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Art Vivant. Within the gaze
We present an ephemeral architectural piece inspired by Self-portrait with Hat and Two Chains by Rembrandt, proposed by a duo of young artists, students of the Istituto Europeo di Design - IED Madrid.
A new installation locates us before the gaze of one of the greatest painters of all time.
Entitled “Within the gaze”, this is a large sphere with a camera obscura inside it that transforms visitors into the protagonists of a portrait inspired by the masterpiece by Rembrandt (1606-1669) Self-portrait wearing a Hat and two Chains (ca. 1642-43).
It is traditionally said that the artist’s portraits function as a “mirror of the sitter’s soul”. The use of chiaroscuro, with powerful contrasts of light and dark, as well as an intensely dramatic mood are distinguishing characterists of his painting. His mastery of technique was such that “Rembrandt” lighting is still used in photographic portraits today in order to achieve a powerful visual impact and greater psychological depth.
The present work, installed in the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá Hotel, brings together the key elements of Rembrandt’s painting, revealing them to viewers through an immersive experience involving a camera obscura, which allows them to take away their printed portrait.
This initiative is the fifth edition of the “Art Vivant” project, a collaboration between the museum and Gran Meliá in which young artists reinterpret masterpieces from the Thyssen collection in different disciplines.
Reflecting the project’s aim to promote young talent, the artists of the selected project are Blanca Moro Santolaria and Estrella García Seoane, both students on the Interior Design course at the IED Madrid, a prestigious design school which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Their proposal was chosen from an open competition with around twenty candidates.
Credits:
Blanca Moro Santolaria – Concept and design.
Estrella García Seoane – Concept and design.
Instituto Europeo di Design - IED Madrid – Development and technical execution.
The piece has been produced in the facilities of the IED Madrid FabLab.
A new installation locates us before the gaze of one of the greatest painters of all time.
Entitled “Within the gaze”, this is a large sphere with a camera obscura inside it that transforms visitors into the protagonists of a portrait inspired by the masterpiece by Rembrandt (1606-1669) Self-portrait wearing a Hat and two Chains (ca. 1642-43).
It is traditionally said that the artist’s portraits function as a “mirror of the sitter’s soul”. The use of chiaroscuro, with powerful contrasts of light and dark, as well as an intensely dramatic mood are distinguishing characterists of his painting. His mastery of technique was such that “Rembrandt” lighting is still used in photographic portraits today in order to achieve a powerful visual impact and greater psychological depth.
The present work, installed in the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá Hotel, brings together the key elements of Rembrandt’s painting, revealing them to viewers through an immersive experience involving a camera obscura, which allows them to take away their printed portrait.
This initiative is the fifth edition of the “Art Vivant” project, a collaboration between the museum and Gran Meliá in which young artists reinterpret masterpieces from the Thyssen collection in different disciplines.
Reflecting the project’s aim to promote young talent, the artists of the selected project are Blanca Moro Santolaria and Estrella García Seoane, both students on the Interior Design course at the IED Madrid, a prestigious design school which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Their proposal was chosen from an open competition with around twenty candidates.
Credits:
Blanca Moro Santolaria – Concept and design.
Estrella García Seoane – Concept and design.
Instituto Europeo di Design - IED Madrid – Development and technical execution.
The piece has been produced in the facilities of the IED Madrid FabLab.
In collaboration with:
Step into this immersive experience
You can do it for free by visiting the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá hotel or enjoy the full experience by seeing the work live and then tasting this gastronomic proposal.
Installation Within the gaze
At the Hotel Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá (access via Calle de la Bola 6, Madrid).
- Dates: 29 May to 15 June 2024
Opening hours: from 11.00 to 23.00
Free admission
Make your experience complete with more art and fine cuisine
visit the museum to see the inspiration for this experience, Self-Portrait Wearing a Hat and Two Chains, and stroll into the garden of the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá hotel to savour an exclusive tapa* inspired by the Dutch artist’s famous chiaroscuro technique.
*Description of the tapa: potato brittle in cuttlefish ink stuffed with creamy cod brandade and served with lime and inky mayonnaises. The tapa evokes the same sensation as Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro because it plays with contrasting textures and flavours and juxtaposes light and dark ingredients. Includes a glass of Ruinart champagne or of another drink on our beverage menu (soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, etc.).
