Every month Elizabeth at Altered Book Lover offers us a chance to bring an earlier post back for a second look. This month I'm offering a second look at an artist I found interesting. Be sure to check the link to her fabric book if you have time.
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015
*Louise Bourgeois*, Artist
“Art is a guarantee of sanity.”
I recently came across the work of *Louise Bourgeois*, an artist unfamiliar to me. Born in Paris in 1911, she moved to New York in the late 30's and was still creating until she died in 2010.
Considered a Surrealist artist, she produced hundreds of sculptures, installations, paintings, drawings and fabric pieces in numerous materials. She used traditional marble and bronze for sculptures alongside common castoffs (doors, furniture, clothes and empty bottles).
During the late 1990s, Bourgeois started using spiders in her artwork. The largest of her spider works was the sculpture 'Maman' which is over 9 meters tall and the original was made from steel and marble. The sculpture alludes to the strength of her mother in the knowledge of her father's behavior (adultery) and is symbolic of spinning, nurture and protection
I was most interested in this fabric book from an exhibit at the MOMA. "Bourgeois constructed the book’s linen binding and pages out of 60-year-old, monogrammed hand towels from her 1938 wedding. Then, working from one page to the next for six months, Bourgeois cut, arranged, and stitched her own used clothing and textiles to form 32 fabric collages. Fragmented and reconfigured, these personal artifacts conspire to be remembered as forgotten." You can read and view more here.
I discovered there are a few biographies about Bourgeois and I certainly want to read more about her.
Do you think you would find this artist's life interesting?
That was an interesting book Bourgeois created. MoMA was lucky to get access to it. I was especially interested in the spider, although I am not a fan of spiders.The sculpture is gorgeous, though. I don't remember this post, but I'm glad you reposted it. The fabric book certainly made me think! Thanks for sharing this as your Second Look on the 2nd.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds very interesting indeed, and the fabric book is great, but I have my problems with huge spiders....eek! Happy 2nd on the 2nd, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteSuper interesting Darla - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Second on the 2nd!
She does sound very interesting .. she lived during very interesting times... I think i would like to know more about her.. The spider is breathtaking ... love it! Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteI remember this post, and it sent me on a hunt for more information.
ReplyDeleteThanks for re-sharing this post.
Louise Burgeois's work looks fascinating! I will be looking her up! Hugs, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteYou know I have seen one of these giant spiders, but I wish I remember where it was. Nice post, enjoyed learning about this interesting woman.
ReplyDeleteI have been fascinated by the work of Louise Burgeois for quite a few years, and have seen some of the giant spiders. They are amazing. Also saw an exhibition of her work at the Tate Modern in London last September, and it was awesome. Her use of textiles in her creations has great appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting - thanks for sharing! Wishing you a lovely weekend! J :-)
ReplyDeleteI have never heard about this artist but find her work very intriguing. That spider is something! I wonder how she came to create spiders - it's an interesting choice.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of her till I went to an exhibition here in London which someone recommended. I found her work absolutely fascinating and very talented. I think as a person she could not be the easiest individual to have around, but then perhaps you expect it of such a dedicated artist. She did some work in wax which I found particularly interesting.
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