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Isto é pintura sobre papel

Portuguese photographer Ernesto De Sousa’s striking black-and-white painting 'Isto é pintura sobre papel' captures the spirit of 1970s experimentalism and rejection of convention, presented at Sociedade Nacional de Belas Artes amidst controversy.

Explore the innovative work of Portuguese artist Ernesto de Sousa! Known for neorealism & postmodern explorations, his collaborative spirit bridged art movements. Discover his legacy.

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Total Price

$ 263

reproduction

Isto é pintura sobre papel

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Total Price

$ 263

Quick Facts

  • Subject or theme: Change
  • Artistic style: Irony, Shift
  • Title: Isto é pintura sobre papel
  • Location: Culturgest - Fundação Caixa Geral de Depósitos
  • Dimensions: 50 x 50 cm
  • Year: 1977
  • Artist: Ernesto De Sousa

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the title of Ernesto De Sousa’s painting?
Question 2:
The photograph depicts the artwork in which institution?
Question 3:
What artistic movement did Ernesto De Sousa primarily engage with during the 1960s and 70s?
Question 4:
Why was Ernesto De Sousa’s painting initially excluded from the exhibition ‘O papel como suporte de expressão plástica’?
Question 5:
What symbolic elements appear in the photograph, reflecting De Sousa's artistic vision?

Artwork Description

A Fragmentary Portrait of Change: Ernesto De Sousa’s “Isto É Pintura Sobre Papel”

The photograph captures a moment frozen in time – a 50 x 50 cm canvas by Ernesto De Sousa, presented at the Sociedade Nacional de Belas-Artes exhibition in July 1977. Initially rejected by the jury for its unconventional approach, this artwork embodies the spirit of Portugal’s turbulent late sixties and early seventies, marking a pivotal juncture in artistic experimentation and critical thought. More than just pigment on paper; it's a manifesto of shifting perspectives and a testament to De Sousa’s unwavering belief in art as a catalyst for transformation.

The Context of Revolution and Disquiet

De Sousa’s oeuvre aligns itself powerfully with the seismic shifts reshaping Portuguese society during this era. The revolution of 1974, which ousted António Salazar’s dictatorship, unleashed an unprecedented surge of intellectual ferment. Artists like De Sousa responded to this upheaval not with grand pronouncements but with subtle gestures – a deliberate rejection of established painting conventions and a fascination for exploring the potential of art to disrupt accepted norms. This photograph documents a crucial moment in that trajectory: the exclusion from the exhibition itself fueled De Sousa’s determination to showcase his work, capturing the palpable frustration and urgency of those times.

A Technique Rooted in Observation

The artwork's execution speaks volumes about De Sousa’s artistic philosophy. Employing a meticulous technique—primarily black and white photography—he captured an image of another painting titled “Isto É Pintura Sobre Papel”. This seemingly paradoxical act underscores his preoccupation with materiality and process. The photograph itself is printed on paper, mirroring the subject matter and highlighting the artist's awareness of the medium’s inherent limitations as a tool for conveying ideas. The subtle tonal variations achieved through printing reveal De Sousa’s dedication to capturing nuance and detail—a characteristic that extends beyond mere visual representation into a deeper engagement with artistic concepts.

Symbolism Beyond Surface Appearance

Beyond its technical prowess, “Isto É Pintura Sobre Papel” is laden with symbolic significance. The inclusion of a shoe cloth from the Hotel des Colonies in Brussels – stamped with De Sousa’s foot – serves as an emblem of his physical presence and intellectual engagement. Similarly, an envelope addressed to José Ernesto de Sousa—the artist himself—represents the artist's self-awareness and his role within the broader artistic community. The photograms, experimental prints created by exposing photographic negatives to light, symbolize De Sousa’s willingness to push boundaries and embrace unconventional methods. These elements collectively convey a sense of restlessness and exploration – mirroring the artist’s own intellectual journey.

Emotional Resonance: A Moment Preserved

Ultimately, “Isto É Pintura Sobre Papel” transcends its formal qualities to evoke an emotional response. The photograph captures not only the artwork itself but also the atmosphere surrounding its creation—the excitement of artistic innovation and the disappointment of rejection. It’s a poignant reminder that art is often born from confrontation and driven by a desire to communicate ideas beyond mere visual aesthetics. This reproduction offers viewers a glimpse into De Sousa's vision, inviting them to contemplate the complexities of artistic expression and the enduring power of observation.

Artist Biography

a life of creative convergence

ernesto de sousa, a portuguese artist, left an indelible mark on the art world with his multifaceted approach to creativity. born in 1921 and passing away in 1988, de sousa's life was a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.

artistic evolution

de sousa's artistic journey traversed various movements, including:
  • neorealism: a movement that sought to revitalize traditional realism with modern sensibilities.
  • neo-avant-garde movements of the 60s and 70s: de sousa was at the forefront of these revolutionary movements, which challenged conventional art norms.
  • postmodernity: his work often blurred the lines between postmodern thought and artistic expression.
  • reference studies on popular sculpture: de sousa's interest in this area reflects his broad approach to art.

collaborative spirit

de sousa's actions and projects were characterized by a spirit of collaboration with fellow artists, embodying the essence of synergistic creativity. this collaborative approach not only enriched his own work but also influenced a generation of artists.

legacy and influence

as an essayist, critic, and curator, de sousa's influence extends beyond his own art. his contributions to the modernismo art movement, particularly in the realm of neorealism and postmodernity, have left a lasting impact on the art world.

selected works and exhibitions

though specific works by de sousa are not listed here, his influence can be seen in various museums and galleries, including those featured on ArtsDot.com. for a deeper understanding of his art and its significance, consider the following: de sousa's legacy serves as a bridge between traditional and modern artistic expressions, reminding us of the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration in the world of art.
ernesto de sousa

ernesto de sousa

1921 - 1988 , Portugal

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Figure painting, chronicler
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Puhl & Wagner']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Robert Clark
    • Leon Golub
  • Date Of Birth: June 8, 1921
  • Full Name: LeRoy Neiman
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Idle Boats
    • Man at His Leisure
  • Place Of Birth: Saint Paul, Minnesota
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