Impromptu: The World in a Collage

Mariano Akerman
Impromptu
2007
Técnica mixta | Mixed media | Technique mixte, 20 x 24.2 cm
• Dühring-Patel Collection, Berlin

An Inner Constellation relating to the dynamic nature of impulse, Impromptu was first a relatively simple automatism. Only later it became more elaborate and symbolic.

In its revised version, Impromptu features a central motif, whose origin can be traced back to a Map of the World depicted by Heinrich Bünting in the late sixteenth century. That Map presents a clover-shaped world, with Jerusalem at the center. There, Europe, Asia and Africa converge. Jerusalem becomes thus the center of the world and the Holy City of the three continents.

Heinrich Bünting (Buenting/Bunting, 1545-1606), Map of the World as a Clover (Die Welt als Kleberblat), woodcut from Itinerarium sacra scripturae, Magdeburg, 1581. National Library, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

In Bünting's Map, the world is symbolically represented by a three-leafed clover, which not accidentally was also symbolic of that cartographer’s birthplace, Hannover.
Initially, the Map of the World was a black-and-white print (woodcut). Its later version involved the application of color and the differentiation of the continents via the use of distinct pigments.

After Heinrich Bünting, Map of the World or Cloverleaf Map (from Itinerarium Sacra Scripturae), color engraving, 1588. Mappa Mundi, Knokke.

It is noteworthy that in such versions of the German Map the American continent is marginal and remains excluded from the central three-leafed motif, i.e. disconnected from the center of the world.
Curiously enough, other important areas of the world are depicted in analogous terms (when not obliterated altogether). The insular aspect of England, for instance, is geographically justifiable, but that of Denmark and Sweden rendered as a single territorial mass, disconnected from the European continent and notably amputated, is ethically objectionable.


Mariano Akerman, Impromptu (revised state), Manila, July 2007. Crayon, watercolor and collage, 20 x 24.2 cm. Duehring-Patel Collection, Berlin

In 2001, Impromptu was a closed composition. Only in 2007, with the artist’s desire of associating this image to Bünting’s Map, it became an open design. To achieve such an association in a direct way, the format of Impromptu was to be changed and Jerusalem had to become its real center. Such requirements led to the suppression of part of the original composition. Yet, the initial appearance of Impromptu, its original format and composition, have been preserved in a photograph taken when the work was still in progress.

As Einstein once put it, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. But imagination encircles the world."

Impromptu, picture, comments and layout by Mariano Akerman © Copyright 2007 Akermariano. All rights reserved.

Patel's poem "Born to Marvel" is worth to be included here, for it is consonant with Impromptu. I think of Patel's work as a little eternity and a great poem:

How wondrous this Earth
And the silvers speckled sky
In the limitless expanse of space,
Whose hands, whose power,
Whose wish, whose grace
Propels this worldly vessel
From a place unknown
To an unknown place?
Should I so dare,
As dare ask why,
Dare ask where? No!
I was born but to marvel
I know, with my life
In my Maker’s care.

Ronnie Patel, Island Poems, Calcutta: Lotus, 2001, p. 7
© Ronnie Patel

Initially published in Manila, 7.7.2007

GENETRIX

Nopal cactus. Opunita ficus-indica

Inquieta e intensa mi madre
Por fuera palabras de espina
Por dentro todo dulzor
Su intermitente contraste
Conlleva mil y un actos de amor.



Restless and intense my mother
Prickly words outside
Entirely sweet inside
Her intermittent contrast
Entails one thousand and one acts of love.



Inquiète et intense ma mère
Dehors mots d’épine
Dedans toute douceur
Son intermittent contraste
Entraîne mille et un actes d’amour.

