The Art Paper reported on the 11th June 2026 that the famous 1959 picture “The Castle in the Pyrenees” by Margritte is undergoing restorative surgery after it was damaged by a child brandishing a pine cone whilst in the Israel Museum.
I suspect this puckish act might have tickled the artist. My imagination went off tangent as this was the day that David Hockney died.
The witty, self-effacing, understated art fascinates and beguiles the mind and heart; I can can contemplate an image and find myself merging with the world of this ingenious artist. I am always excited each time, my heart laughs.
I am reminded of photography when I see his paintings, whether the photograph is blended and deliberately distorted or funny kooky angles shifts creates a different perspective and meaning, yet is still an unadulterated picture, a reflection of a physical “reality”.
I see shades of this perspective in my photography prior to seeing his original “familiar”. Brash loud caveat – under no illusion that I am greater than a beginners mind.
My homage here is titled “Self Portrait” and has a particular significance; when I first saw the result I experienced a giggle niggle that maybe, just maybe, I had something here worth sharing and developing.
Google Images and whether you “like” the imagery or not – you will be amused by the act of looking up and seeing your immediate environment with a Magritte eye and humour.
Thinking for Yourself is a flash nonfiction/fiction written and visual essay hub for open minds and hearts.
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