SONOSPIACENTE

2009-12-10T02:29:00.000-08:00

Fellow artist Erna Kaluza praises, “Virtues of the Soul… is another great painting by the very talented Portuguese artist Oscar Casares. The beautiful likeness of Madonna with the three magnificent white tigers by her side is centered on a nebulous background that seems to hold the mysteries of the universe hidden within. Madonna’s red gown elegantly drapes her slender body, the true sheerness of the material evident only at her legs. It is a vision of beauty, elegance and mystery.”

Size of painting - 260 cm x 180 cm
Materials - Oil on linen canvas
Time table - From November, 2008 to April, 2009
Schedule imposed to finish work - 8 to 16 hours daily
Total labor invested - 2,700 hours

0. Why Madonna?
Besides being the Most Successful Female Artist of All Time, Madonna is able to embrace generations by camouflaging herself in the many personas she interprets; characters with which the world identifies itself. Madonna charismatically externalizes the focal points of human frailty, fighting in a way to break fake moral values, taboos and prejudices -- for example, in the fight against xenophobia, racism, world hunger, deforestation, human rights, an individual’s right to choose, and freedom of expression.
Many question why the youth identify with the way she expresses herself through art. Madonna is a leader par excellence; a pioneer in valuing freedom and success in all manners as much spiritually as socially. Her impulsiveness and self esteem, linked to her thirst for independence evoke in the young a reflection of their own desires and expectations not only of themselves, but also of the world that surrounds them. In a certain way, Madonna assumes the language of those who aspire to see a future free of the diseases that corrupt and destroy the essence of being human. The new generations also identify themselves with the maternal side of the singer: the “mother” who cares for, teaches, corrects and advices, who wants to love and be loved by all, who encourages the discovery of the secret to happiness through reflection by valuing efficiency and perfection. Her advice is to espouse the ambition to know a little of everything and to do everything the best way possible.
“Yes, I want people of all ages to be interested in my music. But only for one reason, no two… The first is that I have very pertinent messages that I want to pass on. If children hear them, it would be fantastic. The second reason is that the more I sell, the more money I make, and the more I can help others.”

“The distinction between the moral and artistic aspects is fundamental, but no less important is the connection between them. Each conditions the other in a profound way. In producing a work, artists express themselves to the point where their work becomes a unique disclosure of their own being, of what they are and how they are. And there are endless examples of this in human history. In shaping a masterpiece, the artist not only summons his work into being, but also in some way reveals his own personality by means of it. For him art offers both a new dimension and an exceptional mode of expression for his spiritual growth. Through his works, the artist speaks to others and communicates with them. The history of art, therefore, is not only a story of works produced but also a story of men and women. Works of art speak of their authors; they enable us to know their inner life, and they reveal the original contribution which artists offer to the history of culture.” – POPE JOHN II

The composition of the painting consists mainly of the following elements:

1. Madonna in the foreground;

2. Three white tigers;

3. Astronomical elements;

4. Undertones of Kabbalah.

1.1. Madonna, dressed in red, is reclining over two tigers, with three quarters of her face showing and gazing slightly to the right. Her mouth suggests movement and the makings of a smile. Her left arm is resting to the side and her right hand is caressing one of the tigers. Her left foot is in the foreground resting on the base and opposite on a slightly higher level.

1.2. The tiger in the foreground and to Madonna’s right is sleeping; the tiger to its immediate right is looking fixedly at the singer; and the third tiger, with its back to the Diva, has its head in profile, showing its right side.

1.1. Surrounding the subjects of the painting are astronomical elements such as the nebula, clouds of dust, hydrogen and plasma.

1.3. On the back of the third tiger there is a sketch of a tree. (see 2.1.4.).

2. Symbolism. Symbolism designates a representative element that is visible to stand for something invisible such as an object, a concept/idea, or a determined quantity or quality. The “symbol” is an essential element in communication found in daily life and in all aspects of human knowledge. Even though there are symbols that are universally understood, there are some that are understood only within a determined group or context (religious, cultural, etc.).

The specific representation of each symbol may result from a natural process or may be stipulated so that the receptor (a person or specific group of people) is able to interpret its meaning and give it the intended connotation. It can also be, more or less, physically related with the object or idea it represents whether it be graphic, three-dimensional, a sound or even a gesture.

An example of this is the convention of the white dove as the universal symbol of peace, the dove of peace and the religious representation as the Holy Spirit.

2.1.1. “Madonna dressed in red”. Red signifies strength, virility, femininity, and dynamism. It is an ardent color, even enervating. It imposes itself without discretion. It is an essentially hot color overflowing with life and excitement. It is also a color that represents Madonna’s faith in Kabbalah.

“Reclining on one of the tigers”. On the one hand Madonna subdues the irrational and on the other becomes entangled with the wildness of nature, affirming herself as a feline leader who continually plans her next ambush. She possesses an exotic, innate talent and a beautiful, gracious and charming appearance. Nevertheless she can be proud, authoritative, and dislike being contradicted. And, despite having a virtuous heart, has a hard time releasing her prey.

“Gazing slightly to the right”. A very charismatic and extroverted person with high artistic and creative potential, Madonna reveals her wishes and concerns with much intensity. However, she needs moments of solitude to reflect and study and has difficulty in showing affection. She may give the impression of being too serious or cold; both of which are not true. She is shy in showing her love for others. She is generous and easily moved.

