5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
On Tangent in Irreverence, October 8, 2008
This review is from: Oscar Niemeyer: Curves of Irreverence (Hardcover)
I respect and admire this book, not only for its superb scholarly solidity, but over and above for its intuitively synthetic approach, considering the vast research material the author had to manipulate. It is monumental, with excellent graphics and photography. It is a book of insights, opening new roads for research and new interpretations on the broader context of Niemeyer's architecture, both Brazilian and global. Following a revealing introduction for anyone not acquainted with Brazilian art and movements, with a most intriguing for the western ears that of "Anthropofagia"(an art movement of an all-inclusive permissiveness of the Indigenous, the European the African and what not, in early twentieth century Brazil), the rest of the book is a detailed pirouette in the cook pot of cultural, anthropological and racial ingredients that eventually lead to the formulation of a unique and authentic Brazilian Modernism for the State's architecture and symbolic national pride. The chapter on the Lucio Costa-Le Corbusier-Oscar Niemeyer and the Ministry of Education building background and outcome, is an account in the making not only of one building but of the ideological, political and overall architectural and finally "patriotic" infrastructure of Brazilian modernity through "Anthropofagy". The book is a treasure for anyone who might attempt further study in the Brazilian matters. Some of the pictures that adorn this part,most taken by the author , are stunning!
For anyone who knows not the place, the picture of Niemeyer's office, the inflated two-breasted ,ten- story modernist high-rise knick-named appropriately Mae West, is a revelation ; the first visual hint of the author's justification of the unifying theme of "sex" and the subtitle "..irreverence"! I would only ask, why irreverence, perhaps Curves of Life might have been perhaps much better, actually much better to "... Curves of Time" the architect had decided to call his own memoirs a decade or so earlier. In any event,Styliane's book on Niemeyer's curves, follows a rhythmic sequence of chapters developed on intuitive conceptual headings, making it pleasantly thematic rather than pedantically historiographic. And this is excellent!
Some of the best, effortless and memorable writing comes toward the end of the book in the presentation and commentary of the magnificent Niteroi Museum and the Novo Museu. One could perhaps say, that when architecture towards the later stages of the life of the architect settles down to "what one wants" to actually do, the period when he knows when and where to break "the rules", where the metaphor and the pragmatic, get to the maximum level of inclusiveness in the statement of the work, it is perhaps that period that finally speaks "clearly" to all , and the critic actually understands like a simple human being, not as a "scientist"(Historian etc.) who tries to prove this and that, who tries to defend himself from misunderstanding and future potential problems , or accusations for critical injustices. I believe this last section, is the best , where metaphor, curves, the masculine and the feminine, along with elements of composition, spatial and experience and overall ambiance, along with "fitting" or dialogue with nature and the landscape, all under the scrutiny of social dimensions of architecture, even the concept of "equal rights", themes and issues that apparently troubled the architect for life, it is at that tangential point between architectural work and architectural criticism , that we have understanding and tangential "creativity". This book is excellent, a proof that the critic and its subject have reached that tangential point...the climax of "irreverence"!
.... Before closing, I should say that the overwhelmingly all-rounded scholastic documentation throughout the progress of the book, is pleasantly soothed by the anecdotal information and critical remarks of renown architects upon their visits to Niemeyer's projects. This and the intriguing photography by the author add rhythm , admiration and humanity throughout; The extraordinary feeling of serenity evoked by architecture and nature through the picture of the Cavanelas house(p.207) and the extraordinary abstractions of the red-carpeted ramps of the Auditorio Ibirapuera Park, are among my favorite pictures (p. 175); In conclusion, the book done by an architect/historian, who had personal experience and saw the projects, is to be recommended and praised, as it is something "synthetically and intellectually unique", beyond the books of "library/historiographic-productivity", whose authors (and I know several of them-some renown) never go see and experience personally the buildings they write for, just waiting to receive pictures and drawings from the architects about whom they write. It is a lively and intuitive book, by a compassionate architect-artist/scholar. I definitely recommend it to anyone....By the way, don't forget to read Niemeyer's own account in his memoirs "The Curves of Time" ; the two books ought to go together;
CONGRATULATIONS to both "comrades" ...!
Thanks etc.
Anthony C. Antoniades, AIA
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
