Nude in Front of a Mantel
Balthus
Paintings should be seen and not read about, so believed Balthus. He rejected many conventions of the art world throughout his career and only towards the very end of his long life did he begin to talk about his work in any traditional way. Yet Balthus’ work was talked about by others, both in adoration and controversy. Depicting the physical and psychological struggles of adolescence, Balthus paintings of young people are erotically charged, yet never explicit. The narrative scenes are disquieting and uncomfortable as he casts the viewer as a voyeur, yet in a classical, figurative style they are dreamlike and technically beautiful works. A loner and outsider, Balthus’ own reluctance to discuss his work increased their mythology and infamy. When the artist stays quiet, it is us who must consider the work most deeply.
Wednesday 30th September
The Moon rises in Aries, but before the Sun comes up, it has already crossed the threshold into the earthy sign of Taurus, which will guide us into October. In biodynamic tradition, Taurus brings our attention back to the roots and, perhaps, to the compost that will nourish our vegetable and flower beds. Making our own compost is one way biodynamic gardens develop fertility within the garden organism, returning what has grown back to the soil. As the days grow colder, we might consider turning heaps that have become compacted, bringing in air to support the organisms at work as they transform the accumulated vegetation and cuttings into rich compost.
47 Exhausted - The I Ching
My Position in the Battle Between Line and Color (1958)
Film
Film
Film
Larry Levan Playlist
Hannah Peel Playlist
Iggy Pop Playlist
JAŸ-Z in ∞: Inside the Series
