GILGAMESJ EN ISJTAR

GILGAMESH AND ISHTAR (PAUL VAN GYSEGEM)

 

The mythological figures of the Mesopotamia are impressive apparitions, roughly sculpted, born in a crucible of fire and glowing bronze. Ishtar, the archetype of the 'Great Mother', possesses dark powers but is worshipped as the goddess of love and fertility. Gilgamesh, the "Hero," is afraid of death. He strives for immortality but fails in his goal. Through the myth, the artist confronts us with the big questions. Who are we? Where do we come from? What is the fate of the courageous but mortal 'homo sapiens' ?

 

Paul Van Gysegem was born in Berlare in 1935. He studied painting, graphics and sculpture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent and sculpture at the National Higher Institute in Antwerp. From 1955 to 2000 he taught at the Ghent Academy (the later Hogeschool Gent).

 

Kunst in de Stad, April 24th 2010