David Jones, artist and poet (1895-1974) begins his PREFACE TO THE ANATHEMATA :

'I have made a heap of all that I could find.' (1) So wrote Nennius, or whoever composed the introductory matter to Historia Brittonum. He speaks of an 'inward wound' which was caused by the fear that certain things dear to him 'should be like smoke dissipated'. Further, he says, 'not trusting my own learning, which is none at all, but partly from writings and monuments of the ancient inhabitants of Britain, partly from the annals of the Romans and the chronicles of the sacred fathers, Isidore, Hieronymous, Prosper, Eusebius and from the histories of the Scots and Saxons although our enemies . . . I have lispingly put together this . . . about past transactions, that [this material] might not be trodden under foot'. (2)

(1) The actual words are coacervavi omne quod inveni, and occur in Prologue 2 to the Historia.
(2) Quoted from the translation of Prologue 1. See The Works of Gildas and Nennius, J.A.Giles, London 1841.


29 June 2010

Medusa at large : LADY HA HA

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Medusa has long been of interest to the bLOGOS/HA HA team. How could she not be : someone whose appearance turns to stone anyone who looks at her.


Medusa, by Caravaggio, 1595

On a recent visit to Ballarat bL heard of a Medusa-like version of The Fame Monster Lady Gaga on show in a hairdresser's shopfront window. With no mirror at hand, nor mirror-camera for a glimpse, bL left any confirmation of this until another time.

The next opportunity came when accompanying C to Outpatients Oncology. There too, on the Waiting Room wall, another Medusan was already fixing the fear : Lady Cigie.


From Oncology to downtown Ballarat and the latest incarnation of Medusa's frightful apparition: LADY HA HA. She, by another name, whose serpent mane strikes a venom of mind into the first glance of anyone who dares it. (Perseus knew the trick : observe her reflection only. Today therefore my ancient mirror-camera SLR is recommissioned for the purpose.) Those so struck will never know their striker. Fixed thus in the poison of ignorance, they will apprehend only a writhing projection of negative images.

2010.06.15_LADY HA HA_400
detail
A Person Looks At A Work Of Art/
someone looks at something ...

LOGOS/HA HA