Perhaps one of the most underrated yet most globally known artists in recent years, it is arguably undeniable that M. C. Escher was a pioneer of the surrealist art movement. If you have not heard of Escher, you have probably most likely seen his work as it is global phenomenon. Yet he was never affiliated with Rene Magritte who was born only 5 months later and Salvador Dali of whom was born 6 years after. This shocking distance between artists who opened doors to the world of art is unbelievable and shows there was something disconnected between M. C. Escher and the surrealists. Was Escher never truly excepted into Surrealist Art because it was too maths based or was it because he personally felt that he wanted to complete his art alone and not associate himself with others around him?
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| Balcony - 1945 Lithograph |
Initially beginning his studies as an architect, he changed to study graphic design yet we can still see the influence that architecture had in his art. Becoming more popular as time went on, Escher hoped that by reducing the amount he printed and increasing the price of his work would reduce the demand, yet it only increased. It has been often argued that his visit to the Alhambra Palace in Spain was the initial point at which Escher began his tessellating and geometric patterns and drawings, yet an earlier print shows he had already begun all this. However the visit was a turning point for him and he returned later in his life to gain more inspiration.
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| Belvedere - 1958 Lithograph |
In his later years he became fascinated by the mathematical side of infinities and corresponded with several mathematicians however did not associate himself with others who wanted to work with him. He turned down Mick Jagger's request for an album cover as well as Stanley Kubrick's offer to assist with the fourth-dimensional aspects of
2001: A Space Odyssey. Oddly though, Britain only has one piece of Escher's work in public collection and only when he was seventy was a retrospective exhibition held in the Netherlands, his home. Britain still held off having a major exhibition until 2015 when one was hosted at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern art before moving it to Dulwich Picture Gallery in October. The extent to which Escher hasn't been recognised in the art world is shocking considering the global level to which his prints can be identified.
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| Metamorphosis II - 1940 Woodcut |
Arguably, Metamorphosis II might be one of Escher's greatest works. Spanning over four metres, this detailed woodcut print develops and changes over the course of the print. The wasps turn to fish, which turn to birds, which turn into a town, then a chess game then back to the initial starting point. The print is so cleverly thought out that if the words 'metamorphosis' are laid over each other, the print matches up and becomes and infinite circle of surreal art. The detail which has gone into the work is outstanding and truly reflects the great skill that Escher had.
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| Encounter - 1945 Lithograph |
As the only print Escher created during the war, I think it is a perfect summary. The pessimist (black character) walks around shaking his finger, meanwhile the optimist (white character) is raising its hand as they circle around a hole in the ground. Escher was intent throughout his whole life that his artwork should never be looked into for ulterior meaning and I think that is probably the best possible advice when going about art.
Personally this is a must see exhibition, with a host of Escher's initial sketches to final pieces inspiring and captivating everyone in the room. The exhibition is incredibly popular so I would recommend booking in advance, however there are often spaces on the day but the exhibition space will be crammed with people. Escher deserves an outstanding exhibition and I am thrilled at the amount of positive attention it received.
Where: Dulwich Picture Gallery
End date: 17 January 2015
Price: adult £14
Nearest station: West Dulwich
