Science Museum), and Ateneo de Manila University (The Gallery) during the months of May, June and July 2005.
Details to be announced on www.be175.org

25.04.05 - Belgian Embassy in Manila, Anniversary Programme 175 Years Belgium Online
May 2005: Art Historian Mariano Akerman's Travelling Lectures on The Belgian Contribution to the Visual Arts: From Van Eyck to Magritte
This series of lectures aims to reveal the singularity and originality of a select group of Belgian masterpieces, [...] Mr. Akerman discusses their style and meaning, historical context, aesthetic qualities and raison d'être, appreciating them from unexpected, innovative perspectives.
The lecture series will start at the Belgian Residence, and travel to the University of the Philippines (College of Arts and Letters) on June 20 at 1 pm, De La Salle University (The Museum) on June 22 at 1 pm, University of Santo Tomas (Arts and Science Museum) on July 1 at 5 pm, and Ateneo de Manila University (The Gallery) on July 5 at 4:30 pm.
A public closing lecture will be held at the National Mueum of the Philippines on July 28 at 4 pm.

18.05.05 - Rosalinda L. Orosa - The Philippine Star, Manila
Sundry Strokes
To mark 175 years of Belgian independence, Ambassador Christiaan and Gul Tanghe will present art historian Mariano Akerman for an invitational opening lecture entitled "Belgian Art: Reality and Fantasy". The lecture, to be held on May 24 at the Belgian residence, will be the first in a series on "The Belgian Contribution to the Visual Arts: Fron Van Eyck to Magritte", and will be continued in major educational institutions in Metro Manila.


24.05.05 Embassy of Belgium, Manila - Art Appreciation Lectures brochure



To mark 175 years of Belgian Independence
the Royal Belgian Embassy presents a series of
Art Appreciation Lectures on
The Belgian Contribution to the Visual Arts
"From Van Eyck to Magritte"

by Mariano Akerman, Art Historian
Manila, 24 May - 28 July 2005

Abstract
Among the major achievements of the Belgian artists are the creation of the oil painting technique, the fostering of new artistic styles, the elaboration of unforgettable images relating to the depiction of usual things (mimesis) and unprecedented ones (fantasia), and above all-the articulation of what may be the finest questioning of the concept of reality in the History of Western Art. Mariano Akerman's art appreciation lectures on The Belgian Contribution to the Visual Arts from Van Eyck to Magritte aim to reveal the extraordinary character of a select group of Belgian masterpieces. Mr. Akerman discusses their style and meaning, historical context, aesthetic qualities and raison d'être, appreciating them from unexpected, innovative perspectives.

Mariano Akerman, Art Historian
Mariano Akerman was born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 1963. He obtained a masteral degree in architecture and urbanism from the Universidad de Belgrano with a prized graduation project on the limits and space in modern architecture. [...] Specializing in visual communication, Mariano Akerman is an experienced teacher in art history, design and art appreciation, having lectured at various renowned institutions. [...] His research has focused on Francis Bacon and Louis Kahn, but also on Belgian art. In April 2005, he lectured on reality and imagination art at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires. A painter himself, Mariano Akerman has exhibited his work solo or in group [... since 1979 onwards].

Lecture Schedule
1. Belgian Art: Reality and Fantasy, Opening Lecture (by invitation), Belgian Residence, Manila, 24.05.05
2. The Marvel of Belgian Art in Renaissance and Modern Times, University of the Philippines, College of Arts and Letters, 20 June 2005, 1 – 4 pm. G/F Bulwagang Rizal, Pulungang Claro M. Recto, UP Diliman, Quezon City
3. Bosch and Magritte: Imagery of Reality and Fantasy?, De La Salle University, The Museum, 22 June 2005, 1 - 2:30 pm. DSLU Yuchengco Building, 4th Floor / Room Y 408 Seminar Room, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila
4. Masterpieces of Belgian Art from Van Eyck to Magritte, University of Santo Tomas, Museum of Arts and Sciences, 1 July 2005, 2 - 3:30 pm. Mezzanine Floor, UST Main Building, España Avenue, Manila
5. Suggestive Paradoxes: Symbolism and Surrealism in Belgian Art, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo Art Gallery, 5 July 2005, 4:30 - 6 pm. G/F Rizal Library Building, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
6. Tradition and Innovation in the Visual Arts of Belgium: From Compassion to Provocation?, Public Closing Lecture, National Museum of the Philippines, 28 July 2005, 4 - 7 pm. Tambunting Villonco Hall, Teodoro Valencia Circle, P. Burgos Street, Manila


01.06.05 - Embassy of Belgium, Manila, Art appreciation competition form
Magritte in 175 Words
Write a personal comment on the imagery of Belgian painter René Magritte, thereby responding to the question "What kind of reality does Magritte paint?" [...] The winners will be proclaimed during Mr. Mariano Akerman's public closing lecture to be held at the National Museum on July 28, 2005, at 4 pm.

01.07.05 - Jocelyn Tullao
Masterpieces of Belgian Art from Van Eyck to Magritte
“The Belgian Contribution to the Visual Arts: from Van Eyck to Magritte”
July 1, 2005, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Museum of Arts and Sciences
To mark the 175 years of Belgian independence, the Royal Belgian Embassy draws attention to the remarkable contributions of Belgian painters to the visual arts. In an art appreciation lecture entitled “The Belgian Contribution to the Visual Arts: From Van Eyck to Magritte” art historian, architect and painter Mariano Akerman appreciates the Belgian masterpieces from unexpected, innovative perspectives, discussing their style and meaning, historical context, aesthetic qualities and raison d’être.