“Her mouth suggests movement and the makings of a smile”. Madonna has the power of communication. Her voice captivates millions: one of her more energetic traits that attest to her artistic talent.

“Her left arm is resting to the side and her right hand is caressing one of the tigers”. The word arm is used as a synonym for the upper extremity or upper member of the human body, its last part being the hand which is important to human culture as the organ that “holds” power. The large capacity of movement of the hand allowed men to develop ways of communication such as hand signaling which could also be used as a form of defense. Images of the various arms in Hindu gods represent each god’s characteristics: the arms of each deity represent extensions of the god’s inner energy and the objects in its hands represent symbols of their many powers in the celestial order.

“Her left foot is on the foreground resting on the base and opposite on a slightly higher level”. The foot resting on the floor shows that Madonna is, on the one hand, a perfectionist and critical. She can take responsibility too far, and not being able to feel satisfied, constantly criticize herself and her reactions. She is exceptionally well organized and pays attention to the smallest of details. On the other hand, the foot found on a higher level signifies a search for inner knowledge, the constant change of will and style not just personal but professional. Her tireless search of superior inspiration has amazed her public throughout her career.

2.1.2. “The white tigers”. The white tigers are the largest and rarest of all the felines. Their size varies according to their subspecies: the Samatra tigers are the smallest and the Amur tigers the largest. Their fur is creamy white with long, brown stripes; it grows thicker in winter. Their eyes are blue and their nose is pink. These feline are a product of recessive genes where both parents carry the same gene responsible for the clear fur color. They are not albinos.

Tigers are more active at sunset and at night. They hunt by ambush and depend more on their vision and hearing than on their sense of smell. They are loners (except during the mating season) and territorial. Their fur color is not conducive to ambush hunting which relies on camouflage and puts these animals at great risk in the wild to the point of only being able to exist in specially built habitats and under human care.

In Chinese mythology the tiger is considered a yang, masculine and positive element. It is seen as the king of mountain and forest animals and has the power to hunt spirits and ghosts.

“The tiger in the foreground is sleeping”. Lulled by the magnetism and power of Madonna’s vibrant figure, the tiger does not feel frightened by her presence nor does it see her as a predator would. It does feel love for its protector. Madonna is its sentry. A butterfly (see 3.1.) rests on the tiger’s left paw as if having found a safe place to rest. It is the link between soul, inspiration, creation and conception.

“The tiger is looking at Madonna”. The sweetness of the Tiger’s look is almost human, “Whoever looks only at a star in the heavens will forever keep it – Because you will never be mine I have you forever“
“The third tiger is with its back to the Diva”. This tiger is the guardian of this unique artist, entrusted to humanity by its Creator.

The stripes on the tiger’s back suggest an outline of a tree – the Kabbalistic tree (see 2.1.4.). Madonna’s search for Kabbalistic teachings is intrinsic in this symbol.

In the painting the tigers also signify “The Three Graces”, which symbolize the Venus’ accomplices and Eros’ pursuers.

2.1.3. “The universe is codified. Isn’t it incredible that there are laws in the universe and that you can discover them and live your life according to them and, at the same time, you change the world for the better? Isn’t that incredible?”

Astronomy. Astronomy is a science that studies planets, stars, satellites, comets, solar systems, constellations, and nebulae. It is also discovers and names new astros. Astronomy studies the movement of celestial bodies, their composition and distances between them.

Nebulae. Nebulae are clouds made of dust, hydrogen and plasma. They are regions where stars are constantly formed such as the Eagle Nebula. This nebula is found in one of the most beautiful and famous images from NASA, “The Pillars of Creation”. The formation process of stars is extremely violent: remnants are thrust into space in a huge explosion which then form countless planets and planetary systems.

2.1.4. Undertones of Kabbalah. Kabbalah -- (קבלה QBLH) Hebrew for “that which is received” or “oral tradition” -- is not a religion or a cult; it is a body of mystical teachings based on the Torah, the Jewish scriptures. Kabbalah is the attempt to understand God through studying the scriptures, kabbalistic writings, and meditation. Also, by learning and acting in accordance to kabbalistic teachings, its followers believe they will improve their lives and achieve fulfilment for themselves and humanity as a whole. Through good deeds kabbalists can heal themselves and eventually the world.

Like most mystical traditions, Kabbalah has a strong symbology bent. The Sephirothic Tree, a tree composed of ten circles, signifies the thirty-two paths of wisdom. It is also believed to be a graphic representation of how the universe began. A red string bracelet, Hamsa, is worn for protection against the evil eye (preventing misfortune) and to bring good luck and positive energy. It is believed that if one winds a red string seven times around Rachel’s tomb in Israel, it will be endowed with mystical powers.

3. The link between the painting and the mythological symbolism as adopted from Art History.
Throughout time, the painters who marked the History of Art developed themes dominated by mythological symbolism and were influenced, according to Freud’s theories, by dreams of surreal images that reveal our capacity to interpret experiences with the unconscious.
Madonna as portrayed on the canvas is an allusion to Venus and Psyche. In this painting it is easy to see the merging of both these allegoric figures, especially of the latter.

