The “Tempietto”, in San Pietro in Montorio. Italy
This small piece, in dimensions, of architecture designed by Donato Bramante in the XVI century is considered one of the most beautiful and perfect buildings in occidental history. Besides looking at it you need to experience it in order to apprehend its full dimension.
Greeks and Renaissance architects gave huge importance to proportions, proportions determined by nature and by the body of the human being. The orders and all the elements attached to them were shaped and designed taking those rules into account. This is why, I think, classic architecture is still so attractive after so many styles, movements and trends have shaped our cities.
The Tempietto condense everything that is or should be important in a building: proportion, fit for purpose, beauty, well built, harmonious. What makes this jewel a master piece is that all those conditions can be found there.
Black on Maroon, 1959. Tate Britain’s collection
Mark Rothko is one of the most important artists of the XX century. I chose this piece for expressing my interest in art for many reasons: the use of colour, how an atmosphere has been created thanks to the way the paint has been applied; it is thanks to this atmosphere that a dimensional portal is being opened.. it is this transcendence, regardless the use of forms and materials, that tells us about the importance of art.
It is when we can dwell in those “spaces” that we, spectators, can feel immense joy, have moments of reflection, contemplation, be in tune with that part of us that is connected to the universe.
Art cannot be underestimated because it expresses itself many times through beauty, more importantly art is vital because it relates in one way or another to harmony which is a condition on which life in our planet relies on.
