Page 17 - Genius

artist not because of the knowledge
reaped, but because of the manner
in which he applies both past and
present information. Continuously and
joyfully tapping into all the resources
he possesses, Pla rearranges the
fragments of his experience, chirping,
whistling, moving back a few steps, to
better gauge the effect it produces on
both eye and emotion. His spheres, for
example, like ever-changing planets
bounce into existence. An infinite
collection, yet every single one bears
the mark of Pla´s ardent intuition and
profound sense of aesthetics.
Take “global ref lec tions”, the
nickel-plated sphere, presented on
the occasion of the Third beijing
International Art biennale. And
gleefully entangled, the Olympic
games, held at the same time: play in
all its manifestations. In keeping with
his ingenious disposition, Pla accepts
the challenge: the delicately indented
polished metal, alight yet tranquil,
becomes the ultimate metaphor. Any
face reflected in it, fuses into that of
our neighbor´s. And there is more:
the slender yet vigorous fountain in
the Argentine province of Neuquén,
bordering the condor-clad peaks of the
Andes. Atop the “Centenary Fountain”,
three spheres, three balls tossed by
children and suspended in mid-air.
Once again, complexity through play:
embodying native and immigrant
cultures, the spheres rest on a steel
ribbon, reminiscent of a serpentine
Moebius strip, which in turn symbolizes
the vibrant heartbeat of the Patagonian
region.
Perhaps Eduardo Pla, in his charming
modesty, is not aware of the far-
reaching consequence s of his
creations; of the way in which his
inventions radiate synthesis and
beauty and forcefulness. To him,
chuckling while enjoying the process
is all that matters. And if you happen
to find a stray giraffe on the streets, do
take it to Pla: together they will share
endless conversations.

"laughing in all Earnestness" by
Christine Castro gache
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