28.07.05 Embassy of Belgium, Manila - National Museum Exhibitions Catalogue



The Royal Belgian Embassy presents
The 175 Years of Belgian Independence Celebration Exhibits

BELGIAN ART
Images from the Belgian Collection in Manila

Here, There, Everywhere
Paintings and drawings by Mariano Akerman

National Museum
Manila, July-August 2005



Belgian Art
A selection of Belgian artworks from the sixteenth century onwards is shown in the present exhibition. While an image by Brueghel the Elder depicts the story of Icarus, another, by Rubens, comprises four remarkable studies of a black man. Two engravings recall the traditional façades of the buildings at the Grand Place in Brussels. Nineteenth-century architecture is represented by the interior of a pavilion at the Royal Botanical Gardens, with its characteristic structure of iron and glass. Symbolist art finds expression in ambivalent figures and mysterious seascapes by Ensor and Spillaert. Representative of the Surrealist movement are Delvaux's intriguing settings and Magritte's incongruous juxtapositions. The famous Tintin, together with Black and Mortimer, all belong to the much-appreciated art of the comics (bande dessinée).

01. Baroque façades of the Grand Place, Brussels
02. Façade of the Maison du Roi, Grand Place Brussels
03. Interior of a Pavilion, Royal Botanical Gardens
04. Rubens: Four Studies of a Black Man
05. Brueghel the Elder: The Story of Icarus
06. Spillaert: Seascape
07. Ensor: Self-Portrait with Masks
08. Ensor: Grotesqueries
09. Delvaux: Evening Trains
10. Magritte: The Dominion of Light
11. Magritte: The Fall
12. Tintin
13. Black and Mortimer

Here, there, everywhere
Mariano Akerman exhibits twenty of his drawings and paintings, many of which were made in Brussels between 2001 and 2004. Gold and Ashes, for example, or Black Milk, like Waiting in Green, Being with No Land, Ceibo Flower and The Surprise where all painted in Belgium. [...] Most of the artist's works are watercolors, and some include the use of collage. One of the 2004 collages—Big Crab—has its origin in a traditional Philippino song for children, Ton ton ton ton pa kiton kiton.




Magritte in 175 Words
Art Appreciation Competition
First Prize: Tracy Beverly Santuyo
Second Prize: Charleene L. Marzan
Third Prize: Florian C. Garcia
Special Prize: Hans Kristine C. Malang

28.07.05 - Tanay Rizal
Belgian Art Lecture Aftermath
I'm back from the Belgian Art Lecture... Now I remember the Lecturer was Mr. Mariano Akerman. He is an Argentinian Art Historian, Artist and Architect! Cool!

06.08.05 - F.C. Garcia - The Varsitarian, Manila
Istilo ng sining Belgium, tinalakay sa exhibit
PARA sa pagdiriwang ng ika-175 taon ng kalayaan ng bansang Belgium, nagbigay ng lectures sa art appreciation ang Royal Belgian Embassy ukol sa kontribusyon ng kanilang bansa sa sining biswal.
Nagsimula sa Belgian Residence ang traveling lectures na ito bago makarating sa University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, at UST.
Sa masusing pagtalakay ni Mariano Akerman, isang eksperto sa sining mula sa Argentina, nabigyang pansin ang mga katangian ng makatotohanan at likhang-isip na istilong lumilitaw sa mga gawang-sining ng mga Belgian na pintor.
Para sa bahagi na ginanap sa Unibersidad, na may paksang “Masterpieces of Belgian Art from Van Eyck to Magritte,” inumpisahan ito sa mimesis o ang makatotohanang paglalarawan sa pamamagitan ng mabusising detalye, matitingkad na kulay, at mabuting komposisyon ang mga kasangkapan. Ginawang halimbawa nito ang “Girl with the Ducks” (c.1883) ni Emile Claus kung saan makikita sa painting ang isang batang babae na nagpapakain ng mga alagang bibe.
Sa pamamagitan ng tempera (mga makulay na pulbos na hinalo sa itlog), nabigyang buhay ng magkakapatid na Paul, Hermann, at Jean Limbourg ang isang tila-kalendaryong obra na “The Rich Hours.” Mapapansin ang maliliit na detalyeng matiyagang iginuhit ng mga pintor, tulad ng mga ginintuang fleur-de-lis sa mga kasuotan ng mga karakter.
Si Jan Van Eyck, isang maestro sa sining sa Belgium, ang kauna-unahang pintor na gumamit ng pamamaraan ng oil sa mimesis. Naging magandang halimbawa ng paghiram ng imahe ng tao sa isang gawang-sining ang altarpiece na ginawa niya para sa simbahan ng Ghent kung saan mapapansin ang kaibahan ng maputlang balat ni Adan sa kaniyang maitim at kulot na buhok.
Sa kabilang banda, tinalakay din ni Akerman ang phantasia, ang imahinatibong paglalarawan ng mga ideya at konsepto ng pintor sa pamamagitan ng malikhaing presentasyon ng realidad.
Kilala sa larangang ito si James Ensor, na nahilig sa pagpipinta ng mga larawang may kinalaman sa sosyo-pulitikal na aspeto ng isang pamayanan. Mapapansin sa kanyang mga ipininta ang mga kalansay na ginagampanan ang mga gawain ng nabubuhay na tao.
Isang malungkot na obra ang kanyang “Skeletons attempting to warm themselves” (c.1889) dahil ang mga kalansay na ito ay lumalapit sa isang tsimineang walang apoy. Sinasabing sumasalamin ito sa kondisyon ng mahihirap na mamayan sa Belgium.
Magkasalungat man na istilo ang mimesis at phantasia, naging matagumpay ang mga pintor na Belgian sa pag-iisa nito. Dito pumasok ang istilong surrealist. Naging matunog ang mga pangalan nina Léon Spillaert at Paul Delvaux, na parehong tubong Belguim, sa kilusang ito.
Sikat din sa istilong ito si René Magritte, isang magic realist noong panahon ng World War II. Naging simbolo ng isang magulo at nasalantang Europa ang kanyang “Taste of Tears” (c.1948) kung saan may isang halaman na may dahong kalapati na umiiyak.
Naging malaking bahagi ng sining Belgian ang simbolismo. Isang representasyon ng kasakiman ang “Saturn” (c.1635) ni maestro Peter Paul Rubens. Naging basehan nito ang mitolohiya ng diyos na si Saturn, na kumain sa kanyang mga anak upang masiguro ang kanyang kapangyarihan.
Isa ring pintor si Akerman, at nakapag-eksibit na siya sa mga bansang Argentina, Israel, Japan, at Pilipinas.
Iba’t iba man ang istilo, nanatili pa ring isang pagpapahayag ng mga ideya at damdamin ang sining—maging panlipunan, pulitikal, o personal man. Hindi hadlang ang lahi sa pagkaroon ng pagkakakilanlan, sapagka’t napatunayan ito ng sining na Belgian.


