BLOG19 The transfer from
One of the more well-known works is the ‘Ceci n’est pas une pipe’, which inspired the French philosopher Foucault to reflect on the relations between the object, its representation/image
Margritte’s work is interesting and certainly original and innovating. On the other hand it appears over-intellectual, too constructed, too much focused on a certain message (the mystery) and lacks emotion or a soul (by whom and with what justification?).
Taking the argument one step further: why should we need a surrealistic painting in order to reflect on a supposed mystery or secret? In many cases we have the title (if any) as the only clue regarding the painter’s intention. So the observer has all reason and leeway to reflect on the work, its qualities, significance and deeper grounds.