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M.C. Escher: Impossible Worlds
3.3.–24.6.2010
The works of Maurits Cornelis Escher are on show in Finland for the first time. The exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the world renowned artist's work. Some sixty original prints – woodcuts, wood engravings, lithographs and mezzotints – from the abundant collection of the M.C. Escher Foundation are exhibited on the third floor of the museum. The selection includes some of his lesser known, earlier work: Italian town views and landscapes, portraits and still-lifes closely related to the realistic New Objectivity of the 1920s and 30s. The year 1935 marks a turning point for Escher who seems to turn his gaze inwards to unremittingly study and pursue the infinite and impossible, micro and macrocosms. He begins to explore existential questions; bizarre and incomprehensible connections that elude language. Works such as Up and Down (1947), Relativity (1953) and Ascending and Descending (1960) challenge traditional perception and point to inexplicable paradoxes. M.C. Escher's imagery is visually scientific – combining scientific and artistic thinking, thus arousing a sense of wonder.
The educational part of the exhibition (2nd floor) includes the illusionistic Ames Room that seemingly alters your size as you step into it, as well as an educational workshop set up in collaboration with Annantalo arts centre. This part of the exhibition also explains the optical illusions behind many of Escher's works with the aid of 3D-animations. A documentary film on Escher and his work will be shown in the film room.
Amos Anderson Art Museum will also be hosting a series of talks with guest speakers such as Mark Veldhuysen from the M.C. Escher Foundation (3 March at 6–7 p.m.); Art Historian Raisa Jäntti (17 March at 6–7 p.m.); Professor Mats Gyllenberg from Helsinki University (7 April at 6–7 p.m.); Senior Teacher Pasi Kaarto from Metropolia (21 April at 6–7 p.m.).
Publishers Taschen have reissued the Finnish and Swedish editions of M.C. Escher: the Graphic Work to accompany the current exhibition. The richly illustrated book includes commentary by the artist.
PHOTO:
Drawing Hands (1948)
Lithograph
© The M.C. Escher Company B.V. - Baarn - The Netherlands
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