07.08.05 - Carmencita H. Acosta - What's On & Expat, Philippines
An Appointment with Art
Even as King Albert II of Belgium, on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of Belgian independence, was addressing his nation with a call for solidarity and a condemnation of the recent bombings in London, on the other side of the hemisphere, in the Philippine capital of Manila, the Belgian embassy was busy preparing for yet another appointment with the Muses. Belgian embassies throughout the world had their own respective styles of celebrating their red-letter day of July 28. In the Philippines, the Belgian embassy headed by Ambassador Christiaan Tanghe opted for a yearlong celebration of art and culture, for indeed, the Belgian artists of yesterday have left an indelible imprint in this area. [...] The project was spread out through the year, with a grand Art Appreciation Competition focusing on painter Magritte. The response from the youth was favorable and prizes where awarded last July 28 in ceremonies coinciding with the opening of a fortnight Belgian Art Exhibit.
[...] A selection of Belgian artworks from the 16th century onwards is on display [at the National Museum], A reproduction of Rubens introduces Manilans to the painter's four remarkable studies of a black man. An image by Brueghel the Elder depicts the story of Icarus. Two engravings recall the traditional façades of the buildings at the Grand Place in the Belgian capital of Brussels. The seascapes of Ensor and Spillaert portray mystery with their ambivalent figures. The Surrealist movement is represented in Delvaux's intriguing settings and Magritte's incongrous juxtapositions.
Young people frequenting bookstores will be somewhat surprised to see their favorite comic character, Tintin, together with Black and Mortimer. Yes, these are of Belgian origin. And, comic drawing, too, is an art.
Likewise included in the exhibit are 20 of the drawings and paintings of Mariano Akerman, an Argentine who presently resides in Manila and many of whose works were done in Brussels between 2001 and 2004.
Rightly did Belgium's King Albert II stress to his people, "We should remain open and continue to show solidarity." Manila's Belgian Embassy is doing a great job of following the royal exhortation by opening wide the doors of his artistic heritage for others to enter into the realm of the beautiful and the harmonious.

07.08.05 - Rosalinda L. Orosa - The Philippine Star, Manila
Significant Up-Dates
The Belgian Ambassador Christiaan Tanghe hosted in his residence the first of a series of lectures on Belgian art by art historian Mariano Akerman who then proceeded to give his last lecture at the National Museum on the subject, "Tradition and Innovation in the Visual Arts of Belgium—From Compassion to Provocation?"


09.09.05 - Lady Camille L. de Guia - The Varsitarian, Manila
Thomasians win in Essay Tilt
FOUR Advertising students from the College of Fine Arts and Design bagged the top spots in the Magritte in 175 Words Art Appreciation Competition last July. Advertising juniors Tracy Beverly Santuyo, Charleene Marzan, and Varsitarian Circle writer Florian Garcia, placed first, second, and third, respectively. While Hans Kristine Malang, also an Advertising junior, bagged the Special Prize. [...] The essay competition, organized by the Royal Belgian Embassy and the National Museum, is in line with Belgium’s celebration of its 175th year of independence. The awarding ceremony, headed by Belgian art historian Mariano Akerman, was held last July 25 at the National Museum. Prizes included books and plaques. Rene Magritte, a Belgian artist, is one of the most influential surrealist painters.

25.8.05

Inner Constellations: Interview with Artworks


JEAN PAUL GIRAULT interviews MARIANO AKERMAN


1. Akermariano, The Inner Constellations: Paintings, Drawings and Collages, 2005


2. Serenity, 2004 (mixed media collage).


JEAN-PAUL GIRAULT interviews AKERMARIANO, August 2005

Is inspiration important to your work?
Yes. But inspiration is erratic and relates to chance.


3. Gold and ashes, 2001 (ink and watercolor).

So what can you do about it?
To follow my states of mind, which also change, and to commit myself to art.


