Tuesday, June 1, 2010

spider legs

I will admit to not being a fan of either real or sculptural arachnids.

And I am not sure I can say I enjoy the work of Louise Bourgeois whose pieces tend to be rather disturbing and intense. But I certainly admire the artist who has endured and was still creating well into her 90s when she died of a heart attack (at age 98). She wasn't recognized much for her work until she was in her 60s, but graciously stated that "being ignored in the 1950s and 1960s was a bit of a blessing in disguise as it allowed [her] to work undisturbed".

She sees the spider image as a protector - well, okay, they do eat mosquitos which we all agree we want to be rid of - and as a mother figure (see the eggs?) She created these huge creatures as an homage to her own mother who created tapestries and, like a spider, was a weaver.

It is a shame that, so often is the case, we do not know much about artists until obituaries and retrospectives of their work appear when they die. I would never have heard of her except I hated (and yet was fascinated by) that damn spider outside the National Gallery and looked up the artist. Yet, as much as I cannot feel any love for this massive metal sculpture that you are forced to endure as you enter the gallery, I admire its structure. I admire its immense size. I admire the symbolism Ms Bourgeois draws out of the spider - as the protector, the creator of webs, just like drawing (just like Charlotte, the only good spider I can think of).

And that, until her heart attack last week, she was still working on her creations. This site includes a very good collection of her art.

30 comments:

  1. I am with you about the spider sculpture - I quickly averted my eyes and hope to avoid nightmares.

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  2. I love spiders. With so many bugs in My Muskoka ! Great photo!

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  3. Oh my, Violet Sky, I don't know if I like that spider...but I think I like it better than a live one! Ha! :)

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  4. I'm not overly fond of that sculpture in an artistic sense, but I have no problems with spiders. They are our protectors and eat all the nasty bugs. They're quiet, they don't hurt us -- what's not to like?

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  5. I have always admired Louise! She has worked and worked hard at her craft. And she has had her critics and still persevered. Her early works are really amazing! Thanks for sharing her links.
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  6. How interesting to discover that the sculptor was a woman, using maternal symbolism. I never knew. But I'm afraid the sculpture still freaks me out. (Even Charlotte freaks me out a bit, though - SPOILER ALERT! - I always cry along with my children when she dies.) Arachnids are just too alien, and have far too many legs.

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  7. The sculptures are very thought provoking, but I still don't like spiders in real life. Loved Charlotte too though...

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  8. Persiflage: I understand. In some ways, I think it is easier to view this over-sized sculpture than, say, a life-sized one. Although, I must say, some of your Aussie spiders look a little bigger than life!

    Jenn: I am glad of their presence in the universe - I just do not enjoy seeing them.

    MaryT: this one at least stands still. And, being so big and out in the open, does not frighten as easily by that element of surprise that they are wont to do.

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  9. XUP: I know it is completely irrational ...
    but spiders are quiet, they sneak up on you... from any angle and they move so fast - not only with their many legs, but with that incredibly strong and silky thread they create so that they seem to 'fly' or simply hang in mid air, teasing you...

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  10. SueAnn: I was unfamiliar with her work. I'm glad you checked out the link. All artists have both harsh and loving critics and they must develop a pretty thick hide! I had a post about this sculpture in my drafts while I considered her work and the symbolism behind her creations and today seemed an appropriate time to put it out. More interviews and critiques, with her death, were much easier to find.

    beastie: I remember when it was at the Tate and when one was put at the National Gallery I thought: how ugly and why?
    I admit, I didn't pay much attention to her name, but when I looked it up (only a few weeks ago) and learned about the symbolism, I grew to appreciate it a little more.

    Scott: that is the thing about sculptures - they tend to be much more thought provoking than paintings or drawings. And finding what the artist was thinking with the sculpture seems more necessary to liking (or not liking) or at least understanding the work.

    Interestingly, about a month ago, there was a listing in the tv listings for the original Charlotte's Web movie and I very excitedly set aside the time to watch, only to discover it was the less enthralling newer version.

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  11. Oh, that is fantastic....the sculpture and the artist!! I love spiders, especially orb weavers. I usually try to relocate ones that find their way inside. Very nice post, Sanna.

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  12. Wow, I hope that's how I will leave this earth! Admiring the work of many artist is not because for the beauty of their work, but for the meaning they put into it:) Thank you for this post!

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  13. Susan: I have rather a large, and pregnant?) one who insists on recreating a web outside my balcony door. Can you please stop by and release her from my home?

    I have no idea where she goes in the daytime, but come dusk she returns to replace what I haved destoyed by opening my door.

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  14. Jeannette: sometimes I need a lot of explanation before I can appreciate an art piece. maybe I am too much of a literal thinker. and I hope you are still creating beautiful paintings well into your 90s!

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  15. I am not too keen on spiders once they reach the very large sort! And Louise Bourgeois' Obituary in today's paper frightened me to bits - a huge spider, in colour over half the page!! I wasn't expecting it, merely passing through the paper, as you do!

    I don't understand all her work, but I admire her for persevering at the latter part of her life. Lots of us would give up!!

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  16. I'm the exact opposite of XUP. I detest real spiders, but I like the artwork. It reminds me of The Addams Family. It's a quircky and fun take on a spider. Actual living spiders in my presence make me shriek involuntarily.

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  17. Fascinating! Thanks for sharing. I don't vacuum up spiders in my house and studio due to the spinning and weaving connection ;-).

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  18. A fake spider is way better than a real spider in my book.
    Cheers,
    jj

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  19. I am not a big fan of spiders, but as long as they are outside I don't mind them.This one isoutside, so it's OK!

    Thanks for the visit!

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  20. Gilly: she seems to be most known for that spider sculpture. she has said that she made her art for herself which may explain why she just kept on at it. but imagine doing it at 98?!

    Geewits: anything sitting on more than two long skinny legs makes me shudder. I know, I need therapy.

    crazysheeplady: as you shouldn't!

    Joanna: especially one at 30'

    Dimple: yes, insects belong in the great outdoors.

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  21. Well, I love spider:-)
    Have a great day!

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  22. oh, dearest..I like the photo...spider legs...so nice...and the view by the legs?very nice
    nice day
    http://graceolsson.com/blog/2010/06/linda-a-sweet-look/

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  23. If you ignore the fact that it's a spider, you can see that it's a very well done structure and that is is very artistically done as well. Look at how well those legs are represented. I wish I could make something as beautiful. There's great craftmanship in it as well.

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  24. Nora: yes, I agree. After standing so close to it,I could see the 'beauty' of it - even with the egg sac in her belly!!

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  25. Spiderama: why doesn't that surprise me?! I have to be careful when opening your blog to not look at the icon you have!

    Grace: yes, the view is great!

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  26. I'm definitely no fan of spiders, giant metal or otherwise, but her creator was certainly one heck of a woman.

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    My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!

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  27. Thanks for posting this about Louise. What a gal! I hope I live so long and make art so long. So long Louise!

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  28. I'm terrified of spiders but I love that sculpture! Very cool! And yes, we should appreciate artists while they are still living! :)

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  29. Oh, I love that spider. And had no idea her creator was a woman

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  30. Wow, that is one cool spider sculpture!

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