Niemeyer’s Fancy
Lucio Pozzi
Description
Lucio Pozzi
United States, born 1935
Niemeyer’s Fancy
1993
Paper on paper
2008/2.253
Subject Matter:
Abstract, organic, linear drawing. The title most likely refers to Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, who is considered one of the most important names in international modern architecture. He was a pioneer in exploring the formal possibilities of reinforced concrete solely for their aesthetic impact. Among his best-known works there are the many public buildings he designed for the city of Brasília, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the United Nations Headquarters in New York City (with others). As Niemeyer described his aesthetic project: “Not the straight angle that attracts me, nor straight, hard, inflexible, created by man. What attracts me is the free and sensual curve, the curves that find in the mountains of my country, in the course of its winding rivers, the sea waves, the body of the woman preferred. Curves is done throughout the universe, the universe of Einstein's curved.” [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Niemeyer]
Going against the descriptiveness of the title, however, Pozzi has stated: “My painting doesn’t start from any premise other than the analysis of its own elementary characteristics. It does not include in its combination of elements outside premises such as mathematics, vegetation, primitive cultures, modern publicity, traditional symbolism, the esoteric or the occult. It is not at the service of anything, it doesn’t represent anything.” (cited in Bret Waller, Works from the Collection of Dorothy and Herbert Vogel exh. cat., University of Michigan Museum of Art)
Physical Description:
A small, squat rectangle divided into two halves is centered on a large sheet of paper. The left half is orange at top, red at bottom, with swirling lines of tan and gray; the right half is orange at top, red at bottom, with swirling lines of blue and green. Both sides are dotted with black.
Usage Rights:
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