 |
| Typical symbols within Alchemy |
 |
| By Blake Mann |
 |
| Main alchemy circle from the anime Full Metal Alchemist |
 |
| Also from Full Metal Alchemist |
 |
| By Tar Minastir |
 |
| By Alchemist Pac |
 |
| Guild Wars video game circle |
 |
| Alchemy symbol from the webcomic Homestuck |
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Alchemy
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Shrines
 |
| Shrine to St. Michael at San Michelle |
 |
| Shrine of St. Margaret, Dunfermile Abby Fife (Contains her remains) |
,_exterior,_Marian_shrine.jpg) |
| Shrine at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church in France |
 |
| Roadside Shrine in Bledzew, Poland |
 |
| Shrine of St. Frideswide, Christ Church Cathadral Oxford (Contains remains) |
 |
| "Mary on the Half Shell" in Somerville, Massachuetts |
 |
| Glass coffin of Saint Catharine Laboure (Contains her remains) |
Monday, 26 August 2013
Dante's Inferno
Dante's Inferno, part of his poetic epic The Divine Comedy depicts the poet Dante and his journey through the 9 circles of hell. Here, damned souls are punished according to their sins.
Circle 1: Limbo. Virtus pagans and unbaptized babies.
Circle 2: Lust. Souls are blown about in a maelstrom hitting rocks as they fly about.
Circle 3: Gluttony. Souls lie in a slush and pelted by icy rain.
Circle 4: Greed. Souls push boulders around and must fight when making eye contact.
Circle 5: Anger. Souls fight in the black bog of the river Styx.
(Lower Hell is located inside the city of Dis)
Circle 6: Heresy. Souls are trapped in flaming tombs.
Circle 7: Violence.
Start at 13.22 to see the City of Dis from the Xbox game Dante's Inferno.
City of Dis from the animated version of the game Dante's Inferno.
Circle 8: Fraud.
Judecca, in the game, is depicted as having a flaming pentagram with the centre as the portal to Purgatory.
Trailer for the animated version for the game Dante's Inferno. Full movie here.
If Gilles was in Dante's Hell, we would have to decide what his greatest sin was. If it was violence, he's be immersed in a river of blood. If sorcery, his head would be on backwards, or alchemy where he's have a disease. If it was heresy, he'd be in a flaming tomb (my best association). Sodomy would get him on the flaming sands though.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_(Dante)
 |
| Third Circle illustration by Strandanus |
Circle 2: Lust. Souls are blown about in a maelstrom hitting rocks as they fly about.
Circle 3: Gluttony. Souls lie in a slush and pelted by icy rain.
Circle 4: Greed. Souls push boulders around and must fight when making eye contact.
Circle 5: Anger. Souls fight in the black bog of the river Styx.
 |
| Walls of Dis, Strandanus |
Circle 6: Heresy. Souls are trapped in flaming tombs.
Circle 7: Violence.
- Outer ring, violence against people and property. Souls are immersed in a river of boiling blood to a level according to their sins.
- Middle ring, violence against the self. Suicides are turned into trees while spendthrifts are chased by dogs through the trees. (Suicides do not resurrect come the final judgement)
- Inner ring, violence against God and nature. Souls are trapped in a flaming desert as fire falls from the sky. Blasphemers lie on the sand, usurers sit and sodomites wander in groups.
Start at 13.22 to see the City of Dis from the Xbox game Dante's Inferno.
City of Dis from the animated version of the game Dante's Inferno.
- Bolgia 1: Panderers and seducers march in lines and are whipped by demons.
- Bolgia 2: Flatterers are settled in human excrement.
- Bolgia 3: Simony committers are placed headfirst into holes while their feet are aflame.
- Bolgia 4: Sorcerers and astrologers have their heads turned backwards.
- Bolgia 5: Corrupt politicians are immersed in a lake of boiling pitch.
- Bolgia 6: Hypocrites wear lead cloaks.
- Bolgia 7: Thieves are bitten by snakes and lizards as their bodies are stolen.
- Bolgia 8: Evil counsellors are concealed within individual flames.
- Bolgia 9: The sowers of discord are dismembered.
- Bolgia 10: Falsifiers (alchemists, counterfeiters, etc) are afflicted with diseases.
 |
| Dante speaks to the traitors in ice |
- Round 1 (Caina). Traitors to kin are frozen to their chin.