Psyche: Greek word signifying soul. (It is common to find representations of Psyche with butterfly wings).
The myth of Psyche is narrated in the book The Golden Ass by Apuleius who describes her as a beautiful mortal for whom Eros, the god of love, falls in love. She is so beautiful that Venus, goddess of beauty and love and mother of Eros, becomes furious because men stop worshiping her and start worshiping Psyche, a mere mortal.
The goddess orders her son to strike Psyche with one of his arrows thereby forcing her to fall in love with the ugliest being alive. But, contrary to Venus’ desires, Eros ends up falling in love with the young woman after being accidentally pierced by one of his own arrows.
Since Eros falls in love with her, he no longer uses his arrows against her. Time passes on and Psyche still doesn’t fall for anyone; none of her admirers becomes her groom.
Therefore, Venus realizes that she must use more powerful measures. She makes up a story saying that she has lost some of her beauty by tending to Eros’ wound and asks Psyche to go to the Underworld (Hades or Elysian Fields)and ask Persephone for a little of hers. Venus is certain that Psyche will not survive the trip. Once again, the goddess is wrong. Psyche convinces Persephone to fill a small box with her beauty to give to Venus.
On her way to deliver the box to Venus, Psyche begins to think that her beauty has suffered from so many jobs and gives in to temptation. She opens the box only to find it empty except for the infernal sleep that overcomes her.
Eros, who is now cured of his wound, goes to his lover’s rescue. He puts the sleep back in the box, wakes Psyche, and makes her take the box to his mother.
While Psyche is delivering the box to Venus, Eros looks for Zeus and asks to be wed to Psyche. Zeus grants his request and later Psyche becomes immortal.

The union between love and soul – “Psyche” means soul
The butterfly is a symbol of the soul. Just as a butterfly abandons its cocoon to fly away, so is the spirit liberated of the Physical body to gain infinite space. The butterfly also represents rebirth and immortality. In Japan, the butterfly is associated with Woman given its metamorphosis from an egg to a caterpillar to a cocoon in which it transforms into a butterfly; these are similar stages our soul passes to attain enlightenment.

The butterfly symbolizes change. “The power of the butterfly is like the air. It is the ability to know one’s mind and to change it; it is the art of creation, of transformation”.

In the painting, the butterfly represents Madonna and the artist’s creative journey
First stage - when the idea is born but is not yet reality. The egg stage is the conception point of an idea;

Second stage- the larva emerges when we have to make a decision;
Third stage – the cocoon is the development of the project. Work to be done;

Final stage – the transformation: leave the cocoon and fly away. The end project.
The butterfly’s symbolic message is: create, transform, change and have the courage to accept.

God the Creator selects Madonna as the source of the painter’s inspiration. The painter becomes the procreator.
The symbols of the painting are simple. Nevertheless, the allusions to love’s common sense shine through in a composition rich in mystery offering the observer a mixture of tenderness, feeling and energy.
The glowing colors of the fur mix with the whiteness thereby emphasizing the chromatic stimulus of the fabric and the gentle scenery.
Here, Madonna is love, grace and delight; mystifying the marvellous glory of passion in paramount service of her ideal: eternal youth, beauty and spirituality.

4. Spiritual interpretation of the painting:
The body of the main character poses with grace and elegance. The charm she emanates is highly captivating without being common.
Throughout her life Madonna has enjoyed moving up socially. Her success and the multitude of people who succumb to her charms remain unstoppable. Her magnetism is not only obvious, but it is also refined. Her seemingly unperturbed style is the result of having achieved Iconic status as a singer and in other media.
She is represented in a timeless yet sensual manner, without carnal pretensions, in keeping with her artistic character in which she revolutionizes common dress codes.
This painting emphasizes Madonna’s more human, but less publicized, side. We are used to being spell bound by her eccentricities; however, here, she radiates beauty.

5. Category and Technical details :
This painting can be classified as Fantastic Art. Fantasy has been an integral part of art since its beginnings but was especially important for Mannerism, Romanticism, Symbolism, and Surrealism. Fantastic Art celebrates fantasy, imagination, the world of dreams, the grotesque, visions, etc. Within symbolism, the themes can be divided into mythology, the occult and mysticism. In French this genre is called "le fantastique"; in English it is sometimes referred to as Visionary Art, Grotesque Art or Mannerism.
In the largeness of the painting, the movement of the figures stands out as well as the combination of colors, the symbolic vision and the interaction between the figures and the observer -- these characteristics will be developed along the pictorial process.
To place the figures within the space of the canvas, I opted for a horizontal structure aided by a view from below.

The distribution of all the elements is balanced by the play of color and light so as to enhance the main figure.

The painting was developed with careful detail: the chromatics and minutia of the textures (fur, fabric, representation of the epidermis, etc.), the elements represented, and the colorful and luminous environment. All these highlight the main figure. This is the nucleus of only one story composed by an abundance of symbolism.

It is difficult to take in the painting as whole that is why one is easily attracted to Madonna’s physiognomy.
For the allocation of colors, I used Rubens and Veronese oils though the following tones were studied and particularly chosen for the work in question: the whites, golds, the red, pink and carmine tonalities, the violets and shaded tones.
The painting and its composition are absolutely original and not reproductions from photographs.

Size of painting - 260 cm x 180 cm;
Materials – Oil on linen canvas;
Time table - From November, 2008 to the end of April, 2009;
Schedule imposed to finish work - 8 to 16 hours daily;
Total labor invested: 2,700 hours
Proposal/Purpose of work (presentation):
a)Biennale Internazionale Dell’Arte Contemporanea, Florence, 2009
b) A percentage of the sale/auction of this painting will go to a registered 501 c3 non-profit organization.

