Bonnard Exhibition

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canvases, fondation beyeler, graphic art, pierre bonnard

I had the good fortune to spend an inspirational morning surrounded by Bonnard’s shimmering and glowing canvases at the Fondation Beyeler in Basel. Here is the link http://www.fondationbeyeler.ch

Bonnard’s use of colour combined with his unusual compositions which were influenced by Japanese graphic art have had an enduring fascination for me.

And the quote for the day:

“It seemed to me that it was possible to translate light, forms and character using nothing but colour without recourse to values.”  Pierre Bonnard

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Basel’s Carnival

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Basler Fasnacht, canvases, fondation beyeler, pierre bonnard

Signs of the forthcoming carnival called Basler’s Fasnacht were evident everywhere.

Shop and window displays with a Fasnacht theme.

And finally a huge very traditional Carnival figure, a “Waggis” perched on the outside of a building.

Visit to Basel

On a flying visit to Basel in Switzerland last week to see my parents and family.  The city was still quite wintery and covered in snow.

Basel is a city that most tourists pass on their way to the mountains.  However, it is well worth a visit with its numerous museums, a very well preserved old town and a rich cultural life. 

Above is a corner of the old Munsterplatz and below a view over the Rhine.

The Tinguely fountain outside the new theatre is constructed from parts rescued from the old theatre.  Jean Tinguely was a Swiss painter and sculptor best known for his sculptural machines.  This is the first time I have seen it frozen over.