A forbidden photo taken in Madrid, last October, in the Museo Reina Sofia. I say forbidden because just after I’d clicked the shutter, a sour-faced woman told me I wasn’t allowed to photograph this particular exhibit. Of course I apologised but I still had my snap.
It was rather a confusing museum: no photos allowed in some parts, photos but no flash elsewhere. Then there was the bizarre rule for their prime exhibit, Picasso’s Guernica – photos allowed but only from the room next door: people were squashed in the archway fighting to get a good shot.
So what is this delightful creation with multi-coloured dress and head made from shiny spheres?
It’s a ballet costume designed by Oskar Schlemmer, a German painter, designer and choreographer associated with the Bauhaus school. It is part of his most famous work, “Triadisches Ballett,” 1922, in which the actors were morphed into geometrical shapes and danced like puppets. This particular costume translates well into English as “Ball Gown”.
The other costumes on show were equally quirky, reminiscent of Bertie Bassett liquorice figures. Shame I couldn’t get a photo of all of the costumes, but I was quick to move to the next room before my camera was confiscated. However I have found the other exhibits on the museum’s website.
I’ve also discovered a very old clip of part of the ballet on YouTube. The costume above can be seen at 1 minute 53. You’ll notice the head was actually a head-piece, worn like a wig. The whole thing looked very heavy and cumbersome but is quite gorgeous, don’t you think?
wow, very odd but loving the dress! yay for sneaky photos!!! 🙂
For a minute their I thought I was watching New Order's Blue Monday…
Laura – it is odd isn't it – but yummy at the same time!
Steve – I looked up the video and couldn't see the connection. But I persevered and found New Order's True Faith video which I think may be what you remember (it was a long time ago!)
You photography rebel you! Lol it's a really interesting image thought, the colours and shapes are great to look at. Well done!
LOL @ 'ball gown'.
Great link too- very interesting.
Jenny – I'm normally so well-behaved, honest! We visited another gallery in Madrid which didn't allow photos to be taken at all; it was so much more relaxed just appreciating the art.
Mymumdom – glad you liked it! I didn't even realise what it was I had photographed until I read about it later: it was the crazy design that attracted me.
Hahaha! I love this, I am always trying to sneak little photos in forbidden places! And it's a great shot for 'shapes'. Im envious–Id love to go to Madrid.
I think its dalektable.
That is so interesting. I love looking at exhibits that make you think. 🙂
hehehe nothing like a 'naughty photo' feeling!
Ah wow that is fab – I love ballet and all the costumes they wear, traditional and more "out there" like this one. It does look heavy and cumbersome though doesn't it?
Michelloui – Madrid was a very compact, relaxing city: small enough to wander round and soak up the atmosphere.
Troy – Thank you Doctor!
Cherished by Me – sometimes galleries can all get a bit too much and you feel you're only scanning the work. Good now and again to concentrate on a few pieces and find out more about them.
Kelloggsville – I'm sure I was very red-faced: I'm no good at being naughty really 😉
Nic's Notebook – the designs seemed so wacky and contemporary, hard to believe they were from the 1920s.
What a strange exhibit! Bully for you for getting a snap. What do the museum staff think is going to happen? Miserable lot.
Him up North – I wouldn't have minded if it had been clear but it was so frustrating having to check for the little sign in each room to know if it was a no photo or no flash area! I took this with no flash so wouldn't have caused a problem.
Oh how fabulous is that!
Reina Sofia is my favourite art gallery ever, I spent hours in there!
Thanks for your comment on my picture! 🙂
What a weird and wonderful Gallery post – you can be certain that nobody will have done the same as you! I looked at the rest on the museum website too and really enjoyed it, thank you for such an interesting post. 🙂
I love it! How funky and these colours together look just brilliant.
Wow!