C) Private collection.

“The painting that I present is an appeal to the art that intervenes in social life, freedom, imagination, fantasy, discovery and dreaming. I’m not interested in obeying any one rule or trend. My simple defense and consideration is that artistic creation ends up modifying, surpassing and improving them.” O.C.

2. The following Works of Art and respective Authors were studied (in chronologic order):
• Vase of green steatite carved for King Gudea of Lagash circa 2025 B.C.;
• Venus in her Sea Shell. Before 79 B.C. – House of Venus, Pompeii;
• “Africa” - Early 4th century C.E. Floor mosaic in the Roman Vilha at Piazza Armerina, Sicily (86);
• “Adam and Eve” – Early Christian art – 4th century A.D.;
• “The Fall of Man” – Hugo van der Goes – 1470;
• “Portrait of Cecilia Gallerani” or “Lady with an Ermine” – Leonardo da Vinci – 1485;
• “Venus of Urbino” – Titian - 1538;
• Mercury and Psyche – Bronze by Adriaen de Vries – 1593;
• “Death of Cleopatra” – Jean – Baptiste Regnault – 1796/97;
• “Madame Récamier” – Jacques – Louis David – 1800;
• “Cupid and Psyche” – Jacques – Louis David – 1817;
• “Mars Disarmed by Venus and the Three Graces” – Jacques – Louis David – 1822 /24;
• “Olympia” – Eduard Monet – 1832/83;
• “The Loss of Virginity” or “Spring of Awakening” – Paul Gauguin – 1890/91;
• “The abduction of Psyche” – William Adolphe Bouguereau - 1895;
• “The Sphinx” or “The Caresses” – Fernand Khnopff – 1896;
• “Sleeping Venus” – Paul Delvaux – 1897;
• “The Sleeping Gypsy” – Henri Rousseau – 1897;
• “The Birth of the Tear” – Edgar Ende – 1947.
Bibliography and Sources of Inspiration:
• Encyclical Letter “Pacem In Terris”: Pope John XXIII - 1963;
• Letter to Artists: pope John Paul II - 1999;
• “Book of Hindu Imagery”: The Gods & Their Symbols by Jansen, Eva – 1993;
• “David” – Luc de Nanteuil;
• Dateline Program;
• “Earthborn Wisdom” Understanding Symbology Of The Everyday World by Wells, Susan;
• Interviewing Minsane – Madonna’s Astrologist;
• “Great Paintings of the Western World” – Gallup Gruitrooy and Weisberg;
• www.madonna.com
• Madonna/”Ray of Light” – Maverick/Warner Bros.;
• Madonna/ “I’m Going to Tell You a Secret” - Warner Bros.;
• Madonna/”The Confessions Tour” – Eric Broms/Jamie King;
• NASA;
• “World Art Treasures” – Geoffrey Hindley/Norman Reid;
• “Painting from A to Z /A History of Painting from Prehistoric Times to the Present day”;
• “Paths of Wisdom” - A Guide to the Magical Cabala by John Michael Greer;
• Texts developed by the Lisbon Zoo;
• “The Fountain” – Darren Aronofsky - 2006;
• “Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia”

Madonna as never seen before.

2009-12-01T01:47:00.000-08:00

Elegantly reclining on a white tiger as the other two rest next to her, subdued by her presence. Madonna dominates Oscar Casares’ portrait “Virtues of the Soul as Eclipsed by the Diva Madonna” which will be exhibited at this year’s Biennale Internazionale D’Arte Contemporanea Di Firenze (Florence, Italy) December 5-13.

Casares has dedicated heart and soul to this painting, a tribute to the pop stars’ 25 years in the entertainment business. From the moment he was invited by the Florence Biennale to participate in the exhibition, Casares worked exclusively on the 260 x 180 cm portrait – some 2,700 hours of labour. This meant that he forwent various commissioned works in order to give his best to the composition of the painting thus exemplifying the ideal artist who’d rather be broke and true to his art than well off and mediocre.

Fellow artist Erna Kaluza praises, “Virtues of the Soul… is another great painting by the very talented Portuguese artist Oscar Casares. The beautiful likeness of Madonna with the three magnificent white tigers by her side is centered on a nebulous background that seems to hold the mysteries of the universe hidden within. Madonna’s red gown elegantly drapes her slender body, the true sheerness of the material evident only at her legs. It is a vision of beauty, elegance and mystery.”

The painting does hold some mysteries: Kabbalistic symbols that honor Madonna’s faith. The red dress and the Kabbalistic tree on one of the tigers are just two. There are more for the viewer to discover.

Casares expects to sell the painting and pledges 25% of the profit to a non-governmental organization that works with impoverished children. At the moment he is looking at different organizations in order to pick the one that best fits his criteria. This being said, Casares hopes that the profit margin will be large enough to make a difference to the NGO he selects.

31-year-old Casares has been painting professionally since he was 13. His paintings are in exhibition all over the world and include portraits of Pope John Paul II and Nicole Kidman. Kidman’s portrait is in her possession. Casares is also a talented costume and fashion designer and has designed for theatre, stage and film.

At the Florence Biennale Casares will be representing not only Portugal but also Icon.Madonna, the internet site for hard core Madonna fans.

Sad al Bari

2009-11-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

"Sa'd al Bari" was the name chosen to title the video clip dedicated to Madonna and Oscar's artwork that will be presented at the Biennale of Contemporary Art in Florence 2009.

