At first glance, the art of Marc Chagall may seem a bit out there, surreal, even otherworldly. That’s basically how I felt, until a doorway opened for me upon listening to a short exchange in the well-known movie, “Notting Hill”. Whilst discussing Chagall’s painting “La Mariée”:
William (Hugh Grant) comments: “With a goat playing the violin.”
Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) replies: “Yes – happiness isn’t happiness without a violin-playing goat.”
“La Mariée” provides an example of a triumphant visual portrayal of emotion. What might a visual representation of happiness possibly look like? How could it be made to appear in visual art? For some, its form might be this beguiling and unforgettable work.
Marrying figure with the purest colour, movement and rhythm, Chagall’s unique vision inspires and moves. He returned a powerful figurative motif to contemporary art: dreaming, remembering, relating- Chagall’s instinctive approach to his subjects transports us into his world. We respond intuitively to visual cues such as colour, value and texture and these unforgettable images convey more than form, they have depth of feeling. For me, Chagall’s paintings are as good a representation of joy and happiness as anything possibly can be.
Art is that marvelous vehicle which often conveys us to a place where we can reconnect with our own happiness – and when we do, others invariably share it’s effect.
Thank you Marc!
Opening 28 May at the National Gallery: Daphnis & Chloé, a major exhibition of Chagall prints.
Whatever your style, join us on May 30th for a day inspired by Chagall’s legacy – details on the courses page of David’s website.