4. Pipedream, 2002-2005 (watercolor).

Is that to paint?
To paint and to research.


5. Polaris, 2002-2005 (watercolor).

What sort of research are you interested in?
The research of identity and transformation.


6. Creation-Destruction Principle, 2003-2005 (watercolor).

Are you trying to find definitions?
No. I am trying to express myself.


7. A Blooming Spot, 2003-2005 (watercolor).

Is that easy?
Sometimes.

And has that to do with inspiration?
Instead of talking about inspiration, I prefer to talk about sources of inspiration.


8. In Movement, 1990 (mixed media).


9. The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 1988 (stills); In Movement (detail).

Why?
I believe in will, not in inspiration.


10. The Surprise, 2004 (crayon and watercolor).

Could you explain yourself?
Art is a process, not just an accident.


11. Constellation A 1-15, 2000-2005 (crayon and watercolor); Constellation B 1-15, 2000-2005 (watercolor).

Are you against accidents in art?
No. But there is no art without design.


12. The Messenger, 1990 (mixed media); Auricular Caprice, 1996 (pen).

Since childhood you have learned Surrealist procedures such as automatism, which involves the rejection of logic…
It’s true. However, concerning my work, as soon as I was conscious of the importance of my feelings and ideas, I transformed accident into designed accident.


13. Noga, 2003 (watercolor); Centaur, 1990 (ink).

Is your art free?
Not entirely. And I don’t want it to be so. Unfortunately, there is not such a thing as absolute freedom in art. That’s an illusion.


14. Red Sea, 2002 (watercolor).

Has your work to do with illusion?
No. It has to do with reality.


15. Life Supporter, 1990 (mixed media).

But your images look like dreams and fantasies…
Dreams and fantasies are also a part of reality.


16. A Sky of Projects, 1990 (mixed media).

Is it true that you regarded some paintings by Matisse as “unfinished pictures”?
Sure. And once I even tried to correct one of them …


17. Marcelo Moreno, Mariano Akerman, 1968 (photograph); Mariano Akerman, Correction of an Unfinished Matisse, 1968 (pen).

Did you ever copy the work of the masters?
Not really. In 1976, I once reproduced Toulouse-Lautrec’s Jane Avril au Jardin de Paris. Mine was just an exercise.

You painted a 1979 gouache that can be associated with a 1789 picture by François Gérard...
Yes. I was then in high school. It was a period of oppression and repression. Fortunately, our art teacher was a sensitive person. One day she brought some reproductions of masterpieces. She kindly asked me to choose one and to transform it in my way.

Which image interested you?
One with a couple—an angel kissing a girl.

Why did you choose it?
Because there was some tenderness in it.


18. François Gérard, Psyche receiving the First Kiss of Eros, 1789 (black and white reproduction of the original oil in the Louvre).

Yes, Psyche receiving the First Kiss of Eros is a tender image. But were you able to identify the characters in Gérard’s painting?
Only Eros. I had no idea then that Psyche represented the human soul.

And what did you do?
I kept the pose of the characters, and depicted them in surreal terms.


19. Nothing of Kissing Me a Lot, 1979 (gouache).

Why Surreal?
Because I thought of Surrealism as a liberating way to express myself.

Did you do any research then?
I bought a book entitled Surrealism at the Librería Sarmiento (in Buenos Aires). The images in the book interested me a lot. I loved the presence of imagination in them.


20. Yves Tanguy, The Sun in its Shrine, 1937 (oil); Mariano Akerman, Rococo Soirée in the House of a Medieval Princess, 1979-1980 (gouache).

Did you like the work of any Surrealist in particular?
No, I liked the work of the Surrealists as a whole. I still like their work in the same way.

How did you call your gouache?
Nothing of Kissing Me a Lot.


21. Comparison: format and technique, pose and style, context and message.

Did you find inspiration in Gérard’s title?
Not really. I had a reproduction of his oil in my hands, but this had no caption whatever. I only knew what I was able to perceive in it. The image was anonymous, untitled, and undated.

So your title comes from…
From the words of a bolero—bésame mucho (kiss me a lot).

Yet, Nothing of Kissing Me a Lot is its antithesis…
Yes. But, you know, I grew up in Buenos Aires, not in Madrid. So I adapted the Spanish bolero into something that was representative of my Argentinean reality. Such a reality had little to do with requesting to be kissed, and very much with not been allowed to kiss at all. Thus, Nada de bésame mucho.

Isn’t there a tango entitled Nothing of Kissing Me a Lot ?
I don’t think so. And if there is, I’ve never heard of it. Anyway, tango is rarely about tenderness. In general, it has to do with cruelty and pain.


22. Roses All the Way, 2003-2005 (watercolor).

Is it better to kiss or to be kissed?
They are two sides of the same thing, aren’t they?

The two sides of love?
Possibly.


23. The Dream comes True, 2003-2005 (watercolor).

It was in 1989 or 1990, I think, that you painted Lots, Lots, Lots of Love. What kind of image is this?
An autobiographic one, like most of my works. To speak about the history of my work is to speak of the history of my life.


24. Lots, Lots, Lots of Love, 1990 (mixed media).

How did you conceive this picture?
As a tribute to my grandparents.

Where did they come from?
Europe. They came to Argentina before WWI.

Who is the child in the painting?
In a sense, me.

But you didn’t look like him at all…
Well, I looked like him in the attitude.

Which attitude?
That of being about to eat without saying a word.