- Round 2 (Antenora). Traitors to country are also frozen to their chin.
- Round 3 (Ptolomaea). Traitors to guests are frozen save their faces.
- Round 4 (Judecca). Traitors to lords are frozen entirely.
 |
| Decent into Treachery from the Xbox game Dante's Inferno |
 |
| Decent into Treachery from the Xbox game Dante's Inferno |
Trailer for the animated version for the game Dante's Inferno. Full movie here.
If Gilles was in Dante's Hell, we would have to decide what his greatest sin was. If it was violence, he's be immersed in a river of blood. If sorcery, his head would be on backwards, or alchemy where he's have a disease. If it was heresy, he'd be in a flaming tomb (my best association). Sodomy would get him on the flaming sands though.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_(Dante)
Friday, 23 August 2013
Real Gilles Shrine Search
I've been searching and searching for actual Gilles shrines and I haven't come up with anything. In this website below it mentions where Gilles was executed but upon searching through the website for Chateau Ducal (which now holds a bunch of museums) there was no mention of Gilles again, which leads me to believe that they do not have any shrines or monuments of him.
Chateau Ducal
The original seat of the counts of Nantes and later the Dukes of Brittany, this fortress is steeped in history. Within its walls many, like the Duchesse of Berry, were imprisoned or, like Gilles de Rais, were executed.
http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/nantes-f-loi-nan.htm
Will keep searching
Chateau Ducal
The original seat of the counts of Nantes and later the Dukes of Brittany, this fortress is steeped in history. Within its walls many, like the Duchesse of Berry, were imprisoned or, like Gilles de Rais, were executed.
http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/nantes-f-loi-nan.htm
Will keep searching
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Depictions of Hell: 1375-1450 AD
Hell/the Underworld was featured in a number of painting during this period, mainly in those images detailing the Last Judgement from the Book of Revelations in the Bible. Deceptions of the afterlife are mainly Christian as it was the Church that were paying artists. Most pieces show damnation similar to what was depicted in Dante's Inferno.
 |
| Hell, Limbourg Brothers, 1400-1416 |
.jpg) |
| Day of Judgement, Memling, 1467-1471 |
 |
| Garden of Earthly Delight, Bocsh, 1490-1510 |
 |
| Bologna: San Peronio Bologini Chapel Left Wall: Hell, Giovanni da Modena 1400-1450 |
 |
| The Last Judgement, Lochner, 15th century |
 |
| Divine Comedy, Jacopo Alighieri, 1400 |
 |
| Last Judgement, Fra Angelico, 1431-1435 |
 |
| Altar of the Last Judgement, Rogier van der Weyden, 1434 |
 |
| Hell, Giovanni da Modena, first third of the 15th century |
 |
| Hell, Bartolomeo di Tommaso, 15th century |
Armour for Jehanne
 | |
| Cersei Lannister: Worn Season 2, Episode 9 game-of-style.tumblr.com/post/48927359061/whats-your-favourite-costume-on-the-show |
 | ||||
| http://www.fantasy-armor.com/cat.php?cat=2&depart=8 |
 |
| http://armstreet.com/store/armor/fantasy-lady-warrior-functional-etched-armor-corset |
 |
| http://battle-ready.com/home/armour/women-armour/corset-elven |
 |
| Well maybe this one's a little too pretty but hey.. lol. http://indulgy.com/post/jgMlow2KJ1/armoured-corset |
 |
| This one is neat because it was created out of old bike tubes, and for the specific purpose of emulating Joan of Arc: Taking inspiration from Joan of Arc, Chicago-based designer Grace Duval transformed a slew of old bicycle inner tubes into armor fit for the mother of all martyrs herself. Comprising a jointed corset with protective shoulder and arm pieces, the medieval-style suit could easily be mistaken for finely wrought steel. Look closer, however, and the deftly manipulated strips of rubber are unmistakable. http://www.ecouterre.com/chicago-designer-creates-joan-of-arc-armor-from-recycled-bike-tubes/ |
Confessionals
Difficult to find images of confessionals from the 15th century, perhaps because although confessional boxes were in use in some places after the year 1215, various places were still practicing face-to-face confession (ie; the Netherlands for one) until the 17th century:
"It would appear that during the Middle Ages no special structures were considered necessary for the sacrament of penance, apart from the use of side chapels. From the 17th century, however, wooden structures were installed to allow privacy for confession, with compartments for the priest and penitent separated by a grille for conversation". (http://www.oxfordartonline.com/subscriber/article/grove/art/T017565pg4?print=true).