Oscar and the producer Non Sine Invidia were thrilled with the creativity of their friends on Icon Madonna.

Casares received more than one hundred proposals and we're grateful for the extraordinary commitment of Icon Madonna members. So, we're pleased to inform that "Sa'd al Bari" was idea of shy4heaven aka Daniel Burk.

Daniel explained: "It is a star in the constellation Pegasus and is Arab for - Lucky star of the splendid one"

Thank you all for your dedication and congratulations to Daniel.

Oscar Casares Update

2009-10-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

Oscar will arrive in Florence in the early afternoon of the 4th of December; on the 5th he will visit at 3:00 p.m the Florence Biennale where will be exposed his work of art that pays tribute to Madonna.

The well-known Replycant / Non Sine Invidia will produce the video clip "Madonna" by Oscar Casares

2009-10-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Non Sine Invidia and Dream Metaphor with production of Replycant were joined Oscar Casares to create an exclusive video clip dedicated to Madonna and the painter’s artwork that will be presented at the Biennial of Contemporary Art in Florence.

Opinions of Oscar's friends on Icon Madonna

2009-10-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Oscar Casares - Astrological Profile

2009-08-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

Click on photo to read full profile

DOB: December 8 - Sagitarius
Oscar Casares has a natural ability as a counselor and healer. He is an excellent listener, compassionate and understanding. Oscar is able both to sympathize and empathize with a person's dilemma. His challenge as a counselor is to be adequately educated so that he can do more than provide a sympathetic ear or shoulder. Oscar is generous and very forgiving. He is patient, warm, and sympathetic, sometimes to the point of sentimentality. He has a remarkable intuition and derives sensual gratification from engaging in social interaction, by loving all social aspects of life...

Oscar Casares - Writer of Dreams

2009-08-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

Besides painting and work as costume designer, Oscar also enjoys writing: Research based on symbols, history of art and artistic techniques; scripts giving life to characters who inhabit the imaginary and history - Ex: "The Fairies", 1999 our in 2001 “In Memory of Women of the Royal House of Braganza”; books that approach the art to children, such as "Diary of One Dream", 2005; fantasy stories which subsequently have been adapted to plays - "The Orn Prince/The Three Insignias", 2006; detailed reflexion defense of his paintings:"Slve Regina" and "VIRTUES OF THE SOUL AS ECLIPSED BY THE DIVA MADONNA" are some of the latest examples.

Madonna source of inspiration

2009-08-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

In the paintig, Madonna is love, grace and delight; she is mystifying the marvellous glory of passion in paramount service of her ideal: eternal youth, beauty and spirituality.

God the Creator selects Madonna as the source of the painter’s inspiration. The painter becomes the procreator.

Erna Kaluza said: “VIRTUES OF THE SOUL AS ECLIPSED BY THE DIVA MADONNA is another great painting by the very talented Portugese artist Oscar Casares..."

Non-profit organization

2009-08-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

A percentage of the sale/auction of this painting will go to support a registered non-profit organization.

The paintig will be put on sale either directly or by auction.

Oscar has always believed in giving back to society. In the past he has contributed monies from his artwork to charitable organizations. He choose the organization based on the theme of the work.

Madonna as portrayed on the canvas is an allusion to Venus and Psyche

2009-08-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

Throughout time, the painters who marked the History of Art developed themes dominated by mythological symbolism and were influenced, according to Freud’s theories, by dreams of surreal images that reveal our capacity to interpret experiences with the unconscious.

Madonna as portrayed on the canvas is an allusion to Venus and Psyche. In this painting it is easy to see the merging of both these allegoric figures, especially of the latter. Psyche: Greek word signifying soul.

Oscar Casares Astronomy and Kabbalah

2009-08-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

Oscar Casares enriches his inspiration studying Astronomy and Kabbalah to understand Madonna's Spirituality.

Astronomy is a science that studies planets, stars, satellites, comets, solar systems, constellations, and nebulae. It also discovers and names new astros. Astronomy studies the movement of celestial bodies, their composition and distances between them.Undertones of Kabbalah. Kabbalah -- (קבלה QBLH) Hebrew for “that which is received” or “oral tradition” -- is not a religion or a cult; it is a body of mystical teachings based on the Torah, the Jewish scriptures. Kabbalah is an attempt to understand God through studying the scriptures, kabbalistic writings, and meditation. Also, by learning and acting in accordance to kabbalistic teachings, its followers believe they will improve their lives and achieve fulfilment for themselves and humanity as a whole. Through good deeds kabbalists can heal themselves and eventually the world.Like most mystical traditions, Kabbalah has a strong symbology leaning. The Sephirothic Tree, a tree composed of ten circles, signifies the thirty-two paths of wisdom. It is also believed to be a graphic representation of how the universe began. A red string bracelet, Hamsa, is worn for protection against the evil eye to prevent misfortune and to bring good luck and positive energy. It is believed that if one winds a red string seven times around Rachel’s tomb in Israel, it will be endowed with mystical powers.

Oscar Casares Distinctions

2009-08-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

His Holiness Pope John Paul II
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
HH. RR. Highness' Princes of Portugal and Dukes of Braganza
Monsignor Canon Eduardo Melo
European Community
European Heritage Days
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Actress Nicole Kidman
Pepa Carrillo -Association of Textile Creators in Madrid
Erna Kaluza - Paramount Studio in New York

Oscar Casares "The Sower of Stars"

2009-08-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

Oscar Casares is called "The Sower of Stars"
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Fan comments 1 2
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Madonna painted by Oscar Casares - A Global Phenomenon

2009-08-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Around the world are talking about Madonna painted by Oscar Casares for the Florence Biennale:

Australia, Africa, Brazil, China, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, USA, UK...