Is he obedient then?
In this case, yes.

Why seven spoons?
Seven is a number I associate with Creation.


25. Lots, Lots, Lots of Love: Spoons (detail).

Are you suggesting love here?
Yes, the love I received from my grandparents. They always cared about me.
Unfortunately, when I painted this image they were dead. I mean, physically dead.

Physically?
Nobody really dies so far as someone remembers the person. In my painting there are five flying windows. One of them shows the three of us together, visiting a place called El Rosedal.


26. Lots, Lots, Lots of Love: Windows (detail); Family group portrait, photograph, 1968.

Where does the title of your work come from?
It’s a line in a poem by María Elena Walsh. Her work is entitled “Canción del Jardinero” (The Gardener’s Song). There you find “mucho, mucho, mucho amor.” My favorite words in the poem are in its first line: “mírenme, soy feliz” (look at me, I am happy).
What is that egg close to the child?
A friend.


27. Lots, Lots, Lots of Love: Egg (detail).

Egg motifs are frequent in your work. Why?
The egg has to do with the idea of Origin.


28. Crystalline, First Movement, 1985-1986 (tempera, ink and collage).

The origin of what?
The origin of life and art, of identity and transformation.

Are you aware of the sexual connotations of the egg motif?
Of course. Thanks to Freud everything is sexual today…


29. Three Figures by the Window, 1989, detail (see below, # 37).

Even in your work?
I suppose.


30. Auricular caprice, 1996 (pen); Sheba, 1995 (sanguine).

What about Jung?
He taught us that in every human being coexist feminine and masculine components—anima and animus.

Do they coexist in your images too?
Possibly. I don’t know.


31. Creation Day, 2003 (watercolor and tempera).

Your art has little to do with mimesis. You don’t paint what you see. Then, what do you paint?
I paint what I feel.


32. Ceibo Flower, 2004 (crayon and watercolor); Waiting in Green, 2004 (crayon and watercolor).

Do you think of your works as masterpieces?
I have the feeling that some of them are.


33. Undulating, 2001 (color pencil); Nine Candles, 2000-2005 (watercolor and collage).

But not all of them…
Well, as everything is in life, so it’s in art. There are transitions.

Transitional works?
Yes. And they are indispensable to achieve one’s goals.

Yet, some artists destroy their transitional works…
Yes, some pretend to be Mozarts of the Brush. That’s not my case. Besides, what they do with their transitional works is their own business, not mine.

Do you keep your transitional works?
Some of them.


34. Things are like This, 1981 (pen); Departure, 2003 (gouache).

Did you work with oil painting in the past?
Yes. But I prefer water-based materials, such as gouache and watercolor.


35. Wishful Thinking, 2003 (watercolor).

Why this preference?
My aunt Moroca was a painter. She worked with gouache. Being a child, and even as a teenager, I liked to visit her studio, “Taller Piruetas.” She taught me how to paint with gouache. This included the use of automatic procedures stimulating free association.


36. Anonymous, Learning automatism with Moroca, 1966 (photograph); Automatism (overlapping the reproduction of James Ensor’s Intrigue, 1890), 1967 (pencil).

And watercolor?
This I’ve learned by myself.


37. Three Figures by the Window, 1989 (watercolor, tempera and ink).

Drawing is important to you, isn’t it?
Yes. Lines fascinate me.


38. Vanity of Vanities, 2004 (crayon and watercolor).

Besides, you are an architect…
Right.


39. Homage to the French Revolution, 1989 (color pencil and ink).

There are also very subtle textures in your works.
Well, they sometimes suggest figures.


40. Dead Sea 1, 1991 (ink and watercolor).


41. Dead Sea 2, 1991 (ink and watercolor).


42. Recollection, 2004 (water-soluble crayon).

Somebody once said that your work is sort of experiment, do you agree?
Of course. I see no problem in experiments, but in the formula.


43. The Magician, 2003 (watercolor).

Repeating oneself?
Exactly. As when someone has a personal style, but keeps on producing the same type of work all the time. That’s safe mediocrity.

Are you for taking risks?
I am for exploration. A series of works shouldn’t be something boring. I am for diversity.


44. Twenty-five Studies for Inner Constellations, 2000-2005 (watercolor, including some crayon).

Isn’t the repetition of a motif a symptom of sterility?
No, of course not. One may repeat a motif, but keep on changing its colors and textures.
Things can also depend on the way the image is articulated—its composition, that’s it.


45. Francophonie et Cie., 2005 (watercolor collage).

What are your pears symbolic of?
Like the egg, they have to do with the idea of the Origin. The pears also allude to earthly desires.

Earthly desires?
Yes, like the ones of Europa.


46. The Rape of Europa, 2005 (collage).

But wasn’t Zeus who had desires?
Both of them had.

À propos desire, you have also some cherries, I think.
Yes, they are curious ones.

47. The Curiosity of the Cherries, 2005 (tempera collage); Curious Cherries, 2005 (tempera collage).

In some of your works you use collage, why?
Collage expands the possibilities.


48. Friendship, 2001-2004 (tempera, watercolor and collage).

Which possibilities?
Expressive and associative ones.


49. Microcosm, 1991, revised 2005 (mixed media collage).

You also have some collages made of parts that you have painted yourself.
Yes. In the beginning, I used textures coming from all kinds of sources; later I incorporated my own textures. Today, I combine them all.


