The
relationship between sculpture, architecture and the urban environment
is almost always an advantageous one. These are arts that are
structured around very specific notions of space and experience.
The fruition of the contemporary city increasingly involves
an interpenetration of plastic expression, traditionally more
to the for in sculpture, and the spatial dimension essential
to the functionality of architecture. For that reason, the urban
environment can be one of the best settings in which to bring
people face to face with contemporary aesthetic output. The
city, which is in itself a work of art, welcomes into its historical
territory expressions of the artistic creativity of our times.
'Interaction with the work of art is thus less restricted, almost,
one might say, natural.
The process by which routine tenders the everyday banal can
be interrupted. New artistic facts can revive a qualitative
awareness. The appeal of the piece of sculpture, of the architectural
heritage that is the very fabric of the urban environment, and,
above all, of the city as an overarching product of human creativity,
is undeniable: all that reasons is for each person to engage
in a dialogue with art. The individual¹s, appreciation, and
that of the community, in the sense of cultural citizenship,
is also important, indeed fundamental. Whether harmonious or
provocative, art is always in some sense liberating.
The display of works by Dzamonja in Lisbon is intended as an
introduction to one of Europe's most interesting sculptors of
the 20th century, Material, texture and form are indissociable,
and translate a striking expressively to which we cannot remain
indifferent. The large-scale works, particularly well-suited
to public spaces, are framed by the Praça do Comércio, where
urban sculpture has played a fundamental role and interrelated
with the surrounding architecture mince the square was built
in the 18th century.
At the same time, smaller works and a notable collection of
drawings are on show in the Ogival Gallery of Arcades. To get
from one site to the other, visitors can follow one of the most
interesting routes through the city's historic center. Coherence
is one of the strengths of Dzamonja's oeuvre, and for that reason
a visit to both exhibitions is essential for anyone who wants
to gain a deeper understanding of the creative mind at work,
and find new and multiple meanings and resonance with every
fresh look. The universality and aesthetic richness of the graphic
and plastic works is such that they continue to enchant us,
whether we appreciate them in the delightful sculpture park
that surrounds his workshop by the sea in the beautiful region
of Istria, in Croatia, in a peaceful park in Zagreb, in the
intimacy of the Place Vendôme in Paris, or in Lisbon¹s
picturesque Praça do Comércio. Above and beyond
the simple historical topography of the locations, the quality
of the surrounding space and the beauty of the pieces remain
constant.
The presence of Dzamonja¹s work in Lisbon's most emblematic
square is a unique opportunity. The energy that emanates from
each piece and gains in strength from being part of the collection
in show, which represents the most recent phase of the artists
career, seems yet more vibrant in this context. The organic
and dynamic sense of the sculptural rhythms and volumes challenges,
in a positive and creative way, the serenity and rationality
of the architecture that makes up the urban landscape. Taken
all in all, what is apparent is a living artistic dialogue,
a profound interaction between history and art, a new project
renewed each day in the eyes of each spectator. This will undoubtedly
remain as one of the city's s happy memories.
Maria Calado
Lisbon Municipal Councilor responsible for cultural affairs
August 1999
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