Saturday, October 10, 2009

The Indian Dance*

Modified (Banksied) painting, acrylics onto an oil painting I made about 17 years ago, 100 by 80 cm. I signed with: I ♥ Kees van Dongen, 1992-2009-

The postcard of the painting "The Indian Dance," by Kees van Dongen.

I first met Dutch painter Kees van Dongen's "The Indian Dance," on a postcard I bought some 20 years ago in the shop of the Museum of Modern Art in Brussels. They don't have it anymore. I never saw it live, it's in a private collection somewhere I gather... don't get me started.

Anyway, I immediately fell in love with it and copied it in my art class-well, I tried. The dancer to me is dancing life, exuberantly, all arms and legs. I recognized the energy, back then I had just recovered from a depression and felt life burning ... ;) I don't think I lost that fire/drive with my amputation(s). In fact, I may have unconsciously deployed it, recovering from two cancers. Thus looking at the painting, working on her again and modifying (Banksy-ing) her gave me comfort. I found it very moving work. Probably recognizing that I may still have some juice left in me. Well, make that plenty ;) And I fell in love with it/her all over again.



6 comments:

jafabrit said...

I am not surprised you fell in love with it. Your copy is so lush (yummy) to look at and imagine.

William Evertson said...

I see it! The trauma..depression ..recovery and then..exhilaration. I continue to be fascinated by your banksyed versions of the art that inspires you.

Susan Shulman said...

Beautiful...like your soul.
I think you would appreciate a friend of mine's work as well.
Wonderful person http://www.cherylbraganza.com
check her out!
Bravo for your talent and passion!
Susan Shulman

Ria Vanden Eynde said...

Thx Corrine! I like "lush (yummy)," that is just spot on for me...
You totally got it , Bill! :)
Thx Susan xoxo! I went to Cheryl's site, totally LOVE her vibrating colors!

Momo Luna S!gnals said...

Yes, i love Van Dongen too. And i like your interpretation a lot (as always) :-)

Unknown said...

Love this piece and your interpretation/write up on it. I was really drawn to it, because the woman appears to have some joy even though she seems to be sick with a green face and foot as well as a missing breast (in the original). Love your blogs, they're inspirational to to a wanna be artist. :) Following!

belladonna2.blogspot.com