Now one of the places that our friends went to visit was Tuscany, Italy. I don't know about you but when I think of Tuscany my thoughts have always been of this kind of thing....
or maybe this....
But after being at my friend's house last weekend and having seen their pictures from there I will think of Tuscany no more, in the way that I did. The reason is because until Sunday night I had never heard of a wonderful artist by the name of Niki de Saint Phalle. This wonderful artist has built a garden dedicated to the concept behind Tarot Cards. She has given the Tuscan countryside something a little different to look at. When she died in 2002 she left a legacy of inspiration for modern artist and architects alike. I did not take any of the photos from my friends to post here but once again I spent a little time researching the Tarot Garden and finding pictures similar to the ones we saw at our frind's house on Sunday night.... If these are not inspirational I don't know what is!
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| This is a building.... to be exact... it is the home of Niki until she died. |
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| Inside of her home you will find the kitchen as seen here. |
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| Add to it spaces such as this and her architecture/art may be somewhat overwhelming if one had to live there permanently. |
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| As if the house is not distinct enough as it is, there is a pillar of hands.... |
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| Moving out into the garden there are beautiful views framed by wonderful mosaics. |
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And then you see the Tarot Garden....
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| where fountains splash.... |
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| and every turn gives you something to look at.... and think about..... |
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| Whimsical is a word to describe the statuesque.... |
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| ...but gripping and somehow essential. |
G and I discussed how all artists should go to Europe and experience the freedom of expression that seems to be so fundamentally a part of their culture.... North Americans somehow seem not to revere art the way Europeans do.... (this is just a thought)... When faced with art of this nature most North Americans will be quick to judge the work as strange... and perhaps it is.... but there is something compelling about being free enough to expand boundaries through the expression of ones ideas.
And while this art is not necessarily something that I love... I can see the value of the artist expression. The house is overwhelming and I need much more sublime surroundings for peace and tranquility.... I could not live in such a dwelling. But I would love to go and visit this site and see the work of this great artist. Another reason for wanting to travel....
If you would like to see more of Niki de Saint Phalle's art
the garden is called Il Giradino Dei Tarocchi, and her web site is
www.nikidesaintphalle.com
See you tomorrow with views of further south in Italy.
1 comment:
Oh wow is all I can say. What a unique way to express oneself! What a wonderful place to go for an afternoon tea with all the sparkle and reflections. Even though we would have nothing in common I would have loved to have a chat with Nikki about her life and how she developed such artful expression!
Will have to add this to my travel wish list when I retire:) c
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