Spéculations spéculaires: A Critical Review of Mirror Theory in Art
Edited by Éric Van Esche, 'Spéculations spéculaires' collects 18 papers from a 2008 international colloquium at Iselp in Brussels on mirrors and specularity in visual arts. Van Esche's introduction surveys mimetic representation (Plato's three beds) and mirror metaphors (Narcissus, Alice in Wonderland). Éric Vandecasteele identifies a shift around the early 20th century: until Monet's Water Lilies, the mirror structured representation metaphorically or metonymically, but in contemporary art the mirror-object emerges prominently. Pistoletto's mirror paintings are a recurring reference. Later essays explore mirror-camera analogies and mirror-screen concepts in photography and cinema. Notable contributions include Thierry de Duve's research on Manet's 'A Bar at the Folies-Bergère' and Denis Laoureux on reflective surfaces in American hyperrealism. However, reviewer Claire Bernardi criticizes the overall generality and poor editorial quality of the volume.
Key facts
- Book edited by Éric Van Esche titled 'Spéculations spéculaires'
- Published by La lettre volée
- Based on a 2008 international colloquium at Iselp in Brussels
- 18 contributors
- Introduction covers Plato's three beds, Narcissus myth, Alice in Wonderland
- Éric Vandecasteele notes a shift in mirror's role around early 20th century
- Pistoletto's mirror paintings are a key reference
- Thierry de Duve contributes on Manet's 'A Bar at the Folies-Bergère'
- Denis Laoureux writes on reflective surfaces in American hyperrealism
- Reviewed negatively by Claire Bernardi for generality and poor editing
Entities
Artists
- Éric Van Esche
- Éric Vandecasteele
- Pistoletto
- Claude Monet
- Thierry de Duve
- Denis Laoureux
- Claire Bernardi
- Manet
Institutions
- Iselp
- La lettre volée
Locations
- Brussels
- Belgium
Sources
- artpress —