Article translated by Amritee Mahabir

ROME PRESENTS A RETROSPECTIVE DEDICATED TO THE DUTCH GRAPHIC ARTIST

Maurits Cornelis Escher is mainly known for his fantastic linocuts, lithographs and half tones which tend to represent impossible constructions, exploring the infinite tessellations and interconnecting geometric motifs that gradually change into completely different shapes. From an initial superficial analysis, the Dutch artist is a genius at creating illusions, of worlds and unreal subjects that can be deceptive and appear to be real, revealing however hidden surprises.

The secret of his art that appears to be an extraordinary fantasy linked to amazing graphical skills has in fact very little to do with fantasy, but instead is based upon mathematics, geometry, and crystallography, all of which are his profound passions. “From the analysis of the enigmas that surround us and from the considerations that I have made, I have arrived at the subject of mathematics. Even though I have absolutely no understanding or experience of precise sciences, I often realise that I have more in common with mathematics that with other artists”: so writes Escher in 1961.

Many of the Dutch artists work, especially those with apparently decorative imprints, are actually based upon mathematical concepts of the infinite. Esher was obsessed with the principal of the regular Division of the Plane. He studied and invented various kinds of symmetry, using the Division of the Plane as a means to capture and stop the concept of the infinite, creating works in which tessellations could continue indefinitely and as a final goal, containing the infinite within the confines of one page alone. One of the themes that fascinates Escher the most is the representation of simultaneous worlds, of an infinite world within a finite space, themes visibly prominent in a lot of his work in which two worlds are presented at the same time, that perceived by the artist and also that which he cannot perceive with his graphical and mathematical studies.

At last, the world of Escher will arrive at the Auditorium Parco della musica in Rome in the next few days with the exhibit “M.C. Escher. The art of puzzles and puzzling art”. The event is curated by Federico Giudiceandrea and will exhibit 66 original works among which are, linocuts, lithographs, etchings, and watercolours. The works come from two important collections, one of which is Italian and the other American. They were developed during the artist’s graphical career giving a unique character to the exhibit. It begins with the figurative Italian period. After Escher had graduated from Haarlem’s graphic school in 1922, he immediately undertook in full tradition of Norwegian artists, the touchstone journey to Italy remaining so fascinated by the landscapes that he decided to set up home in Rome. An example is certainly the series dedicated to “Six days of creation” which shows us the Coliseum and Saint Peter’s cathedral as well as Southern Italy’s countrysides. The retrospective continues with the important and most famous works from the following years, defined as “inside” once the artist was forced to leave a politically fascist oppressed Italy in 1936. His masterpieces will be displayed representing solid geometries and multiple worlds rounding up to a complete series of ten impossible constructions. The retrospective ends with a panorama of Divisions of the Plane and Space, among which are some watercolours presented for the first time.

In general the presented works are exemplary of incredible otherness, and for whoever loves Escher’s artwork is a unique occasion to see some of his masterpieces in its unedited coloured versions. They are still in its splendid original form, thanks to the great care taken by the two collectors (R.J. Walker and Federico Giudiceandrea) who only in rare occasions, expose his artwork to direct light.

 

From 13^th March al 4 May 2008

ESCHER. THE ART OF PUZZLES AND PUZZLING ART

At the Auditorium – Parco della Musica

Viale Pietro De Coubertin 34 (00196) Roma

Tel. 06/80241436

Internet: www.auditorium.com E-mail: info@musicaperroma.it

Times: Monday – Friday from 17.00 to 21.00;

Saturday and Sunday from 11.00 to 21.00