New detail of the painting "Madonna" by Oscar Casares for the Florece Biennale 2009

2009-08-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

VIRTUES OF THE SOUL AS ECLIPSED BY THE DIVA MADONNA (detail)

"The sweetness of the tiger’s look is almost human, “Whoever looks only at a star in the heavens will forever keep it - Because you will never be mine I have you forever."

Óscar Casares leva Madonna a Florença

2009-04-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

J.N. PEDRO VILA CHÃ

"Quero mostrar-vos a alma por trás da realidade." A proposta é do pintor Óscar Casares, que volta à ribalta com um quadro da cantora pop Madonna, a apresentar na Bienal Internacional de Arte Contemporânea de Florença, de 5 a 13 de Dezembro. O artista plástico bracarense foi o único português convidado pelo comité internacional da bienal, em Setembro de 2008. Madonna foi-se mantendo a par do processo artístico e logístico da obra (com 260 centímetros por 180), sendo premissa do autor que a pintura que apresenta é "um apelo para a arte que intervém na vida social, na liberdade, na imaginação, na fantasia, na descoberta e no sonho". O processo criativo é descrito por Óscar como um ovo que se transforma em larva e, depois, em borboleta e voa. O processo como criação, transformação e mudança. Tendo a capacidade para aceitar essa transformação. Óscar já havia experimentado a recriação de divas da actualidade com a pintura de Nicole Kidman, uma obra que teve o melhor acolhimento internacional, após um rocambolesco processo de transporte até à Austrália, com desvios de itinerário até chegar à posse da actriz que, ante a obra, rendeu-se à fidelidade da recriação. Essa percepção foi transversal aos críticos de arte, com as referências ao artista a dispararem exponencialmente nos sítios da net que se dedicam a estas questões, como o "artbreak". Madonna vestida de vermelho, para incarnar a virilidade, feminismo e dinamismo, pelo calor que a cor encerra, impondo-se na vida e na excitação. Mas essa é, também, a cor que representa a fé de Madonna na Kabbalah. "A pintura apresenta uma Madonna com a natureza selvagem, afirmando-se ela própria como uma líder felina que continuamente planeia a sua próxima emboscada. Ela possui um exótico e inato talento e uma beleza graciosa com aparência charmosa. Em tempo algum ela será orgulhosa, autoritária e desagrada-lhe ser contrariada", descreve Óscar Casares, no catálogo que acompanha a obra. Madonna, segundo Óscar, caracteriza-se como extrovertida e uma pessoa com elevado potencial artístico e criativo que revela os seus desejos e preocupações com muita intensidade. Mas o pintor foi mais longe, retratando o lado em que a artista se recolhe na solidão reflexiva e estudo, onde ganha espaço a dificuldade em manifestar afectos. Onde transmite a impressão de demasiada seriedade e frieza, mas que são falaciosos. "Ela tem vergonha em demonstrar amor pelos outros", resume. A sedução de Óscar assenta no "poder de comunicação de Madonna. A sua voz cativa milhões".

Madonna will be presented by Oscar Casares in the Florence Biennale

2009-04-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

Madonna will be presented by Oscar Casares in the Florence Biennale - On the cover of the catalog can be observed a small detail of the painting.

The catalogue that was written by Oscar Casares to accompany the painting is a descriptive memory and research of the artwork where all of the creative, artistic and production processes is explained. The catalogue is already registered and protected by copy right.

Madonna was kept informed throughout the artistic and logistic process of Oscar´s work for the biennale.

Oscar Casares convidado para a 7ª Bienal de Florença (Itália)

2009-04-25T08:16:00.001-07:00

Oscar Casares caiu no goto dos críticos de arte internacionais e convenceu a organização da Bienal de Arte Contemporânea de Florença, em Itália, que o convidou para marcar presença no certame, a realizar de 5 a 13 de Dezembro de 2009.
O pintor bracarense assumiu algum protagonismo aquando da instalação de um conjunto de painéis no templo do Sameiro, em Braga. A saga em torno do desaparecimento do quadro que Oscar Casares enviou a Nicole Kidman foi o culminar de um "annus horribilis" que começou a inverter a tendência com a entrega da obra à actriz. Recentemente, Nicole escreveu a Oscar Casares, agradecendo e elogiando a obra.
Agora, Oscar dispõe de 40 dias para responder ao convite da organização da Bienal de Florença, condição que depende da angariação de patrocinadores, enquanto tem que desenvolver as obras a apresentar, cujas regras da bienal impõem que tenham sido realizadas nos últimos cinco anos.
"Tenho estado a produzir para encomendas. Terei que fazer e completar obras novas. Ser convidado já é uma projecção, tratando-se da feira que é o centro de tudo em termos de arte", afiança Oscar Casares, impelido por uma força que o levou a desenvolver estudos, nos últimos tempos, para alcançar novos patamares.
"Lancei-me no desafio de colocar o meu trabalho a ser sujeito à avaliação na internet e o resultado da avaliação de pessoas que não me conhecem está à vista", aponta o pintor, numa alusão a críticas recentes em que, inclusive, chegaram a ser questionadas as influências da pintura de Óscar. "Quem define a obra é quem a observa. A inspiração não é algo que se possa definir. Será uma fusão do abstracto com a linha urbana, mas também não tenho que ser obrigatoriamente retratista".
E essa exposição para avaliação colectiva acontece no site de arte "artbreak" in All Art , que, na página dedicada aos quadros mais apreciados, regista a rendição sem fronteiras à qualidade da obra do pintor bracarense, onde os mais de 400 votos, conferidos por apreciadores de arte ao quadro de Nicole Kidman, asseguram uma liderança confortável entre todos os pintores propostos a análise. Mas Oscar inscreve mais uns quantos outros quadros entre os mais votados, figurando também o "polémico" painel exposto no Sameiro.
O convite da Bienal de Florença é um exemplo da aposta em alargar o objectivo da mostra que, desde 2001, integra o programa "diálogo entre culturas", das Nações Unidas. É objectivo primeiro reunir o máximo de artistas e nações. Estarão em Florença mais de 800 artistas de cerca de 80 países.
J.N - PEDRO VILA-CHÃ

