Crossing ut pictura poesis. Attempt a new reading of Bronislaw Linke images based on a design methodology of W.J.T. Mitchell Cover Image

Przekroczyć ut pictura poesis. Próba nowego odczytania obrazów Bronisława Linkego w oparciu o projekt metodologiczny W.J.T. Mitchella
Crossing ut pictura poesis. Attempt a new reading of Bronislaw Linke images based on a design methodology of W.J.T. Mitchell

Author(s): Krzysztof Lipowski
Subject(s): Fine Arts / Performing Arts
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Gdańskiego

Summary/Abstract: According to W.J.T. Mitchell the problem of relations between word and image should be re-defined, as all arts, as well as contemporary media are mixed: they consist of text and image. The pure independence of word form the image or the other way around is utopian and impossible. It is therefore a mistake to compare what is painted with literary text, even if such instances take place. We should rather search for the kind of textuality that is demonstrated (or latent) by the painting and in the name of which values. The methodological project proposed my Mitchell allows for a different “reading” of two famous paintings by Bronisław Linke, Morze krwi and Autobus. If we compare the author’s text on the painting – the title – with what is represented we may come to the conclusion that the painting entitled Morze krwi (The Sea of Blood) is an artistic “answer” to difficult and complex reality of Stalinist period of Polish in 1949-1952. Similarly, in the child’s figure of the painting Autobus Linke presented himself as “clairvoyant witness”. We can also see a series of visual vulgarism coming out of the worker’s figure. It is through this figure and visualizations attributed to it Linke demonstrates his negative attitude towards communist system.

  • Issue Year: 2010
  • Issue No: 09 (16)
  • Page Range: 233-244
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Polish