"Genetrix" © 2004-2007 Mariano Akerman
Todos los derechos reservados | All rights reserved | Tous droits réserves


Genetrix (planta-ancla), 2004
Acuarela, crayon y bolígrafo sobre papel
Watercolor, crayon and pen on paper
Aquarelle, crayon et encre sur papier

Texto e imágenes originalmente publicados en Manila, 3.6.2007

Imagem e Conteúdo

IMAGEM E CONTEÚDO
Ciclo de conferências interdisciplinares

Mariano Akerman
Organizador, pesquisador e palestrante


1. Contatos: a arte como ponte entre as culturas brasileira e franco-belga

1. Contatos
Comunicação Visual Design, Francês, História da Arte, Pintura

2. Mimesis e Fantasia: duas atitudes artísticas opostas?

2. Mimesis e Fantasia
Comunicação Visual Design, Espanhol, Francês, História da Arte, Inglês, Pintura, Psicologia, Sociologia

3. Gestalt: a teoria da percepção visual e sua aplicação nos tempos modernos

3. Gestalt
Arquitetura, Comunicação Visual Design, Espanhol, Francês, História, História da Arte, Inglês, Psicologia

4. Arte argentina: tradição e inovação

4. Arte argentina
Comunicação Visual Design, Espanhol, Francês, História da Arte, Inglês, Pintura, Sociologia

5. Preconceito, estereótipo e identidade

5. Preconceito
Espanhol, Francês, Hebraico, História, História da Arte, Inglês, Jornalismo, Psicologia, Sociologia

6. Louis I. Kahn: história e dimensão poética na arquitetura

6. Kahn
Arquitetura, Comunicação Visual Design, História, Inglês, Jornalismo, Sociologia

7. Arte grotesca: natureza, transformações e razão de ser

7. Arte grotesca
Comunicação Visual Design, Espanhol, Francês, Historia da Arte, Inglês, Pintura, Psicologia, Sociologia

8. Iconografia, metamorfose e diversidade hebraica na arte

8. Diversidade hebraica
Hebraico, História, História da Arte, Sociologia

9. Obra da arte e interpretação psicanalítica

9. Arte e interpretação
História da Arte, Psicologia

10. Imagem e texto do fileteado porteño

10. Fileteado porteño
Comunicação Visual Design, Espanhol, História da Arte, Pintura

11. Alfonso Corona Martinez: elementos da arquitetura e composição

11. Corona Martinez
Arquitetura

12. Humor no imaginário gráfico argentino

12. Humor
Espanhol, Jornalismo, Sociologia

13. Arte belga: realidade e imaginação

13. Arte belga
Comunicação Visual Design, Francês, História da Arte, Pintura

14. Ser e não ser: ambiguidade e paradoxo no imaginário do pintor Francis Bacon

14. Bacon
Inglês, História da Arte, Pintura, Psicologia

15. O caso Hurva: entre a memória e a reconstrução

15. Hurva
Arquitetura, Hebraico, História, Inglês, Jornalismo

• A imaginação na pintura de Roberto Magalhães e Mariano Akerman

15. A imaginação na pintura
Evento multidisciplinar

• As palestras são gratuitas e abertas ao público. Não é necessário ter conhecimentos prévios sobre os tópicos das palestras para assistir e participar.


Mariano Akerman

Nascido em Buenos Aires em 1963, Mariano Akerman é um pintor, arquiteto e historiador argentino. Como pesquisador e palestrante desenvolve atividades educativas que promovem a livre-expressão e a participação comunitária considerando a idiossincrasia e o contexto cultural de cada indivíduo.

Em 1982 inicia seus estudos em arquitetura na Universidade de Belgrano, onde recebe o diploma em virtude de um trabalho premiado, A Natureza do Espaço e os Limites da Arquitetura (1987). Após receber uma bolsa do Conselho Britânico, Akerman escreve O Grotesco nas Pinturas de Francis Bacon em 1999, e retoma o imaginário do célebre artista londrino em um artigo que é publicado em 2012.

A partir de 1981 Akerman dá palestras em instituições tais como o Museu Nacional de Belas Artes em Buenos Aires, o Museo Nacional das Filipinas em Manila, o Colégio Escandinavo Hooptes Stajärna em Taytay, a Academia Nacional de Artes em Lahore, e a Universidade Quaid-i-Azam em Islamabad.

Especializado em Comunicação Visual, Mariano Akerman desenvolve também séries de palestras, concursos, oficinas e exposições educativas em vários países, onde colabora com as embaixadas da Bélgica, Suécia, França, Alemanha e Suíça, incluindo as de seu país natal. Empreendedor independente multidisciplinar, Akerman recebeu doze prêmios internacionais em arte e educação. Durante mais de três décadas de atividade, e tendo freqüentado instituições culturais e educativas, Mariano Akerman deu numerosas palestras tanto na Argentina quanto nas Filipinas e no Paquistão.