Obra de Nicole Kidman desaparecida

2007-11-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

Retrato de Nicole Kidman pintado por Oscar Casares desaparece a caminho de Austrália

2007-10-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

No passado dia 10 de Setembro, enviei para Austrália uma obra de Arte destinada a NICOLE KIDMAN à atenção de ARTUR PAES MOREIRA o meu representante que contactou o pai da actriz no sentido de efectuar pessoalmente a entrega da obra de arte.

Diariamente tenho contactado telefonicamente os serviços dos CTT Expresso, onde me informaram que a encomenda foi expedida de Lisboa e de Manchester para umas ilhas perto de Austrália, cujo nome não proferiram. A partir daí não sabem qual o paradeiro da obra de arte.

Como compreenderão, este assunto está a causar-me para além do desgaste, danos financeiros, profissionais e morais, para além de me sentir enganado pelos serviços dos CTT, pois no registo (EMS internacional), junto á descrição do envio consta uma frase acrescentada por um funcionário dos CTT, que diz: ”Segue a risco do expedidor”. Nota esta, que foi acrescentada após ter assinado, pois só dei conta da sua existência dias depois, quando necessitei do comprovativo para executar uma pesquisa no site dos CTT. Sabiam a priori que o assunto era urgente e confidencial.

Telefonei para a directora dos serviços dos CTT em Maximinos – Braga, com 8 dias de antecedência e expliquei-lhe quais as medidas do objecto (180cmx140cm) e para quem se destinava, onde me respondeu que não haveria problema. Segui com os preparativos e apresentei a encomenda no dia 10 de Setembro, o que se poderá confirmar no comprovativo.

Devido ao invólucro, as medidas ficaram alteradas em 20cm, mesmo assim expediram-no alegando que com muita sorte, o nome da destinatária poderia “abrir portas”.

Como senti firmeza por parte dos CTT e também porque o assunto é urgente, confiei e deixei expedir.

A pessoa encarregada pela recepção da obra na Austrália Artur Moreira falou com o responsável dos Correios Australianos. Este assegura que mesmo que a encomenda fosse para uma pessoa importante, ela teria que ser colocada no sistema de entrada na Austrália e tal não aconteceu.

Tenho conhecimento pela alfândega portuguesa, que a obra de arte foi expedida no voo KL 1692, expedição nº 77, saco nº1.Segundo Artur “Esse voo parte todos os dias de Lisboa para Amesterdão. E’ um voo diário da KLM (linhas aéreas Holandesas) que parte às 7 da manha.

Sabemos que a KLM e’ uma das maiores empresas de transporte de carga por avião do mundo.
Possivelmente o quadro teria ido Lisboa - Amesterdão e depois Amesterdão para Singapura ou Kuala Lumpur e dai para a Austrália. Como o EMS mostra saída de Lisboa mas não entrada na Holanda, ou o quadro se extraviou ao chegar ’a Holanda ou alguém desviou o quadro em Lisboa depois da sua entrada ter sido registada no sistema da EMS.” Segunda-feira tenciona informar-se no sentido de efectuar queixa pelo facto de não ter recebido a pintura.

É muito estranho, que uma encomenda de particulares dimensões (200cmx160cm) e outra documentação independente enviada por correio verde, embora destinada para a mesma morada, desapareça sem deixar rasto!

Como o período de espera já é longo, mais de 20 dias, e porque os CTT Expresso estão constantemente a pedir tempo para investigar, dei conhecimento de todo este processo à DECO, ao Provedor dos CTT e ao Ministério da Cultura, pois os prazos garantidos segundo regras do correio EMS, já foram mais que ultrapassados e este impasse está a tornar-se num obstrução para a Policia poder actuar. É como se a obra de um museu desaparecesse ou fosse furtada e só passados mais de 20 dias fosse accionado o alarme...!

Que fique desde já bem claro e sublinho, que não quero qualquer indemnização mas sim, exijo que a pintura seja entregue ao destinatário devidamente apresentada e absolutamente intacta, ou terei que remeter o assunto ao meu advogado e proceder à activação de todos os processos legais incluindo imprensa.

O processo foi entregue ao meu Advogado

Estou a tratar do assunto junto da Polícia embora esta não possa fazer nada enquanto os CTT não assumirem oficialmente o extravio. Atitude estranha perante factos bem evidentes.