50. Among the Nations, 2005 (tempera and watercolor collage).


51. Chanel No. 5, 2005 (watercolor collage).

I think there is a part of your work in which you deal with identity.
Yes, with my own identity. I call it the Inner Story. There you find me.


52. Of the importance of the Authentic, 1987 (color pencil).


53. Central panel of the Via Dolorosa Triptych, 1997 (photograph).


54. Right-hand panel of Via Dolorosa, 1997 (photograph); compared to its ultimate source (black and white reproduction).


55. Black Milk, 2001 (watercolor and crayon); Paul Celan, “Schwarze Milch,” 1945-47: "Black milk of dawn we drink it at night / we drink it at noon in the morning we drink it at sundown / we drink and we drink" (poem excerpt).


56. Anonymous art student, Survivors, undated (gouache).


57. Jean-François Millet, The Gleaners, 1857 (oil); Survivors.


58. My Jerusalem, 1991 (watercolor, gouache, pencil and ink).

59. A Wish called Peace, 1995 (marker).



60. City of the Lord, 1992 (gouache, watercolor and ink).

Is the public interested in your work in the Philippines?
Very much so. The public also loves my art appreciation lectures. This gives me motivation to go ahead with new projects.

61. Rosalinda L. Orosa, “Sundry Strokes,” The Philippine Star, 18 May 2005.



62. F.C. Garcia, “Istilo ng sining Belgium, tinalakay sa exhibit, The Varsitarian, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, 6 August 2005.



63. Rosalinda L. Orosa, “Significant Up-dates,” Starweek, 7 August 2005.

And what about your work as an artist?
There’s also interest in my work. This possibly may stem from the “rara avis factor,” because I am quite an unusual bird in the area, aren’t I?


64. Alliance française program, October-December 2005; Alliance exhibit banner.




65. Carmencita Acosta, “Lifestyle and Culture: An appointment with art,” What’s On Expat?, 7-13 August 2005.


66. Circuit, November 2005.



67. Machelle Ramos: Interview with Mariano Akerman, National Broadcast Net, Philippines Channel 4. Teledyario, 18 November 2005; The Morning Show, 23 November 2005.




68. The Foreign Post, 24 November 2005; Compass 24/7 Nocturnal Navigator, November 2005; Ramon Lerma, “Mariano Akerman,” Philippine Star, 7 November 2005; “Les Constellations Intérieures,” Daily Tribune, 6 November 2005.



69. Newsletter of the European International School, 15 December 2005.

In a nutshell, what is your art all about?
The inner constellations.

Why?
Above all, because my pictures are inner constellations. Rather than being a camera, I am myself. A camera reproduces appearances, but the inner constellations involve one’s associative imagination.


70. Deep Inside (watercolor).


71. Invitation to The Inner Constellations Exhibit, recto.


72. Invitation to The Inner Constellations Exhibit, verso.


COMMENTS ON THE ARTIST AND HIS ARTWORK

In a world of constant exploration, the spiritual curiosity of Mariano Akerman produces true symbols of life. Bernardo Graiver

If we search a formal structure, this is evident. There’s also a strong subject matter—his work carries an interesting, vital message. Here, the simple does not exclude the profound. Monique Sasegur

His dream-inspired enigmas demand an active participation of the spectator. This is worthwhile—it is beauty itself, unfolding in an exuberant flowering. René Olivieri

He is interested in the problem of the limit. In his works, he explores the relation continent-content. Alicia Oliberos

He projects his inspiration on select images, giving to his work the mysterious charm of those things seldom seen by the human eye. Zulema Vaini

With secure hand and controlled drawing, a prolific imagination finds expression in his work. His knowledge is intermingled with a profound introspection and an almost obsessive desire to transcend the formal in order to convey profound meanings. Jorgelina Orfila

His pictorial work might be described; it could never be defined. The style is intricate, precise, richly symbolic and wholly personal. Susan Mahler

He has sensitivity to historical artistic and cultural material. […] Impressive is his ability to empathize with diverse cultural traditions and societies. Chanan Mazal

Akerman’s work speaks for inner vision; it’s almost an exploration into the painter’s soul. Some of his works recall the type of textures one can perceive with the help of a microscope. Martín Yaya


73. Macro-Collage, 2005 (digital composition).

Only a person so creative and with so much depth and inner beauty can show his interior with so much clarity and purity. I am delighted to lose myself in the inner constellations.
Adriana Morabito



74. Source of Sources: The Bible

The artwork of Mariano Akerman is original, subtle, and personal. Mysterious and suggestive as they are, les constellations intérieures are invitations to imagine.
Jean-Paul Girault


75. The Inner Constellations: Paintings, Drawings and Collages, 2006.



76. Digital Collage, 2005.


Cataloging. Akerman, Mariano. Akermariano. Les Constellations Intérieures / The Inner Constellations / Las Constelaciones Interiores. Paintings, Drawings and Collages. Solo show. Art exhibit./ Exposition d’art / Exposición de obras de arte. Alliance Française de Manille / French Alliance, Manila / Allianza Francesa de Manila. Art. Automatism. Design. Mixed Media. Photography. Literary and visual sources of inspiration and references. Belgium: 175 Years of Independence. Art-appreciation lectures in Manila. “The Belgian Contribution to the Visual Arts.” Girault, Jean-Paul. Interview with Mariano Akerman. August 2005. Insight. Dialog. Education. Media Impact.

© Mariano Akerman. All Rights Reserved. Artworks, visual sources, literary references, ideas, comments and media impact. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form and by any means (including recording, and any form of storage and retrieval), without permission in writing from the author.

