M. C. ESCHER EXHIBITION

 





      Whilst many of these prints are familiar, the exhibition also has some exhibits inspired by Escher. He became hugely popular among the counterculture, influencing psychedelic artists, designers and musicians.
     Pink Floyd's Ummagumma album cover is a particularly good example. It uses Escher-like recursion - the same image appearing within itself - and it feels very much in the spirit of Escher's fascination with infinity and self-reference. Whether or not the designers were consciously referencing a specific Escher work, the connection is unmistakable.

     There is absolutely no debate about Escher's influence on Mott the Hoople's 1969 debut album cover, as it is a colourised reproduction of his 1943 lithograph Reptiles, for which Escher is credited.
     Before Mott the Hoople used Reptiles, Mick Jagger wrote to M. C. Escher asking whether he would create, or allow the use of, artwork for a forthcoming Rolling Stones album. Escher politely declined. Legend has it he was unimpressed that Jagger addressed him as "Dear Maurits" rather than more formally.
     
     Escher himself was not especially famous in the early part of his career. He was admired by mathematicians and fellow artists, but his major popular breakthrough came in the 1950s and 60s, helped by exhibitions in the US and articles in scientific and popular magazines. By the late 1960s he had become something of a counterculture icon. Students pinned posters of his work on their walls, while musicians and designers borrowed his visual language.
     
      Even Ikea got in on the act. These ads, inspired by Escher, reminded customers to read the self-assembly instructions before enthusiastically wading in with the Allen key.
 


Also at Somerset House (until August 9): Holy Pop!

     An exhibition celebrating the world of modern shrines - the objects and collections through which we honour heroes, celebrities, and cult icons.

     Some of the exhibits were quite touching; others rather mawkish. It's free, though, so you can make up your own mind.


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