Quero expressar, que nutro pelos serviços CTT o maior respeito e que pretendo somente que esta mal fadada situação seja resolvida com urgência e sem danos para ambas as partes.

A obra trata-se de uma pintura figurativo-simbólica, óleo sobre tela - 200cm x 150cm, onde expressa a inspiradora alegoria de todo o processo criativo do autor - A Mulher. Trajando um vestido de organza de seda em tons de rosa, sugerido a indumentária da mítica Ginger Rogers, a figura feminina está adornada por um bracelete de diamantes. As personagens andróginas que envolvem a figura central expressam a veneração pela mulher inspirativa e detentora de uma beleza que toca o sobre-humano. Toda a cena está envolvida por um ambiente gótico - primaveril, acentuado pelo sfumato dos tons.

Sua Santidade O Papa Bento XVI tece louvores a Oscar Casares

2007-08-16T13:21:00.001-07:00

Mons. Gabriele Caccia, por Sua Santidade O Papa Bento XVI quando tomou conhecimento do Painel "Salve Regina" e do percurso do artista:

"Com a expressão de vivo reconhecimento pela amabilidade havida, Sua Santidade o Papa Brnto XVI implora a abundância das graças divinas sobre os seus passos de bem-fazer para que sejam coroados de êxito sob a protecção da Virgem Mãe."

Vaticano, 18 de Julho de 2007

www.oscar-casares.com

2007-07-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

www.oscar-casares.com
Já Disponível

A CULTURA DE PAZ

2007-06-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

A Cultura de Paz é a Paz em ação; é o respeito aos direitos humanos nodia-a-dia; é um poder gerado por um triângulo interativo de paz, desenvolvimento e democracia. Enquanto cultura de vida trata-se detornar diferentes indivíduos capazes de viverem juntos, de criarem um novo sentido de compartilhar, ouvir e zelar uns pelos outros, e deassumir responsabilidade pela sua participação numa sociedade democrática que luta contra a pobreza e a exclusão; ao mesmo tempoem que garante igualdade política, equidade social e diversidade cultural.
Cinquenta anos após a fundação da UNESCO, a Cultura de Paz ressalta eajuda as pessoas pelo mundo fora a viverem em concordância com ospróprios princípios que inspiraram a criação da Organização. A UNESCO tem uma grande variedade de tarefas, mas apenas uma missão — construir a paz. "O propósito da Organização é contribuir para a paz e a segurança, promovendo cooperação entre as nações por meio da educação, da ciênciae da cultura, visando a favorecer o respeito universal à justiça, ao estado dedireito e aos direitos humanos e Liberdades fundamentais afirmados aospovos do mundo, sem distinção de raça, sexo, idioma ou religião." Artigo 1do Ato Constitutivo da UNESCO.
A Cultura de Paz, que se tornou realidade em Yamoussoukro, Costa doMarfim, em 1989, foi adotada como Programa da Organização em 1995, e está a caminho de se tornar um movimento mundial. O seu objetivo é deassegurar a transição da cultura de guerra, de violência, de imposição e de discriminação à cultura da não-violência, do diálogo, da tolerância e da solidariedade. Indivíduos, instituições e estados já estão tomando parte nessemovimento. Um grande número de parceiros — incluindo grupos de mulheres, grupos de jovens, professores, prefeitos, membros de parlamento, forçasamadas e a mídia, jornalistas, figuras religiosas, representantes de povosindígenas, artistas etc. – já empreenderam importantes projetos.
Em 1997, a Assembléia Geral das Nações Unidas proclamou o ano 2000 o Ano Internacional da Cultura de Paz, e em 1998 declarou o período 2001-2010 a "Década Internacional da Cultura de Paz e Não-Violência para as Crianças doMundo". O Manifesto 2000 por uma Cultura de Paz e Não-Violência, projetadopelos ganhadores do Prêmio Nobel da Paz, tornou-se público em 4 de Março, um evento que marcou o início de uma campanha de conscientização públicamundial para promover os objetivos do Ano Internacional da Cultura de Paz.

UNESCO Cultura de Paz

2007-06-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

A fundadora da Fundação Palas Athena, Lia Diskin, foi homenageada, na área de Ciências Humanas e Sociais, como destaque em Direitos Humanos e Cultura de Paz. "A Década de paz cataliza o sentimento coletivo e pessoal de cada um de se comprometer com a Cultura de Paz e amplia a capacidade de resgatar valores. Cada época sonha a seguinte e, ao sonhá-la, a faz despertar”, disse.

OSCAR CASARES OCUPARÁ O TEMPO DE FÉRIAS A APOIAR CRIANÇAS DESPROTEGIDAS...

2007-06-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

O artista tem promovido periodicamente iniciativas dedicadas ás crianças, principalmente ás mais desprotegidas…
Desta vez, Oscar Casares amplia a visão muito para além das fronteiras nacionais estando, para muito breve, prevista uma visita a África.

Nicole Kidman -you're beautiful

2007-06-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Em Julho Oscar Casares e a sua obra, estarão ainda mais perto de si

2007-06-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

www.oscar-casares.com

Em Julho Oscar Casares e a sua obra, estarão ainda mais perto de si

2007-06-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

www.oscar-casares.com

O poder do abraço

2007-06-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

2007-06-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

2007-06-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.raisingmalawi.org/

2007-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00