Mice, brains and ants, strange combinations but wonderful

The Austrian artist Peter Kloger (b.1959) rose to international prominence in the late 1970s with his space –related works reflecting on the nature and the impact of modern media. His exhibitions break down all our notion about what should be art and how it is represented. In Lisbon, it wasn`t different. Kogler tries all the time and from different ways illustrate the news organizational models in the 21st century
Giant tubular forms drawn in the large entrance hall invite the visitors to a monstrous imaginary travel through the new media-networked society. Despite the first intention of the artist is represent the new technological era and its chaos, the impact of the black network of pipes take several direction, in other words, allow the visitors to make different interpretations.
The presence of ants in the paintings is constant. They appear in large number, perhaps to show that even being smalls, working together they are able to do any task. It makes comparisons between nature and technology. Both, nature working together and technology linked in network can overcome any challenge.
The convolution of the human brain is also a motif for the artist. He paints it in big scale, so the visitors can take perception about how it functions. Quickly, the visitors understand the artist sight. In this case, he sees a human brain as a network which can only work together.
The technologies, such as video, synchronised projection, graphic design take place in this exhibition. Kloger use them to show the nature evolution. In a dark and large projection room the visitors can see mice in movement. It starts with one mouse, little by little, the room is full of mice. It seems very real, it`s incredible and in same time a little bit scary. The visitor, particularly kids used to try in vain smash them.
That is an unusual exhibition, so I’m sure that everyone, no matter the age, will enjoy it.

Report on a visit

Visit Report – the Convent of Mafra.

You may have already visited this monument located in the town of Mafra, just about 20 miles northwest of Lisbon. Whether or not you have, be sure it’s worth going once more, because there is always something new to discover.
Not only it is completely free, but also an opportunity to learn more about the Portuguese historic background. People from all over the country (and abroad) visit this national landmark for different reasons. You may be a university Architecture student; you may be an enthusiast of Renaissance Art; or you could just be the average tourist. All of these are more than enough reasons to spend an afternoon here.
The convent has been restored recently, with new exhibits available (such as the army showcase). Be prepared to walk – a lot. We’re talking about one of the largest buildings in Portugal. The house of the Royal Family up until three centuries ago, it is a fine example of how the Kings and Queens used to live. Evidently, many of its “furniture”, such as paintings, is now gone (either to Brazil or other museums across the country or the globe). But the history you learn definitely makes up for the lack of some items.
As one enters a guided tour through the convent, the guide shows the church, one fine example of architecture, and, one could argue, waste of money, given the fact that the King spent a scandalous amount of resources in a moment when the country was struggling. But let’s move on. The guide takes us to the King’s bedroom, as well as the Queen’s (both are located in the opposite ends of the convent). We also get to take a look at the glorious library, with over 40 000 books – a key archive site, famous across the European elites of the 18th century. Other areas include the dining room and the prison cells.
Be sure there is more to the convent than meets the eye: after your tour, you can also visit the army complex and take a relaxing walk in “Jardim do Cerco”.