Artists & Models

graphite & putty eraser/diptych: 2 x 20x30cm
source: 2nd & 4th generation B&W p/copies of original B&W & colour reproductions in 'Magritte' (Paquet: Taschen)

Picking up again the sub-thread of ‘duality’ that informed a pair of the recentish drawings, this diptych is based upon a photograph of Georgette & Rene Magritte enacting the pose of the figures in the latter’s painting ‘Attempting the Impossible’ (both dating from 1928), the two images juxtaposed in the drawing (thus incorporating different forms of representation – in their original form - within the same plane) as indeed they are in the original source, across the opposite pages 60 & 61 of Marcel Paquet’s Taschen-published volume on Magritte, subtitled ‘Thought Rendered Visible’.

As has become habitual, the reproductions of photograph & painting were subjected to a photomechanical degrading process, by taking copies from copies, prior to transcription, bringing their surface & tonal appearance closer together, although the personal style of Magritte’s art retains its separateness from that of the nature of the photograph, more so perhaps than did the previous example of a similar juxtaposition with the work of Anna King. Interesting to note that the tonal emphasis of the photograph & Magritte’s painting becomes largely transposed, thus aiding the composition of the diptych, which thus acquires a light central focus.

Soundtrack:


Test Match Special WI v Eng days 1-5, 4th Test
Tricky 'Knowle West Boy'
Black Box Recorder 'England Made Me'
Portishead 'Third'
Go-Betweens 'Liberty Belle & the Black Diamond Express'

Test Match Special once again providing essential listening, particularly the 3rd day's play & the consequent quality of opinion & erudite debate centring on the referred umpiring decisions: broadcasting at its compelling best.