Azulejos

Le Carre Hermes > Printemps - Ete 1995

The azulejo is a ceramic tile which was used in the decoration of mosques throughout Spain and Portugal in the Middle Ages, becoming a ubiquitous feature of Church and Palace facades. Gradually, this particular design disappeared, to be replaced by an allegorical or religious device, and later on a genre scene. The harbour view is a typical 18th century theme, nevermind the lack of documentary detail. The waters of the imagination provide an adequate cradle for our dreams.

Le Carre Hermes > Automne-Hiver 1992/93

The tiles that embellished the facades of Arabic mosques reached Spain in the 14th century, then Portugal, and soon were used extensively to ornament houses, churches and palaces. Generic scenes soon predominated, notably views of ports, in tones influenced by Chinese porcelain and delft faience. Our 20th century imagination voluntarily embarks on voyages within these seascapes, where the sails are filled with the genious of the ceramists.