Marie-agathe Simonetti

A Journey from Renaissance to Contemporary Art: Castle of Madrid, Bernini's Bronze Busts, Asher & Buren, and Bodys Isek Kingelez Marie-agathe Simonetti

A Journey from Renaissance to Contemporary Art explores diverse periods and themes related to Art History. Four essays bring new perspectives to original subjects examining Renaissance Architecture with the Castle of Madrid, Baroque Sculpture with Bernini, Contemporary Art with the work of Michael Asher and Daniel Buren, and African Art with Bodys Isek Kingelez. First, the Castle of Madrid, unique for its facade covered by majolica, is analysed in the light of alchemical, gender oriented and architectural practice at the Court of Francis I. Second, admired for his sculptures in marble, Bernini is less celebrated for his portrait busts in bronze. Neglected by art historians, a better understanding of the metal is suggested. Third, the two contemporary artists, Michael Asher and Daniel Buren, are often amalgamated, assimilated with the institutional critique movement. Their artistic individuality is restored by a comparison of their respective approach and oeuvre. Finally, Bodys Isek Kingelez's imaginary cities have been perceived as visionary and raw. By taking into account Kinshasa post colonial architecture, a more realistic view of Kingelez's oeuvre is revealed.