Therefore I suppose it will be the discretion of our team regarding whether or not a structured confession box will be built? Because I mean, in some depictions a confessional isn't used (ie: Joan of Arc, 1999) and in some they are (ie: The Messenger, 1999).
Here's a clip of Joan in a Confessional from The Messenger:
http://www.crackle.com/c/the-messenger-the-story-of-joan-of-arc/i-need-to-confess/2487543
Check here for some stock photos of confessional boxes:
http://www.superstock.com/search/CONFESSIONAL%20BOX
A description of a traditional confessional from wikipedia:
"The priest and penitent are in separate compartments and speak to each other through a grid or lattice. A crucifix is sometimes hung over the grille. The priest will usually sit in the middle and the penitents will enter the compartments to either side of him. The priest can close off the other compartment by a sliding screen so that only one person will be confessing at a time. Kneelers are provided in the compartments on each side of the priest, sometimes a prie-dieu style kneeler, or sometimes a diagonal kneeler built into the walls of the confessional. Confessions and conversations are usually whispered. Sometimes a confessional will be built into the church walls and have separate doors for each compartment; other confessionals can be free-standing structures where curtains are used to conceal penitents (and even the priest in some confessionals) from the rest of the church." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confessional)
And here are a few images; hope they will be useful!
"It would appear that during the Middle Ages no special structures were considered necessary for the sacrament of penance, apart from the use of side chapels. From the 17th century, however, wooden structures were installed to allow privacy for confession, with compartments for the priest and penitent separated by a grille for conversation". (http://www.oxfordartonline.com/subscriber/article/grove/art/T017565pg4?print=true).
Therefore I suppose it will be the discretion of our team regarding whether or not a structured confession box will be built? Because I mean, in some depictions a confessional isn't used (ie: Joan of Arc, 1999) and in some they are (ie: The Messenger, 1999).
Here's a clip of Joan in a Confessional from The Messenger:
http://www.crackle.com/c/the-messenger-the-story-of-joan-of-arc/i-need-to-confess/2487543
Check here for some stock photos of confessional boxes:
http://www.superstock.com/search/CONFESSIONAL%20BOX
A description of a traditional confessional from wikipedia:
"The priest and penitent are in separate compartments and speak to each other through a grid or lattice. A crucifix is sometimes hung over the grille. The priest will usually sit in the middle and the penitents will enter the compartments to either side of him. The priest can close off the other compartment by a sliding screen so that only one person will be confessing at a time. Kneelers are provided in the compartments on each side of the priest, sometimes a prie-dieu style kneeler, or sometimes a diagonal kneeler built into the walls of the confessional. Confessions and conversations are usually whispered. Sometimes a confessional will be built into the church walls and have separate doors for each compartment; other confessionals can be free-standing structures where curtains are used to conceal penitents (and even the priest in some confessionals) from the rest of the church." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confessional)
And here are a few images; hope they will be useful!
 | ||||
| Traditional Confessional in Saint-Thiébaut Church, Thann, France http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Collegiale-Thann-p1010106.jpg |
 |
| English Confessional Box carved from wood in 1730 http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.com/2012/07/a-cool-mine-on-hot-day.html |
 | |
| 17th Century Spanish Confessional http://www.salvoweb.com/news-3.html#75561 |
 |
| Traditional confessional in the church Gesù Nuovo, Naples, Italyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Confessionals_-_Beichtst%C3%BChle_-_Gesu_Nuovo_-_Neapel_-_Naples_.JPG |
Sunday, 18 August 2013
Photography in Context: The Sublime (e-resources) HELLISH
from . . . . with thanks . . .
Photography in Context: The Sublime (e-resources):
Idris Khan is a UK artist who uses other photographers and artists (Bernd and Hilla Becher, Karl Blossfeldt, Caravaggio and others)images to create a new image. He rephotographs archive of images of Bernd and Hilla Becher's standardized industrial structures such as gas reservoirs and water towers and by digitally multi-layering them creates a single composite piece.
