This Is Not Art – Tribute To Rene Magritte

Rene Magritte, one of the most celebrated Belgian artists, was known for his thought-provoking and witty works of art. Whether a poetic scene depicting lovers or the venue of a gruesome murder, his surreal paintings were all one-of-a-kind and yet alike in their search for context. With the subtle method of juxtaposition, Magritte managed to create art that questioned the viewers’ perception of reality itself.

“The mind loves the unknown. It loves images whose meaning is unknown, since the meaning of the mind itself is unknown.”
– Rene Magritte

Over a hundred years later, in his birthday month, we have decided to showcase the works of our very own budding master surrealists on ARTmine.

Magritte’s most appreciated work is the painting titled The Treachery Of Images which features the image of a pipe and the text “Ceci n’est pas une pipe,” which translates to “This is not a pipe.” This bronze sculpture by Richard Light, an American sculptor who draws inspiration from the everyday and the modern consumer culture,  is possibly the closest thing to a three-dimensional tribute to Rene Magritte’s masterpiece.

Perhaps more Dali than Magritte, L. W. Shortridge has a very versatile style of painting in terms of medium as well as technique. However, he has something in common with the Belgian surrealist – the use of juxtaposition to bring out the surreal in everyday things. Tribute To The Surrealists best demonstrates the beautiful blend of Salvador Dali’s technique and Rene Magritte’s wit in Shortridge’s fascinating works.

Bowler hats, clouds and green apples are some of the many recurring subjects in Magritte’s works. Another American artist largely inspired by the everyday, Marlene Fisher, has created a tribute to the surreal artist’s typical trees. Much like Magritian surrealism, Fisher also makes use of color and texture to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Robert Thiebaud believes in experiencing the “extension of time” and to “go beyond reality” which is very similar to Magritte’s intention with his works and for his viewers. Pavillon De Nuit translates to “Night Lodge” and depicts a hauntingly beautiful scene with a woman and a gramophone releasing butterflies. It truly is surreal and transports one instantly into a dream.

Another incredible tribute to the master surrealist, this photograph by travel photographer, Olga Loschinina depicts everything that Magritte’s paintings represented. In a simple image of a doorway, the talented photographer manages to question reality and our perception of it. The walls too seem like a digital representation of a Magritian sky.

 

If surrealism and dreams are some things that fascinate you, be sure to check out all of these dreamy works of art and more on ARTmine.