Artnotes: Science Fiction

 

The Weathervane  Laurie Fox Pessemier  acrylic/canvas  16 x 10.5 " 40 x 27 cm   550.00 We’ve made a couple of small trips since we arrived back in Stimigliano.  On Thursday we drove to Farfa, an abbey town not far from Stimigliano.  We went to the antique store (that’s been one of our greatest deprivations throughout the pandemic).  We bought an old weathervane, and are interested in an 18th century bathtub.  It is unlikely we can find someone to install such item: for most contractors here it’s Bricofer or Ikea.  This has the patina of many baths, complete with rust and a few gaps near the rim.   The Bathtub (photo) Our second trip, and perhaps the most spectacular in our five and a half years in Italy, was to the Vatican museums.  They are, perhaps, the greatest museums in the world, all beneath one roof.  From the Sistine Chapel, to the Raphael rooms, to the contemporary collection (a Foujita I won’t forget), it is absolutely fabulous.  I even liked looking out the windows at the tiny country known as Vatican City. Totally remarkable about our visit, was the lack of any other visitors in the entire place.  The largest “crowd” was two other people (besides the guards) in the Sistine Chapel.  It was an unusual experience, absolutely fantastic, but also having that eerie sensation of being in a place after the entire population is gone.  It was Science Fiction scenario. And if these remains represent the Western Civilization, it has been a truly impressive run. Farfa Cathedral  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas  16 x 12"  40 x 30cm  550.00 The Popes had, at their disposal, all the power and money in the world.  It’s interesting what they did with it.  The first time I came to Rome (1976), I recall being put off by the opulence of the Vatican (I am still somewhat put off).   This time, I understand better.   Different times elicit different displays of power.  In the 16th century, creating a pilgrimage destination was what the public demanded.  2021 is the end of all that, time to give back. Hyacinths  Laurie Fox Pessemier  acrylic/canvas 9.5 x 7"  24 x 18 cm   250.00 This was such a big week we hardly did any painting at all.  Harika got her hair cut and she looks fabulous.  We drove to Stimigliano on Wednesday, breathing a reserved sigh of relief, and are now sitting in our warm apartment.  Things continue to be crazy here in Italy as far as the vaccine goes – it turns out the AstraZeneca treatment is less effective for people over 55.  So we are using that on the policemen and teachers and awaiting some other solution for us fogeys.   Meanwhile, old age pensioners  drop off in a country leaning toward financial disaster.   We have a potentially new government, run by a man who appears to be very smart and fair (a technocrat), Mario Draghi.  I paint with my mask on, in my Stimigliano studio, hoping to leave something worthwhile behind.   INVITING All Artists to present their Work:  Pessemier's Sunday Salon Weekly on Sunday  No Reservation Necessary Rome 8PM ; NY 2 PM; LosAngeles  11AM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85625088767?pwd=WldKRk9VbUVITWtRS0FFK2JwdGEwQT09 Description:Laurie Pessemier is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting

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The Weathervane  Laurie Fox Pessemier  acrylic/canvas  16 x 10.5 " 40 x 27 cm   550.00 We’ve made a couple of small trips since we arrived back in Stimigliano.  On Thursday we drove to Farfa, an abbey town not far from Stimigliano.  We went to the antique store (that’s been one of our greatest deprivations throughout the pandemic).  We bought an old weathervane, and are interested in an 18th century bathtub.  It is unlikely we can find someone to install such item: for most contractors here it’s Bricofer or Ikea.  This has the patina of many baths, complete with rust and a few gaps near the rim.   The Bathtub (photo) Our second trip, and perhaps the most spectacular in our five and a half years in Italy, was to the Vatican museums.  They are, perhaps, the greatest museums in the world, all beneath one roof.  From the Sistine Chapel, to the Raphael rooms, to the contemporary collection (a Foujita I won’t forget), it is absolutely fabulous.  I even liked looking out the windows at the tiny country known as Vatican City. Totally remarkable about our visit, was the lack of any other visitors in the entire place.  The largest “crowd” was two other people (besides the guards) in the Sistine Chapel.  It was an unusual experience, absolutely fantastic, but also having that eerie sensation of being in a place after the entire population is gone.  It was Science Fiction scenario. And if these remains represent the Western Civilization, it has been a truly impressive run. Farfa Cathedral  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas  16 x 12"  40 x 30cm  550.00 The Popes had, at their disposal, all the power and money in the world.  It’s interesting what they did with it.  The first time I came to Rome (1976), I recall being put off by the opulence of the Vatican (I am still somewhat put off).   This time, I understand better.   Different times elicit different displays of power.  In the 16th century, creating a pilgrimage destination was what the public demanded.  2021 is the end of all that, time to give back. Hyacinths  Laurie Fox Pessemier  acrylic/canvas 9.5 x 7"  24 x 18 cm   250.00 This was such a big week we hardly did any painting at all.  Harika got her hair cut and she looks fabulous.  We drove to Stimigliano on Wednesday, breathing a reserved sigh of relief, and are now sitting in our warm apartment.  Things continue to be crazy here in Italy as far as the vaccine goes – it turns out the AstraZeneca treatment is less effective for people over 55.  So we are using that on the policemen and teachers and awaiting some other solution for us fogeys.   Meanwhile, old age pensioners  drop off in a country leaning toward financial disaster.   We have a potentially new government, run by a man who appears to be very smart and fair (a technocrat), Mario Draghi.  I paint with my mask on, in my Stimigliano studio, hoping to leave something worthwhile behind.   INVITING All Artists to present their Work:  Pessemier's Sunday Salon Weekly on Sunday  No Reservation Necessary Rome 8PM ; NY 2 PM; LosAngeles  11AM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85625088767?pwd=WldKRk9VbUVITWtRS0FFK2JwdGEwQT09 Description:Laurie Pessemier is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting