This study contributes to ongoing discussions on the connections between the environmental imaginary and issues of identity; place and nation. Utilizing a delimited ecocritical approach; McNee puts Brazilian culture; through the work of contemporary poets and visual artists; into a broader; transnational dialogue.
#816625 in eBooks 2014-10-01 2014-10-01File Name: B00MMO2UIC
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. As beautiful as its titleBy Richard GilbertSlow at first for me to get into; by halfway through I was thinking "I want to reread this" and by the end "I want to collect a hardback copy;" the latter a unique response for me.A meditation on art; looking; and on the reflective life needed to make art; Blue Arabesque moves from story to storymdash;about paintings and creators and writing that Hampl lovesmdash;without feeling like a collection of essays. It is itself a unified work of art about one writers love of artistic expression. It is classed by its publisher as a memoir but while deeply personal and with memoiristic aspects isnt exactly. More like a book-length essay.Blue Arabesque has an ineffable watercolor quality that arises; I would say; because it is especially rich in implication. With a deft touch; Hampl has created a book as beautiful as its title.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A very Pleasant ReadBy E. HoldenThis book centers around a Matisse painting that has captivated the author. She then randomly associates various thoughts and experiences both with the painting and her own life as well . Hampl takes you on a slow journey reflecting on subjects such as leisure inspiration and culture.. She reflects; too; on other figures such as Delacroix; F. Scott Fitzgerald and Katherine Mansfield. I would say this book has a meditative quality. One must not rush though it; but allow its quiet slow pace. It is a pleasure to read as Patricia Hampl writes very well .3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Enamored of words; light; and color.By Frank RubenfeldI finished reading this book in late January; a quick read relatively speaking.The author is enamored of words; and of light and color. Like A.S. Byatt; Patricia Hampl holds a special place for Matisse; and the places where he spent his sun-drenched life.Ive seen a photo of him in his bed in 1941; not long after his harrowing colostomy and all the attendant complications. His cat lies comfy atop the bed with him; he is bending over a sketch book.. about to apply a light brush to it. On the wall behind him are the Asian and African prints and patterns that increasingly inspired him as he grew older. There is a warm smile on his face. He is enjoying himself.For the remaining 13 years of his life he remained an invalid; but his work continued to shine more and more brightly and clearly. It culminated in his chapel in Vence; where the author ends her pilgrimage; and the book.Hampl succeeds in presenting us with the context: geographical; historical; and cultural; which enabled Matisse to pursue and fulfill his love of pattern and color. For that I give her much creditand appreciation