6.8.05

Istilo ng sining Belgium


F.C. Garcia, Istilo ng sining Belgium, The Varsitarian, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, Vol. LXXXIII, No. 3, 6 August 2005, p. 13

The Varsitarian on Belgian Art Styles

Istilo ng sining Belgium, tinalakay sa exhibit
Ni F. C. Garcia

PARA sa pagdiriwang ng ika-175 taon ng kalayaan ng bansang Belgium, nagbigay ng lectures sa art appreciation ang Royal Belgian Embassy ukol sa kontribusyon ng kanilang bansa sa sining biswal.
Nagsimula sa Belgian Residence ang traveling lectures na ito bago makarating sa University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, at UST.
Sa masusing pagtalakay ni Mariano Akerman, isang eksperto sa sining mula sa Argentina, nabigyang pansin ang mga katangian ng makatotohanan at likhang-isip na istilong lumilitaw sa mga gawang-sining ng mga Belgian na pintor.
Para sa bahagi na ginanap sa Unibersidad, na may paksang “Masterpieces of Belgian Art from Van Eyck to Magritte,” inumpisahan ito sa mimesis o ang makatotohanang paglalarawan sa pamamagitan ng mabusising detalye, matitingkad na kulay, at mabuting komposisyon ang mga kasangkapan. Ginawang halimbawa nito ang “Girl with the Ducks” (c.1883) ni Emile Claus kung saan makikita sa painting ang isang batang babae na nagpapakain ng mga alagang bibe.
Sa pamamagitan ng tempera (mga makulay na pulbos na hinalo sa itlog), nabigyang buhay ng magkakapatid na Paul, Hermann, at Jean Limbourg ang isang tila-kalendaryong obra na “The Rich Hours.” Mapapansin ang maliliit na detalyeng matiyagang iginuhit ng mga pintor, tulad ng mga ginintuang fleur-de-lis sa mga kasuotan ng mga karakter.
Si Jan Van Eyck, isang maestro sa sining sa Belgium, ang kauna-unahang pintor na gumamit ng pamamaraan ng oil sa mimesis. Naging magandang halimbawa ng paghiram ng imahe ng tao sa isang gawang-sining ang altarpiece na ginawa niya para sa simbahan ng Ghent kung saan mapapansin ang kaibahan ng maputlang balat ni Adan sa kaniyang maitim at kulot na buhok.
Sa kabilang banda, tinalakay din ni Akerman ang phantasia, ang imahinatibong paglalarawan ng mga ideya at konsepto ng pintor sa pamamagitan ng malikhaing presentasyon ng realidad.
Kilala sa larangang ito si James Ensor, na nahilig sa pagpipinta ng mga larawang may kinalaman sa sosyo-pulitikal na aspeto ng isang pamayanan. Mapapansin sa kanyang mga ipininta ang mga kalansay na ginagampanan ang mga gawain ng nabubuhay na tao.
Isang malungkot na obra ang kanyang “Skeletons attempting to warm themselves” (c.1889) dahil ang mga kalansay na ito ay lumalapit sa isang tsimineang walang apoy. Sinasabing sumasalamin ito sa kondisyon ng mahihirap na mamayan sa Belgium.
Magkasalungat man na istilo ang mimesis at phantasia, naging matagumpay ang mga pintor na Belgian sa pag-iisa nito. Dito pumasok ang istilong surrealist. Naging matunog ang mga pangalan nina Léon Spillaert at Paul Delvaux, na parehong tubong Belgium, sa kilusang ito.
Sikat din sa istilong ito si René Magritte, isang magic realist noong panahon ng World War II. Naging simbolo ng isang magulo at nasalantang Europa ang kanyang “Taste of Tears” (c.1948) kung saan may isang halaman na may dahong kalapati na umiiyak.
Naging malaking bahagi ng sining Belgian ang simbolismo. Isang representasyon ng kasakiman ang “Saturn” (c.1635) ni maestro Peter Paul Rubens. Naging basehan nito ang mitolohiya ng diyos na si Saturn, na kumain sa kanyang mga anak upang masiguro ang kanyang kapangyarihan.
Isa ring pintor si Akerman, at nakapag-eksibit na siya sa mga bansang Argentina, Japan, at Pilipinas.
Iba’t iba man ang istilo, nanatili pa ring isang pagpapahayag ng mga ideya at damdamin ang sining—maging panlipunan, pulitikal, o personal man. Hindi hadlang ang lahi sa pagkaroon ng pagkakakilanlan, sapagka’t napatunayan ito ng sining na Belgian.