• Curriculum vitae
• F.C. Garcia, Istilo ng sining Belgium, tinalakay sa exhibit, The Varsitarian, Tomo LXXVII, Blg. 3, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, 6.8.2005
• Igor Barbero, Un pintor argentino educa a través del arte en Pakistán, ABC, Espanha, 2010
• Sarah Mahmood, Bridging Cultures, Diplo.DE, Alemanha, 2010-11
• Ilona Yussuf, Enhancing Perception: The Gestalt Lectures and Collage Competition, The Blue Chip Magazine, issue 87, vol. 8, Islamabad, 2012, pp. 16-19.
• WK
• Referêntes

Arte argentino por Mariano Akerman

Lectures and Educational Activities por Mariano Akerman

German and Swiss Art Lectures por Mariano Akerman

The Gestalt Program Brochure por Mariano Akerman

A Passion for Hope por Hannyia Abid y Mariano Akerman

German Art por Mariano Akerman

French Modern Art por Mariano Akerman

SER Y NO SER por Mariano Akerman

Beleza pura

Beatriz Milhazes "reivindica laços fortes com a modernidade europeia e está em pé de igualdade na cena contemporânea" (Frédéric Paul).




Revista Virtual Beleza Pura!, Edição 03, 2008




Caetano Veloso, "Beleza Pura", Personalidade, 1988

Não me amarra dinheiro não
Mas formosura
Dinheiro não
A pele escura
Dinheiro não
A carne dura
Dinheiro não
Moça preta do curuzu
Beleza pura
Federação
Beleza pura
Boca do Rio
Beleza pura
Dinheiro não
Quando essa preta começa a tratar do cabelo
Conchas do mar
Ela manda buscar pra botar no cabelo
Toda minúcia
Toda delícia
Não me amarra dinheiro não
Mas elegância
Não me amarra dinheiro não
Mas a cultura
Dinheiro não
A pele escura
Dinheiro não
A carne dura
Dinheiro não
Moço lindo do Badauê
Beleza pura
Do Iê Aiyê
Beleza pura
Dinheiro yeah
Beleza pura
Dinheiro não
Dentro daquele turbante do Filho de Gandhi
É o que há
Tudo é chique demais, tudo é muito elegante
Manda botar
Fina palha da costa e que tudo se trance
Todos os búzios
Todos os ócios
Não me amarra dinheiro não
Mas os mistérios



Copabacana + País tropical

Inner Whisperings

Weighed down by
The weight of books
My walls speak
To me of all
Knowledge of man;
Laboriously
Gleaning through
The vast empires
Of his mind,
I find avenues of
Grandest imaginings;
My soul has lived,
I know, in these
Ages past
In multitudinous
Moulds till, at last,
I am in the
Present foaled –
A man of
Questioning kind,
I debate with
Inner whisperings.

Ronnie Patel, "My Walls Speak to Me," 2001

"Mirá que te voy a dar una piña..."

La naturaleza presenta diversidad.

Si alguien pregunta qué es una piña, una respuesta posible es "el fruto del pino."

Otra respuesta es la definición de un diccionario, "Fruto del pino y otros árboles. Es de forma aovada, más o menos aguda, de un tamaño que varía, según las especies, desde 2 hasta 20 cm de largo y aproximadamente la mitad de grueso, y se compone de varias piezas leñosas, triangulares, delgadas en la parte inferior, por donde están asidas, y recias por la superior, colocadas en forma de escama a lo largo de un eje común, y cada una con dos piñones y rara vez uno" - DRAE. O, según Wikipedia, "una estructura basada en un eje [...] alrededor del cual se despliegan hojas reproductivas con una disposición generalmente helicoidal."

Sin embargo, cuando alguien pregunta "¿qué es una piña?," la respuesta habitual es "el fruto del pino," porque la gente en general dispone de poco tiempo.

Si se trata de un niño, "fruto del pino" posiblemente sea suficiente.

