Rene Magritte, Voice of Space

   I thought it was time to look at something really fun this week. So, I give you Rene Magritte (1898 - 1967) and Voice of Space.  Magritte was Belgium surrealist whose work became universally popular late in his life influencing pop art and music, and minimalism.  He was part of a group of European surrealist during the 1920's thru 1940's.   This is a very difficult period in world history which is  completely reflected in this movement. 
  Surrealism, by definition, presents a dream like quality, and Magritte in particular, loves to challenge our perception of reality.  His precision painting adds to the mystery of seeing three metal bells floating above the earth. 
   My personal love of Magritte's work comes from his skies.   Often he selects a particular time of day that looks "right" but is it?   Here we have light at the horizon with a deepening of color moving to the top and no strong shadows on the landscape.  Has the sun set, not risen yet? Is this green/blue a "right" choice for sky? 
   There are lots of fun questions about this painting, and of course, no right answers.  The title Voice of Space suggests these are bells, but, if so, they are not ringing.  All seems quiet - way to quiet!   So, enjoy.   A fun image to contemplate.
   Original title is La Voix des airs.  It was painted in 1931, measures 72.7 x 54.2 cm., is an oil on canvas, and is part of the permanent collection of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice. 
   Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do. 

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