BEWITCHED AND BEWILDERED

I pass by the Arab Institute once or twice a week when on my way to the Saint Louis Island. This poster has intrigued me for some time. I made the effort to go one day - the Institute was closed and then yesterday I went to the Louvre. I think it would have been quieter at the Arab Institute.

«Nefertit’s Theorem. The Itinerary of works of Art : the Creation of Icons».

The exhibition questions and even challenges the methods traditionally used to present works of art. I like that as at times we wonder why such an exhibition is overcrowded with works or just difficult to follow. Here they were using Egypt as an example and works produced throughout the country’s history : from the Pharaonic down to the modern and contemporary periods. I liked that too. But somehow it didn’t work for me. There were some extraordinary sculptures from the Pharaonic period along side modern or even a Giacometti next to another ancient statue.

Giacometti

Portrait of a Man 150-100BC

The exhibition was divided into three sections. Artist - with a concentration on creation in the context of his time. That’s were I sas the Giacometti and these.



Mohmoud Mokhtar - The siesta 1928

a priest

A child

Paul Klee

Then there is the museum section and how exhibition are mounted, presented and if the museum gives another sense to the work of art. 
Here there were three works which were quite startling. A vase dating from the Xlll century, Syria and as it had not been signed did not have any real value apart from its age and of course beautiful condition. 

Next to this was a Grayson Perry «Wise Alan» ceramic from 2007. The fact it was signed by a known artist, it was recognized as a work of art. 

And then this by Ai Weiwei who had obtained a neolithic vase (5000-3000 Before J.C.) and painted Coca-Coca on it!  Now it had a title and became the work of an artist.

Grayson Perry 2007

A decorated vase from a Monastery -13th












Ai Weiwei - A Coco-Cola Vase 1997





Then you take tupperware and make a Sarcophage ....or you «up-date» Nefertiti in photographic form.




Tupperware sacophage 2010







Youssef Nanil Nefertiti Berlin 2003




I understand that Kees VanDongen’s painting «The marquise Luisa Casati» around 1950 has a rather Egyptian look about it. But the symbol in the exhibition escapes me.




Bassem Yousri - It isn't as easy as it Looks 2012
These tiny sculptures with a title «It is not as easy as it Looks» by Bassem Yoursi in 2012 made me ask myself why isn’t my daughter exhibited more often? These could have been her work. 

Some surprising and  beautiful objects which added to my bewildered state some two hours later.








????

A modern sculpture which I liked

It could be Nicky's work
Ploumenac


I’ll be back again at the end of the week. Venice is calling. 


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