Pero a medida que el niño crezca, si tiene curiosidad, la idea de que una piña es "el fruto del pino" será tarde o temprano contradicha por otras tantas piñas que él descubrirá al observar la naturaleza.

Indudablemente un ananá constituye un gran problema para todos aquellos que creen que una "piña" es—y no puede ser otra cosa que—"el fruto del pino."

A dichos sujetos les molestará que el ananá coexista con las piñas.
Dirán las cosas más terribles acerca del ananás, reales o imaginarias.
Informarán acerca de "La Gran Conspiración Ananás para Subyugar al Mundo."
Confiscarán toda obra de arte que presente un ananá.
Harán imágenes que ponen en evidencia la "monstruosa" naturaleza del ananá.
Subrayarán que los pinos se debilitan a causa de la existencia del ananá.
Organizarán una gran exposición titulada "El Orgullo de las Piñas."
Compondrán melodías entusiastas, tales como la "Oda a la Savia Pinocha."
Promulgarán leyes que determinen con precisión quirúrgica qué fruto es o no es ananá.
Obligarán a los vendedores de fruta a colocar una marca bien visible sobre cada ananá.
Exigirán que no se mezcle el ananá con ninguna otra fruta.
Denunciarán a cualquiera que deje un ananá en un frutero conteniendo manzanas, uvas, peras, naranjas, bananas, etc.
Proscribirán a Carmen Miranda, "ostentosa" Dama del Tutti Fruti.
Suprimirán definitivamente la Danza de las Horas, versión Walt Disney, dado que la primera bailarina alimenta a sus compañeras con los frutos de una cornucopia que contiene un ananá, y al que otra bailarina, con "inaceptable" apetito, engulle por completo.
Castigarán severamente la inclusión de ananás en fruteros que contengan piñas.
Prohibirán todo plato, ensalada o postre que contenga ananás.
Boicotearán fruterías y supermercados que vendan ananás.
Colocarán carteles que digan "aquí no comemos ananás."
Quemarán los libros que definan al ananá, lo describan o lo mencionen.
Pondrán particular empeño en destruir todo texto que hable de las propiedades nutritivas del ananá o de sus beneficios digestivos.
Prepararán nuevos libros, "didácticos," con ilustraciones que contrasten la "admirable pureza de la piña" frente a la "desagradable inferioridad del ananá."
Romperán los vidrios de las fruterías.
Harán pagar a los fruteros por los vidrios rotos.
Declararán la guerra a los países que cultivan ananás.
Prenderán fuego a todas las fruterías.
Arrestarán a los fruteros.
Transportarán todo ananá que encuentren a otros países.
Enlatarán los que no puedan ser transportados.
Harán con ellos puré de ananás.
Exportarán el producto.
Se quedarán con la ganancia.
Asesinarán a los fruteros, sus familias, sus clientes, sus amigos, sus conocidos y cualquiera que haya pasado alguna vez delante de una frutería.
Fijarán carteles con la inscripción "Nosotros estamos libres de ananás."
No hablarán más del asunto.
Negarán todo lo ocurrido.
Dirán "mis mejores amigos son todos ananás."

Pero comerán piñas, sólo piñas y nada más que piñas.

Ayuda-memoria. A los amnésicos se les recuerda que una de las acepciones de “piña” es ananá. El término proviene del portugués ananás y éste a su vez del guaraní naná. El ananás o ananá, Ananas comosus, es una planta exótica y vivaz, que pertenece a la familia de las Bromeliáceas y crece hasta los 120 cm de altura, presentando hojas glaucas, ensiformes, rígidas, de bordes espinosos y rematados en punta muy aguda; flores de color rosa o morado y fruto grande en forma de piña, carnoso, amarillento, muy fragante, suculento yterminadoporunpenacho de hojas. Al fruto de esa planta se lo llama "ANANÁ." Rico en fibra,contiene vitaminas C, B1, B6, B9 (ácido fólico) y E; potasio, magnesio, yodo, cobre y maganeso; ácido cítrico, ácido málico, ácido oxálico y enzima bromelina. Propiedades medicinales: ayuda a metabolizar los alimentos, diurético, antiséptico, desintoxicante, antiácido y vermífugo. Auxiliar en el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide, la ciática, el control de la obesidad y el alivio de infecciones laríngeas, faríngeas, etc.

