Good things DO come from Belgium
Homage to Rene Magritte
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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