Marlene Dumas
Born in Capetown, South Africa, 1953
Lives and works in Amsterdam
I paint because I am a woman.
(It's a logical necessity.)
If painting is female and insanity is a female malady, then all women painters are mad and all male painters are women.
I paint because I am an artificial blonde woman.
(Brunettes have no excuse.)
If all good painting is about color then bad
painting is about having the wrong color.
But bad things can be good excuses. As Sharon Stone said, "Being blonde is a great excuse. When you're having a bad day you can say, I can't help it, I'm just feeling very blonde today."
I paint because I am a country girl.
(Clever, talented big-city girls don't paint.)
I grew up on a wine farm in Southern Africa.
When I was a child I drew bikini girls for male guests
on the back of their cigarette packs.
Now I am a mother and I live in another place that reminds me a lot of a farm—Amsterdam. (It's a good place for painters.) Come to think about it, I'm still busy with those types
of images and imagination.
I paint because I am a religious woman.
(I believe in eternity.)
Painting doesn't freeze time. It circulates and recycles time like a wheel that turns. Those who were first might well be last. Painting is a very slow art. It doesn't travel with the speed of light. That's why dead painters shine so bright.
It's okay to be the second sex.
It's okay to be second best.
Painting is not a progressive activity.
--Marlene Dumas
15 comments:
I just happened upon your blog. I absolutely love it. The blog itself is beautiful and the content makes me want to learn more. I will be visiting Paris for the first time at the end of October. I'm staying in Monmarte. I see that you have lived in Paris. Any advice on art related sites around Paris would be most appreciated.
Thank you so much for your kind comments! You will love Paris. For how long will you be there? I will send you some info. Where shall I send it?
Rivian xo
The Louvre will take an entire day! Go early when they open, if possible. I Don't understand what u mean about "20th C. Art in Montmartre ?" As far as Versailles , I guess if u haven't been to any palaces it's beautiful however, that only leaves 2 days to hang out in Paris! The Marais & St. Germaine Des Pres are our favorites. It's just fun to walk around the city so you will most likely want to do that the other 2 days! If you are interested in Pompei there is an exhibiton @ Musee Maillol, ( an intimate museum) that would be interesting with a wonderful permanent collection and it is small so it would be relatively easy. The area in which is located is very nice & typical also. We love the Musee Dapper , (small) for African Art & Quai Branly also is fabulous, however, large. Go to Deux Magots on Blvd. St. Germaine where Hemingway, Sartre etc. etc. hung out, we love it.
Bon voyage!
Rivian
Glo, thanks so much for joining my BLOG! Did u receive my e-mail about Paris? I give u enuff info.?
R
Yes, Rivian I got your comment and sent you a reply. Thanks so much for your help. I'm looking forward to the trip!
Great! Let me know if i can be of any further help Glo.
When do you leave again?
R
I absolutely hate Marlene Dumas. Her recent works reflect that of an ignorant naive person. One might think that her background growing up in the Apartheid South Africa would allow her unique insight into global situations, but instead it proves to be blinders. She is ignorant and unimformed. I am ashamed and embarrassed to be a woman artist if it is a world in which Dumas succeeds.
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for your honest comment. ART is supposed to cause reactions, whether positive or negative. I can see that you feel very strongly about Marlene Dumas' work!
Rivian
Perhaps some others readers would like to comment on the comment by Anonymous re: Marlene Dumas?
I can respect a difference of opinion. and Kudos to you Rivian for your respectful response. However I would hope that such a strong statement would come from someone strong enough to reveal their own identity.
I could not agree with you more Glo! One would think that feeling that strongly about anything one would have the confidence to sign his, or her name!
I appreciate your comments AS ALWAYS! Thank you!
When do you leave for Paris?
Rivian
Back from Paris already. It was unbelievable, like a dream. I am sure I will return. I loved it ALL. What lingers with me the most, however, is the Rodin Museum and Pere Lechaise Cemetery. Glo
Oh! Glo, I knew that you would love it! We are going next month, just for two wks. but for the holidays & I am excited! You have my e-mail don't you? I want to hear more about what you did!
Love,
Rivian xxoo
What's name of the first painting with five blonde women in dresses?
I haven't been able to find the name however I will continue to research it & let you know if i find it.
Rivian
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