Originalmente Sudamericano. Corona Natural. Vivaz, Fragante, Irresistible... Ciento por Ciento ANANÁS.

Idea, Investigación y Diseño: Mariano Akerman, 12.4.2008

Linnaeus-Manila Program

The Tercentenary Lectures on Science and Art, Manila 2007
Embassy of Sweden in The Philippines



In the Spirit of Linnaeus

The Tercentenary Lectures on Science and Art
by Mariano Akerman, Researcher and Lecturer

Manila, The Philippines, 11 January – 22 February 2007

Abstract

The year 2007 marks the tercentenary of the birth of the renowned Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778). In Manila special events take place, to enhance his unique contribution in terms of systematic research. Indeed, Linnaeus was an enthusiastic man, a researcher who believed that curiosity was the only firm basis for scientific thought. Interested in mapping, studying, cataloguing and classifying the living species, Linnaeus wanted to understand the organizational principles underlying God’s Creation. The Linnaean approach involves a systematic giving of names to the natural species or binary nomenclature, which is an attempt to clarify and simplify the scientific dialog, raising it to a universal level. Exploration, medicine, geology, anthropology, ecology and philosophy were among the many interests of Linnaeus. Considering the scientific and artistic developments of the Age of Reason, Linnaeus’ deductive approach and his systematic classification of life can be put in context. Searching for species to be discovered, collected, examined, described, named and classified, Linnaeus traveled across Scandinavia. He also played a key role in leading seventeen of his students to important scientific journeys all around the world. Conceived as an interdisciplinary forum, the Manila Series of Lectures on Linnaeus gather together the Sciences and the Arts, to focus on Linnaeus’ extraordinary contribution which was to lead us to a better understanding of the world that surrounds us.



Program Topics
1. A tribute to Linnaeus: the presence of flora and fauna in the visual arts throughout the ages
2. An exemplary Swede: Linnaeus’ place among his other famous compatriots
3. Linnaeus: his life and work
4. Linnaeus in the 18th Century context: scientific and artistic developments in the Age of Reason
5. Linnaeus as researcher: a multifaceted man and his methodology
6. The scientific journeys across Sweden and abroad
7. Scandinavian botanical and animal species
8. Realistic ways of recording a botanical specimen: herbarium, sketches, drawings and paintings, printed illustrations and photographs
9. Following God’s steps: Linnaeus names and orders Nature
10. Linnaeus’ two-word naming of the living species: Taxonomy, then an achievement and today a complication?
11. The process of classification: its peculiarities, difficulties and advantages, risks and importance
12. Classification and its types (accumulation, aggregation, group, collection, set, association, family, system; class, order, genera, species, variety)
13. Linnaeus’ rule-books: description, importance and projections
14. Attempting to map, name and classify the realm of fantasia
15. Surrealistic ways of recording reality: sculpture, painting, engraving and photography
16. Challenging the concept of category: the hybrid, its shape and symbolism

Program Target
In the Spirit of Linnaeus is intended for students at the higher levels of education

Program Aims
As a special program, In the Spirit of Linnaeus promotes learning and research education. Its main goals are:
1. To increase the interest for science among the students, focusing on the notions of research and the ordering of knowledge (in the past and today)
2. To present a multi-faceted image of Carl Linnaeus for the public, showing him in the context of the Age of Reason and underlining his sense of curiosity, systematic proceedings and creativity
3. To draw attention to the importance of systematic research as an invaluable tool relating to both comprehension and subsequent development
4. To show Linnaeus’ work as an exemplary starting point for new research projects
5. To stimulate an interdisciplinary approach in which the natural sciences are a component of a wider context that includes the visual arts, history, philosophy, literature, computer sciences, etc.
6. To inspire and prize investigative works



Lecture Schedule

1. British School Manila
Carl Linnaeus: Exploration, Creativity and System
Thursday, January 11, 2007, 2:30 – 5 pm
Music Room, 36th St University Park, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Manila
Info: 840-1570, website: www.britishschoolmanila.org

