Here are some great maxims, sharp insights,
perhaps harsh truths for artists, or indeed people who are reflective enough to
face themselves.
The book that crossed my path at MAXXI is Think
Like an Artist, Don’t Act like One by Koos de Wilt.
Credit: Koos de Wilt, Think Like an Artist,
Don’t Act Like One
Image source: Internet (various search
engines)
Man Ray: When Objects Dream (Metropolitan
Museum of Art NYC, Sept 14, 2025 to Feb 1, 2026) is an exhibition that speaks
volume on the multi-faceted talents of the artist, who is better known as a photographer. The curated works comprised a revelatory display
of Dada, Surrealism, photographic experimentations or light installations. The exhibition design exploited in full on
concepts of light and shadow, aperture openings and vintage points for settings. It was a wonderful occasion to revisit and
cast new lights on the artist’s achievements.
Footprints | 51°30’28”N, 0°7’40”W
2021-25
Pigmented cement, copper flakes
32x32x3cm, 12.5”x12.5”x1.2” (LxWxD)
Through memories of central London, England - its buildings, monuments
and streetscapes, the artist is reconstructing them on a prescribed
horizon. By showing these architectonic
elements in three dimensionality whilst suppressing others, this work is the
artist’s personal interpretation of the city.
Between space and time, it might help generate narratives that resonate
with audiences. However, there are
negations within familiarity on this work.
The cityscape is only partially presented. By exploring on the artwork, viewers may
form connections with their experiences in the city, or indeed their own
environs.
Since completion in 2021, this artwork has continued to instill thoughts for
the artist. The opportune calling of an archaeological
layer is there to fill in on the time-honored mosaic of the city. Through the act of chipping away cement from
the cast and reinstating the 18th century building footprints-in-parts,
the artist is mentally traversing different time zones that fire the imagination.
Take a trip to discover oneself – this is how people used travelling to explore the world and, at the same time, to understand, re-establish or find themselves. In truth, to know who we are is to reinforce our identities within the community. Today, more people are exploring alternatives to sharpen these senses in pursuit of the same goal.
This paper collage and painted sculpture draws
inspiration from Teatro del Mondo* by
Aldo Rossi (1931-97). Dramas were held in this floating theatre amid journeys on
the open sea. The architect used the discourse of travelling and stage to
signify life’s journeys for his passengers. Whilst examining the duality of
realism and fantasy through this toy-like theatre, one may redefine anchors of
one’s own existence in order to project afresh into society.
*Teatro
del Mondo (Theatre of the World) was created for the Venice Architecture
Biennale in 1980. This moving theatre
was later transported to Dubrovnik for the International Theatre Festival in
the same year. Through the play of collage
and setting, this artwork seeks to open up mediums much needed for confluence
of ideas and communications.
