Madame Magritte, a photo from Ontario, Central

Photographer's Note

A reflection in a shop window.

The title honours Belgian painter René Magritte (as well as his wife, Georgette Berger, whom he met at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels). Magritte’s imagery is so widely used that he hardly attracts attention today, but while its shock value – once great – is gone, the rare combination of a unique vision with consummate artistry can still be seen in his work.

Like Andy Warhol, Magritte began his artistic career as a graphic artist, designing posters and advertisements, a background that shows in the photo-like realism of many of his images. He eventually formed an advertising agency with his brother, which subsidized the time and effort he put into painting and exhibiting his surrealist works.

I was reminded of Magritte’s habitual imagery by this photo of an anonymous human figure infused with clouds. Cloud-filled blue skies infect many of his paintings, and his human figures are often without specific identity, formally dressed men and women, lacking even faces. Most directly, this photo reminds me of this painting.

Magritte was born in 1928 and died in 1967. The Foundation Magritte has a virtual gallery, and engages in popularizing, preserving, and researching his work.

Miscellaneous factoid: you can get a free Magritte screen saver here.

There are two alternate shots in the workshop. One is a wider crop, which includes extra surrealistic elements. I like it quite a bit, but ultimately I thought the tight crop was better. The other is a black and white version of the tight crop. I’m quite taken with the ghostly appearance of the B&W image.

MiguelP, devimeuxbe ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

Schultzy (5446) 2005-09-05 16:55

Hello Lee,
Very nice shot, good idea.
The tittle with an allusion to Magritte is a perfect choice.
Well done !

sohrab (7439) 2005-09-05 17:20

great photograph...
i'd have normally expected it to be in black and white..

points to crib :

the yellow sleeve??? behind the mannequin.. it doesn't really fit in the photograph.. atleast as long as only that much of it is in the photograph..

if there was a person behind would it have been possible for you to have included the person in the photograph as well??? in a meaningful way...

the sky seems a little overprocessed .. is it?? because the clouds seem to have weird edges.... but this is just a small crib :) and something that can be rectified anytime later if it indeed is not required..

the following is not to criticise you, but just for me to crib how unlucky you were in my opinion..

i think you were quite unlucky to have the tree behind you.. at the moment.. it's just hanging over the mannequin and it's starting to nag me heheh
anyway take care :)

BAKO (1691) 2005-09-05 19:35 [Comment]

Show Comment +

Furachan (0) 2005-09-06 3:31

Hello Lee.
Delightful shot, absolutely the correct allusion and feel - done to a tee. I agree wholeheartedly with Sohrab (that's not hard to do!) That hat floating just right in the blue ether...priceless, buddy!
All the best,
Francis

MiguelP (14470) 2005-09-06 12:15

Madame Sky could be called, I love this photos using reflections even I´m starting to do it myself too (already uploaded one less than a week ago). They look like another dimension between reality and dream, real but untouchable... Colors perfect here, she´s lucy in the sky with diamonds.

rosiegirl (1596) 2005-09-07 1:04

How interesting- It looks like a mannequin out for a stroll on a sunny day. I love the blank face. Is it your reflection in the lower right corner? Thats such an interesting detail- it puts it all in perspective, in an unusual way. Great work!
Rosie

devimeuxbe (58557) 2005-09-07 8:06

hI Lee
I like this composition . The head in the sky. Nice reflect and interestying note too.
Good work !
Bertrand

AnimeshRay (9089) 2005-09-10 23:21

Very interesting shot, Lee, quite post-modern. The hint of the person (or another mannequin?) behind the main one adds a bit of mystery. Your note is excellent and informative.

jkos (981) 2005-09-21 14:29

Before reading the title, I though: "Magrite". Excelent idea, perfect
realization.
Thanks for sharing.
Joel

rubyblood (6) 2005-09-29 16:50

I'm a big fan of reflections. That said, this one is particularly nice. How the clouds cover her face, and the perfect mirror of the tree. It's almost like the models big day in the city :)

laracampos (50) 2005-10-08 16:05

hi Lee. Thanks for your critique. i'm only a amateur but i'm strenuous. better photos will go.
i love Magritte. Congratulations for your register.

Mingfang (1415) 2005-12-10 4:38

Hi lee,
have you retired from TE? i hope you keep on posting or not so tired for the work.

I found this shot is great, good reflection. I like the orange subject in the foreground in WS a lot. every element there is so good. you are good at shooting this kind of photos. i always thought only famale good at this because of their elaboration, but now i should break my old idea.

intersting Magritte. good taste of you!

take care.