M. C. Escher- Negative Positive Space-It's all an Illusion.

 

M. C. Escher

 

 

 

 

1. "Order is the repetition of units.  Chaos is multiplicity without rhythmn.

 

Question 1: What does Escher mean how repetition can create order?  Why would there not be rhythmn in chaos? 

 

 

 

"There has to be a certain enigma in it, which does not immediately catch your eye."

Question 2: An enigma can mean : a hidden meaning, something puzzling, inexplicable situation or person who is hard to figure out.   What kind of mystery and hidden meanings do you think are occurring in this images.  How is there a transition between negative and positive shapes? (the white shapes in the background could be considered negative space?

 

Question 3: Escher was compelled (forced) by what he called "a hopeless mania" to create pictures of objects that were both perfect and impossible but also scenes that were fantastic and believable.  What images seem "believable" in this picture and what images seem "fantastic"?

(hint: architecture, gravity, anti-gravity)

 

 

Question 4: Escher uses the theme of "metamorphosis" (a complete change of form-biology-a change in form from one stage to the next in the life of an organism-caterpillar -pupa-butterfly)

in many of his artworks.  Describe your impression of how the creatures change from the illusion of three dimensional forms to flat drawings? How many transformations are occurring in this drawing? What does the mirror form in the center create reflections and metamorphosis?

 

Question 5 : How does this drawing challenge our senses and our intellect?

(senses: sight, hearing, seeing, tasting, ...)

 

M.C. Escher  ( June 17, 1898-March 27, 1972) A Dutch graphic artists.  He is known for his detailed drawings, prints, and paintings.  His artwork focuses on impossible constructions, explorations of infinity, architecture and tessellations (symetrical designs and jig-saw puzzle works). Eschers artistic expression was created from images  in his mind rather that directly from observations and travels.

Escher was a sickly child who did poorly in school but always excelled in drawing.  He briefly attended the Haarlem School of Architecture and Decorative Arts.  His persistent skin infection caused him to fail classes so he decided to switch exclusively to decorative arts to focus on drawing and making woodcuts.