A translation:
Art styles of Belgium explored along presentation
By FC Garcia

FOR celebration of the 175th year of independence of Belgium as a country, the Royal Belgian Embassy offered a series of art appreciation lectures about the contribution of that country to the visual arts. A first one began at the Belgian residence before the lectures travelled to the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and Universoty of Santo Tomas.
During the UST lecture, by Mariano Akerman, an art expert from Argentina, students discovered the features of realism and the imagination that characterize many of the styles developed by famous Belgian artists.
Akerman's lecture, entitled "Masterpieces of Belgian Art from Van Eyck to Magritte," began with the exploration of the idea of mimesis and its artistic expression involving realistic descriptions of great detail, intense colors and remarkable compositional layouts. A significant examples of this was the "Girl with the Ducks" (c.1883) by Emile Claus, showing a young woman feeding her pet ducks.
With tempera (colorful powder mixed with egg), the brothers Paul, Hermann and Jean Limbourg created a calendar masterpiece known as "The Rich Hours," an illuminated manuscript full of little details the artists patiently illustrated, e.g., golden fleurs-de-lis in the garments of the characters.
Jan Van Eyck, a master of art in Belgium, was the first artist that fully developed the technique of oil painting. He also devoted his work to mimesis. With "Adam" he depicts the image of the first man and includes him in his altarpiece for the church of Ghent, stressing the difference between pale skin and dark curly hair.
Akerman also discussed the notion of phantasia and the art of the imaginary. Known in the field as James Ensor, who was inclined to painting images relating to the socio-political aspects of the Belgian society. Noted are his painted skeletons performing as if they were living persons.
A sad masterpiece is "Skeletons attempting to warm themselves" (c.1889), as these figures can be seen close to a stove with no fire. The image is a reflection on the condition of the poorest Belgian citizens.
A dialogue takes place between mimesis and phantasia, particularly with the surrealist style. Been distinctive of this movement are Léon Spillaert and Paul Delvaux, both native Belgium. And this style also made famous René Magritte, a magic realist painter who working during World War II painted a symbol of the confused and displaced Europe today known as "The Taste of Tears" (c.1948). The image shows a dove-plant.
Important to Belgian art is symbolism. Selfishness finds expression in "Saturn" (c.1635) by master Peter Paul Rubens. According to classical mythology, the god Saturn ate his children to ensure himself eternal power.
Akerman is a lecturer and also a painter. He exhibits his art in Argentina, Japan, and the Philippines. Differences in style can express diversity of ideas and emotions. They make art to be a social, political, or personal matter. Style is identity. It also validates Belgian art.

Limbourg Brothers
"January"
Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, c. 1413-16
Musée Condé, Chantilly

Jan van Eyck, "Adam", Mystique Lamb Altarpiece, 1432
Cathedral Saint-Bavon, Ghent

Peter Paul Rubens, Saturn devouring one of his sons, 1636
Museo del Prado, Madrid

Émile Claus, The Girl with the Ducks, c. 1883

James Ensor, Squeletons willing to warm themselves up, 1889

René Magritte, The Flavor of Tears, 1948. Oil, 60 x 50 cm.

Jean-Michel Folon, Yes to Thought, watercolor

29.4.05

Pintura Belga


1830-2005 - 175º Aniversario de la Independencia de Bélgica
Realidad e imaginación en la pintura belga
Conferencia
por Mariano Akerman



14.04.05 - Mariano Akerman
Realidad e imaginación en la pintura belga
Conferencia
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Buenos Aires -19:00-20:30 hs.

29.04.05 - Koenraad Rouvroy, Ambassadeur de Belgique
Lettre
Koenraad Rouvroy à Mariano Akerman
Par la présente je déclare que l’Architecte Mariano Akerman a prononcé, le 14 avril 2005, une conférence intitulée « Réalité et imagination dans la peinture belge ».
Cet événement qui a été organisée par l’Ambassade de Belgique à Buenos Aires, a eu lieu au Musée National des Beaux-Arts, dans le cadre du 175è anniversaire de l’Indépendance du Royaume de Belgique.
L’excellent exposé de M. Akerman m’a surtout frappé par la sélection ingénieuse des peintures qui représentaient un ensemble très varié de l’art pictural belge à travers les temps.
J’ai particulièrement apprécié la façon dont M. Akerman a présenté son sujet, d’une importance capitale pour l’histoire de l’art en Belgique, ainsi que le caractère didactique de la conférence.
En outre le contenu de l’exposé témoignait de la connaissance approfondie du sujet par l’orateur qui n’a non plus hésité de présenter son sujet avec un certain humour.
En conclusion, j’ai n’ai qu’à me féliciter de la performance de M. Akerman qui a rendu honneur à la peinture de mon pays dont la renommée est universelle.
Buenos Aires, le 29 avril 2005. Koenraad Rouvroy, Ambassadeur de Belgique

Carta
Koenraad Rouvroy, Embajador de Bélgica, a Mariano Akerman
Por la presente dejo constancia que el Arquitecto Mariano Akerman pronunció el 14 de abril de 2005 una conferencia intitulada “Realidad e imaginación en la pintura belga”.
Este evento tuvo lugar en el marco de un ciclo de conferencias organizado por la Embajada de Bélgica en Buenos Aires, en el Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, con motivo del 175º aniversario de la Independencia del Reino de Bélgica.
Respecto a dicha conferencia quisiera destacar en primer término la excelente calidad de la misma que se vio enriquecida por una selección ingeniosa de obras en base a la cual el Arq. Akerman pudo dar cuenta de un conjunto muy heterogéneo del arte pictórico belga a través de los tiempos.
He apreciado además muy en particular el modo en que el conferencista desarrolló su tema, de importancia capital para el arte en Bélgica, así como el carácter didáctico de su exposición.
El contenido de la misma puso de manifiesto un profundo conocimiento en la materia por parte del orador no dudó en presentar el tema haciendo gala de un sutil humor.
Para finalizar quisiera agregar que no tengo más que palabras de felicitaciones por el desempeño del Arq. Akerman quien hizo honor a la pintura de mi país cuyo renombre es universal.
Buenos Aires, 29 de abril de 2005. Koenraad Rouvroy, Embajador de Bélgica

Illustración: Las gracias naturales, pintura de René Magritte (Les grâces naturelles, 1964); Kunsthaus Zürich, Suiza