Tag: Architecture

Gates of the Underground: Sculptors Berรกnek and Proลกek Unveil Mesmerizing Exhibition in Istanbulโ€™s Basilica Cistern

This large-scale exhibition is one of the most extensive Czech sculpture exhibitions in Istanbul to date. “Gates of the Underground” examines our deep connection to the past by immersing us in the landscapes imagined by Vlastimil Berรกnek and Jaroslav Proลกek. Berรกnek creates his unique sculptures in his studio in the Czech Republic. His expression of solid foundations encourages everyone to pause, or at least slow down, and appreciate the best feelings within each of us. Berรกnek is truly a Renaissance personality, excelling as a painter, architect, writer, graphic artist, poet, and designer, with his primary domain remaining sculpture. His simple forms, executed in materials such as glass, represent the perfectionist tendencies that Berรกnek contrasts with ancient 6,500-year-old wood in his later work, showcasing the ultimate expression of his post-minimalist approach to this medium. Berรกnek seeks a unique balance between abstract form, inspired by innermost values, and the irrefutable completeness of his sculptures.

Discover Da Vinciโ€™s Stars & Explore the Essence of Space in Corten Caisson’s New Book ‘HEARTH’

Embarking on a profound journey through the realms of philosophy, architecture, and the fundamental nature of energy, “Exploring the Essence of Space, Architecture, and Energy: A Philosophical Journey” delves into the depths of human understanding and perception. Through meticulous introspection, retrospection, and re-inspection, the narrative navigates through ancient wisdom and modern insights, inviting readers to ponder age-old questions with renewed curiosity and contemplation. From questioning the essence of space to unraveling the intricate relationship between form and material, the story unfolds as a captivating exploration of the interconnectedness of ideas and the boundless potential of human intellect. Join us on this intellectual odyssey as we journey through the corridors of thought and embark on a quest for deeper understanding and enlightenment.

New Book ‘Hearth’ by Corten Caisson: Discover the Stars in Da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’ and Explore the Essence of Space

“Hearth” delves deep into the heart of one of the most profound questions humanity has grappled with: What is space? Through a masterful blend of philosophy and cosmology, Corten Caisson embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding this fundamental concept. From ancient thinkers to modern-day visionaries, the book traces the historical and philosophical evolution of our understanding of space, inviting readers to contemplate its essence beyond common intuitions.

Donatello Puzzle: The Deposition of Christ and High Altar at Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua

As part of the exhibition dedicated to Donatello at the Victoria and Albert Museum (“Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance,” which took place from February 11, 2023, to June 11, 2023), a conference organized by the V&A Research Institute was held in London. It focused on the Medici sculptor par excellence, the only one honored with burial in the crypt of the Basilica of the Florentine dynasty of San Lorenzo. Speeches were scheduled over two days and saw the presence of the most important specialists in the international arena. They took stock of the studies dedicated to the Master, which, despite having a very extensive bibliography, still leave many questions open.

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Rising from the Ashes with Global Solidarity

In the heart of Paris, where history and artistry intertwine, a monumental effort is underway, one that embodies the resilience of human spirit and international solidarity. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that stood witness to centuries of history, faced a catastrophic trial on April 15, 2019, when a fierce blaze consumed its iconic spire and wooden roof, sending shockwaves across the globe.

Braille Transformed into Art: Fulvio Morella’s Exhibition in Rome

Following its acquisition by the Braille Museum in Milan, Morella brings a collection of works to Rome that delve into the very essence of limitations. At the heart of the exhibition lies OCULUS, a remarkable chalcography paying homage to Rome and the profound human ingenuity embodied by the Pantheon. True to Morella’s artistic style, OCULUS is enhanced and “completed” by a Braille inscription, translated into French, English, and Italian, which reads, “Not always closed eyes sleep, not always open eyes see.” Additionally, showcasing his interest in the artistic process, the artist offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into this ambitious project, presenting the magnesium matrices and preparatory works created from 2021 until present alongside the final artwork.

Top 10 Micromosaics Through the Ages

Micromosaics were first made in Mesopotamia some six thousand years ago. In the late 18th century this long surviving technique became a decorative art and was often used in jewellery.

It has a large presence in Switzerland and GemGenรจve is on a mission to make it fashionable again. Which is why this autumn they dedicated an entire exhibition space to the Magnificent Art of Micromosaics!

From Switzerland to Italy, from Villa Boscรฉaz to the Gilbert Collection at the V&A Museum, from the the Doves of Pliny to the The Dream of Karpa Koรฏ bracelet by Maurizio Fioravanti, the exhibition “Micromosaics Through The Ages” offers visitors an overview of this lost art and expertise through unpretentious scenography.

VESTIGES OF THE FUTURE: Photography of Jean-Marc Yersin

Former co-director of the Swiss Camera Museum, Jean-Marc Yersin started out as a professional photographer.

Since 2018, he has returned to his first passion, continuing a cycle of images that inspired him thirty years earlier. He frames tightly, in black and white, motorway structures, factories and mountain buildings.

The compositions are geometric, contrasted, sharp. There is no human presence. The forms are abstracted from their functions. The silence is absolute.

These are photographs under tension. They show the conflict between the built environment and nature, between concrete and the landscapes.

The Bones of the Earth

Stone is demanding in its application to art and architecture, requiring great effort and discipline to procure, move, and fashion. It is a subtractive process, where any mistake can prove fatal to the intended product, requiring meticulous care and attention to detail. The inherent properties of stone are that it is insulative, with generally low heat conductivity, and durable, with high compressive strength. As with all things in life, while it retains varying degrees of vulnerability to weathering and deterioration, stone is generally considered to be one of the most resistant materials in existence. These properties lend themselves to a compelling philosophical argument, that those who wish to live a life or build a world of enduring strength and beauty, should not only employ the use of stone in their craft, but model themselves after it as well.