Friday, December 23, 2011

Visiting Magritte

The Pilgrim, 1966
© VBK Vienna, 2011

Yesterday I visited the Albertina.  Who should be there but the wonderful surrealist, Rene Magritte!

The Face of Genius, 1926
© VBK Vienna, 2011

Magritte’s visual explorations of la réalité capture our imaginations.

The Future of Statues, 1937
© VBK Vienna, 2011


Magritte confirms something I have suspected or even known for most of my life – we do not know what is; we only know what we experience.

La grande famille/Die große Familie, 1963
© VBK Vienna, 2011

I don’t want to over-analyze it.  Rather, I prefer to accept it as a part of existence.

Here are pieces from the exhibit...

Le paysage de Baucis/ Die Landschaft der Baucis, 1966
© VBK Vienna, 2011


Les Amants/Die Liebenden, 1928
© VBK Vienna, 2011

The Dominion of Light, 1950
© VBK Vienna, 2011

Le baiser/Der Kuss, 1951
© VBK Vienna, 2011


Time Transfixed, 1938
© VBK Vienna, 2011

To learn more about exhibits at the Albertina, click here.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Christmas Season in Vienna


It's the Christmas season in Vienna, and that means the Advent markets are here.



My favorite market of all spreads out in front of the massive Karlskirche, a baroque cathedral built in the early 18th century.

Most of folks selling at the Karlskirche have made their items by hand.
Look at these lovely glass ornaments.



 

Vienna is THE place to be if you love hats.  These are hand crafted.


Don't you love this guy?


There are lots of wonderful soaps and lotions to smell at the market.



Don't forget the snacks!  Roasted chestnuts - or maroni - and sugared almonds.  Oh my!



Of course, what do you suppose keeps us all warm while we wander about?  You guessed it!  Gluhwein.



If you ever make it to Vienna at during the holiday season, don't miss the Karlskirche market.

Happy Holidays!