Kahn's work is often considered as controversial as he uses other artists work to create his singular images which raises many questions as regards originality, autorship and copyright. However Kahn's relationship to photography is very different, '' it's obviously not about re-photographing the photographs to make exact copies, but to intervene and bring a spectrum of feelings - warmth, humour, anxiety - to what might otherwise be considered cool aloof image''(http://the-artists.org/artist/Idris-Khan/), says artist and all images are copies with no originals which is a postmodern idea.
Kahn's powerful images reminds me of childhood pavement drawings smudged by the rain. Ghostly outlines, denesly compacted details successfully creates the feeling of constant state of flux. The opacity and contrast is adjusted to ensure each layer can be seen and has a presence giving the image effect of an impressionistic charcoal drawing.
I've been familiar with Kahn's work for a number of years and I've always thought about it as something highly aesthetic but fearful at the same time. However my experience was quite disappointing when I came accross the article about Kahn's exhibitions in Victoria Miro Gallery in London(2006) as it was very evident, superficial and felt more like a short description greatlly lacking in depth.
Source:
Williams, E. (2006). Idris Khan: Victoria Miro Gallery, London and inIVA, London. Art Monthly [online], Issue 300. [http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aft&AN=505180984&site=ehost-live] (accessed online 11/03/12)
Other resources I looked at:
Demos, T. J. (2006). Vitamin Ph: New Perspectives in Photography. London: Phaidon Press.
http://photoslaves.com/idris-khan%E2%80%99s-multi-layered-photos/ (accessed online 12/03/12)
http://the-artists.org/artist/Idris-Khan/ (accessed online 11/03/12)
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/idris_khan_resources.htm (accessed online 11/03/12)
Photography in Context: The Sublime (e-resources):
Sunday, 11 March 2012
The Sublime (e-resources)
Idris Khan is a UK artist who uses other photographers and artists (Bernd and Hilla Becher, Karl Blossfeldt, Caravaggio and others)images to create a new image. He rephotographs archive of images of Bernd and Hilla Becher's standardized industrial structures such as gas reservoirs and water towers and by digitally multi-layering them creates a single composite piece.
Idris Khan
''Every...Bernd And Hilla Becher Spherical Type Gasholders'' 2004Photographic print 208 x 160 cm(image from: http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/artpages/idris_khan_becher_gas.htm)
Kahn's work is often considered as controversial as he uses other artists work to create his singular images which raises many questions as regards originality, autorship and copyright. However Kahn's relationship to photography is very different, '' it's obviously not about re-photographing the photographs to make exact copies, but to intervene and bring a spectrum of feelings - warmth, humour, anxiety - to what might otherwise be considered cool aloof image''(http://the-artists.org/artist/Idris-Khan/), says artist and all images are copies with no originals which is a postmodern idea.
Idris Khan
“Blossfeldt…After Karl Blossfeldt ‘Art Forms in Nature’”
2005
Digital c-print, mounted on aluminium
258 x 192 cm
(image from: http://photoslaves.com/idris-khan%E2%80%99s-multi-layered-photos/)
“Blossfeldt…After Karl Blossfeldt ‘Art Forms in Nature’”
2005
Digital c-print, mounted on aluminium
258 x 192 cm
(image from: http://photoslaves.com/idris-khan%E2%80%99s-multi-layered-photos/)
Kahn's powerful images reminds me of childhood pavement drawings smudged by the rain. Ghostly outlines, denesly compacted details successfully creates the feeling of constant state of flux. The opacity and contrast is adjusted to ensure each layer can be seen and has a presence giving the image effect of an impressionistic charcoal drawing.
I've been familiar with Kahn's work for a number of years and I've always thought about it as something highly aesthetic but fearful at the same time. However my experience was quite disappointing when I came accross the article about Kahn's exhibitions in Victoria Miro Gallery in London(2006) as it was very evident, superficial and felt more like a short description greatlly lacking in depth.
Source:
Williams, E. (2006). Idris Khan: Victoria Miro Gallery, London and inIVA, London. Art Monthly [online], Issue 300. [http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aft&AN=505180984&site=ehost-live] (accessed online 11/03/12)
Other resources I looked at:
Demos, T. J. (2006). Vitamin Ph: New Perspectives in Photography. London: Phaidon Press.
http://photoslaves.com/idris-khan%E2%80%99s-multi-layered-photos/ (accessed online 12/03/12)
http://the-artists.org/artist/Idris-Khan/ (accessed online 11/03/12)
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/idris_khan_resources.htm (accessed online 11/03/12)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)