2. University of Santo Tomas
The Art of Linnaeus: From Curiosity to Apotheosis
Monday, January 15, 2007, 2 – 4 pm
Beato Angelico Audiovisual Room, College of Fine Arts & Design
España Avenue, Manila
Info: 406-1611 loc. 8390, website: www.ust.edu.ph

3. European International School
Carl Linnaeus: A Creative Person in the Age of Reason
Wednesday, January 17, 2007, 1:40 - 3:20 pm
Auditorium, 75 Swaziland St, Better Living, Subdivision Parañaque
Info: 776-1000 loc. 251, website: www.eis-manila.org

4. International School Manila
Linnaeus: Nature Exploration and Knowledge Systematization
Monday, January 22, 2007, 9 – 11 am
Fine Arts Theatre, University Park, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Manila
Info: 840-8400 loc. 251, website: www.ismanila.com

5. Ateneo de Manila University
Linnaeus and the Rara avis Phenomenon
Wednesday, January 24, 2007, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Ateneo Art Gallery, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Info: 426-6488, website: www.ateneo.edu

6. Lyceum of the Philippines University
The Art of Classification: Linnaeus’ Passion and System
Friday, January 26, 2007, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
JPL Hall of Freedom, Muralla Street, Intramuros, Manila
Info: 527-2303, website: www.lyceumphil.edu.ph

7. Mahatma Gandhi International School
Classification: A Fundamental Tool involving Surprises, Advantages and Risks?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Auditorium, 3270 Armstrong Ave., Merville Access Road, Pasay City
Info: 776-1165, website: www.mgis.com.ph

8. De La Salle University
Nature and Art: Species Exploration in the Spirit of Linnaeus
Wednesday, January 31, 2007, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Waldo Perfecto Seminar Hall, SPS Building, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila
Info: 524-4611 loc. 521 or 522, website: www.dlsu.edu.ph

9. Feati University
Linnaeus and Order: Nature and Its Architectural Projections
Friday, February 2, 2007, 2 – 4 pm
Audiovisual Room, Administration Bldg., Helios Street, Santa Cruz, Manila
Info: 733-8321, website: www.featiu.edu.ph

10. Star of Hope School
Linnaeus’ Systematic Approach to Nature and Its Implications
Friday, February 7, 2007, 10:30 – 13 pm
Main Room, Taytay



2007 heralds the 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Philippines and Sweden and the 300th anniversary of the birth of Carl Linnaeus

To highlight these two momentous events, the Embassy of Sweden in Manila together with Mr. Mariano Akerman, Researcher and Lecturer, will organize a series of lectures with different universities and educational institutions entitled In the Spirit of Linnaeus, a Tercentenary Lectures on Science and Art from 11 January to 22 February 2007 that will enhance Linnaeus' consistent contribution in the field of systematic research. We hope that these will contribute to a better understanding of the world that surrounds us as a result of Linnaeus' curiosity and inventiveness.

The qualities for which Carl Linnaeus, Sweden’s most famous and outstanding scientist of all time, is still remembered – innovation, creativity, progressiveness – are qualities which people around the world associate with Sweden. Perhaps, some people look at him primarily as a traveller and explorer of his own country while to others he is the father of the modern classification of flora and fauna. But he was also an inspiring teacher who sent his students on voyages of scientific discovery all over the world.

He lived at a time of enormous discovery when science was seeking to explain the world around us. His untiring and resolute endeavours in the description of the living world laid the groundwork for the modern international scientific systems of classification and naming of animals and plants. He lived at a time, possibly the very last time, when one person could accomplish this single-handedly provided he was willing to pay the price. The price was a heavy one - for much of his life, he was financially insecure and his health suffered due to overwork.

We would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to participate in the Linnaeus Lecture series. Your unwavering support to promote inter-disciplinary involvement and the exchange of ideas in the Linnaeus Forum will indeed increase the interest of our young people in science and research.

Source: Embassy of Sweden Website, Manila, 2 January 2007


19.11.2006

Online resources
• Brochure
• In the Spirit of Linnaeus
• Linneo
• What a century!
• Rara avis
• Kingdom and Ecology
• The Same Order
• El mismo orden
• Education