Artist René Magritte's 1937 painting titled "La reproduction interdite" (Not To Be Reproduced) depicts a man (possibly Magritte's patron Edward James) standing in front of a mirror, but while the book on the mantelpiece is reflected correctly, the man's reflection shows him from behind. It's a surrealist masterpiece, and if you're not familiar with it, it's best to look it up to fully understand the idea I am presenting here.

My idea is simple: to celebrate Magritte's supreme work I am proposing to the Museum Boijmans in Rotterdam that it be hung in front of a large mirror in such a way as to cause its audience to view its reflection only, thereby adding another layer of challenge to its interpretation.

see link for more information on this most excellent work
-- xenzag, Jul 22 2024

https://www.moma.or...o/playlist/180/2381 [xenzag, Jul 22 2024]

Fake_20Vampire_20Mirror [pocmloc, Jul 22 2024]

Art thingy https://www.dropbox...bo&st=s0oihid8&dl=0
Probably been done before. [doctorremulac3, Jul 22 2024]

The "mirror" in this gallery should be a very clever illusion so that it shows the back of the painting. Could probably be done with video screens and holograms and whatnot.

The other explanation of course is that the painting does not actually show a mirror, it shows a window into the next room. There are two books on the window ledge, one on each side of the pane of clear glass. The mystery then becomes why a book as been created in mirror-writing. I am not having much luck finding such things, apart from the notebooks of Leonardo.
-- pocmloc, Jul 22 2024


Has anybody ever hung a painting backwards as a art thingy? I know I've seen blank canvasses, this might get people's attention. (link)

I'd put a lot of detail in it to make it actually kind of insteresting. It could either be as shown, actually built or just painted. Either one would probably get some attention. I'd title it "The Painting".

But like I said, be surprised if this hasn't been done before.

Have an alarm sound if people try to lift it to see what's underneith? Too pranky? Maybe title it "Art Theft" and have an alarm sound, lights start flashing and a robot sounding voice saying "ART THEFT! ART THEFT! ART THEFT!" The security comes over and gives them a flower.
-- doctorremulac3, Jul 22 2024


Not my bone. I don’t bone people just being creative and having fun. Proof bun. [+]
-- doctorremulac3, Jul 22 2024


I boned it, because I don't like the idea.
I wasn't going to say anything; I figured it would be more polite to say nothing.

But since you seem to want the reasoning behind it, I'll give it to you.
The idea seems a bit crass to me. Basically, xenzag is trying to take the credit for a famous artwork by making an installation incorporating it.

Basking in reflected glory, as it were.
-- Loris, Jul 22 2024


Didn’t mean to bone shame Loris. It’s all good.
-- doctorremulac3, Jul 22 2024


//Basically, xenzag is trying to take the credit for a famous artwork by making an installation incorporating it.// So, following that sad "logic" if anyone posts any idea that somehow provides a way of refocusing attention on something that already exists, they are "taking the credit" This means we now have to avoid all variations on numerous existing works - such as: no more versions of Monopoly, no more monkeys typing Shakespeare, no more Schrödinger's Cats On A Hot Tin Roof etc etc. Many ideas take existing work and put a new spin on it. What a sad way to view the process of invention. "Thou shalt not attempt to add/modify/magnify/subvert that which already exists"
-- xenzag, Jul 22 2024


Dude, you're always complaining about people copying your ideas. Even when they're something quite distinct, or something so obvious that it's likely they thought of it independently.

And this idea is literally looking at someone's painting in a mirror.
-- Loris, Jul 22 2024


I can see myself doing that.[+]
-- pertinax, Jul 23 2024


//And this idea is literally looking at someone's painting in a mirror.// Well spotted, but actually it's not just anyone's painting; it's this particular Magritte painting which is totally unique and singularly appropriate to this proposal. As for me taking credit for the original work; where do you see me doing that? The only thing I am taking credit for is my proposal, which I believe is original. Let's see what the gallery says in their response.
-- xenzag, Jul 23 2024


Okay, well, if you were the art curator at the museum and decided to display the art temporarily in that manner - essentially anonymously - I wouldn't quibble.

How would you feel, though, if it were your painting, and all everyone was talking about was the clever way the art was presented, rather than the art itself?

Magritte made lots of very interesting and clever paintings in that strangely technical, subdued style of his. And honestly, this seems a bit banal.
What's your next idea - show "The Son of Man" with an apple hung in front of it?
Display "The Human Condition" on an easel to be viewed through a window?
Maybe display a real pipe next to "The Treachery of Images" with a little plaque reading "C'est un pipe."
-- Loris, Jul 23 2024


None of your ideas re Magritte’s other work are of interest to me. They seem very obvious and don’t challenge anyone’s perception, but each to their own, and you obviously think they are worthwhile, so why don’t you propose them yourself and see what the reaction is?
-- xenzag, Jul 23 2024


//They seem very obvious and don’t challenge anyone’s perception//

Well, yes. Exactly.
-- Loris, Jul 23 2024



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