In the calm or in the storm, with the sky glowing or about to explode, with fire on the horizon or devouring the ships (not necessarily in Orion) or infested with sharks. How many exhibitions could be held, how many museums could be filled with the great works in the history of art dedicated to the sea and navigation.
Taking advantage of the fact that the Mediterranean runs through our veins, that it is time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Conde Godó de Vela Trophy, that the America's Cup is coming up next year (which is actually already here), Magazine has selected a few works, just a tiny handful, to celebrate beauty, drama and adventure on the waters.
There is everything, there are absences to provide variety (rest for a day, Mr. Turner; take the day off, Mr. Rembrandt) and surprises to open up other routes and give a slight change of direction with modern classics and modern classics.
Sailing leads this selection, but in the good name of the Olympic spirit that is being reborn these months with the America's Cup, we have also included rowers -Caillebotte is a very important 'secondary' figure in the History of Art- and Alex Katz with his Indian canoes.
In this artistic gallery Hopper appears at the helm, Van Gogh on the beach, Gabriele Münter from a distance looking at the port of Narvik, in Norway and Winslow Homer who portrays the drama of a drifting fisherman without mast or sail and surrounded by sharks. .
The vast majority of works are paintings except one, a very special sculpture, is Nelson's ship inside a giant bottle by the British artist of Nigerian origin Yinka Shonibare, who along with other artists (Sonya Boyce, Yinya Illori, Frank Bowling) they have put the postcolonial accent on British art.
