Louis I Kahn

Alexandra Tyng · 10-17-2006, 07:59 PM

Wow, Tom, I'd say that was pretty philosophic--and very nice, too. Yes, it really was a combination of forces that came together to make this event happen. It actually started out with the Estonian architects asking my brother to come over and show his film in conjunction with a modest event they were planning on our father. When they came to Philadelphia to discuss it, we got more and more ideas, and the whole idea grew into what it eventually turned out to be. So in a way we helped make it happen, or at least steered it slightly!

In relation to what you were saying about the portraits of my parents, I really do believe there is a power in portraiture that goes beyond just commissioned work. We artists can probably find lots of ways to use the power of our art over and beyond satisfying our clients. But it's really up to us.

Chris Saper · 10-17-2006, 08:24 PM

Dear Alexandra,

I don't know how to say anything more than the wonderful responses you have already received. I can only say that I am moved to my core.

Every one of your portraits is drenched in content, and that is a goal toward which I strive. Thanks for the inspiration.

Alexandra Tyng · 10-17-2006, 08:54 PM

Chris, thank you so much! I am constantly inspired by your work and the work of others on this forum, so believe me, it is mutual.

Steve Craighead · 10-19-2006, 10:17 PM

Alex,
I like the way you painted your father's head. You stayed away from all the edginess that is so easy to slip into when everything is defined in a photo.
By the way, I grew up in a town where we were fortunate to have one of your father's buildings, the Kimble Art Museum. (Some of the people who attended the last Portrait Society conference in Dallas might have also taken the bus over to Fort Worth to see the portraits at the Kimble Art Museum.) The museum has a nice collection of art, but for me one of the best pieces there is the building itself. With all the restrictions placed upon an architect, its really quite an accomplishment to have the end product feel like a classic, like a part of antiquity and yet at the same time feel so thoroughly modern, even these 35 years since its completion. Its a masterpiece and he should be an inspiration for all of us.

Alexandra Tyng · 10-20-2006, 05:31 PM

Thanks, Steve! I saw the Kimbell Museum once in 1980, but didn't get a chance to go back during the PSA Conference in May. I was trying to pack up my painting and hightail it out of there to catch a flight. It would have been nice to see it again. I remember it very much as you described; it had a big impact on me, too. I think I probably got to know my father through his buildings as much as I did through him personally!

Linda Brandon · 10-21-2006, 01:13 AM

Alexandra, what a moving and interesting story this is, and such a painting! So strongly realized and full of life. My heartfelt congratulations!

Alexandra Tyng · 10-21-2006, 09:25 PM

Thank you, Linda!

I wrote a reply to you earlier but it vanished. Probably due to my pushing the wrong button.

When this painting was about 3/4 of the way along, Linda critiqued it and spotted lots of things I never would have noticed. So, thanks to her, I avoided some wierd tangent things and other undesirables. The "leave no line unbroken" law will get full attention in the portrait I'm working on now.

So thanks again, Linda, for your expert eye.

Clive Fullagar · 10-23-2006, 10:31 AM

Alex,

I recently came across this and think it is a wonderful piece. I really think that great portraits seem to successfully combine form with content. What struck me about the painting was the way that you had used angles to give some very nice perceptual interplays. This manipulation of space is a very "architectural" concept and so appropriate for representing you father.

David Draime · 10-23-2006, 12:11 PM

Alex,

Beautiful job. And what a great experience for you - travelling to Estonia for the presentation.

That face is so ALIVE!

David

Alexandra Tyng · 10-23-2006, 02:39 PM

Speaking of this---

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clive Fullagar

great portraits seem to successfully combine form with content. What struck me about the painting was the way that you had used angles to give some very nice perceptual interplays. This manipulation of space is a very "architectural" concept. . . .

Clive, I am very flattered that you see this in my work because I think you are a master of these things (see my blurb on your portrait).

Thank you!