Lost in Translation
Looking for meanings in words, images and sounds
Black & White Sunday: Inspiration
When in 1972 Ivan Kozaric, a renowned Croatian sculptor, placed a sculpture of A.G. Matos, our celebrated poet, on the busiest promenade in Zagreb, it was considered avant garde.
The convex-concave aluminum mass showing a relaxed, bohemian figure sitting on a bench, enjoying the view of the city and its people was intended to bring Matos closer to the masses, by making him part of our daily life. The sculptor even left room on the bench for passers-by to take a seat next to the statue.
Matos’s poetry has been a source of inspiration for generations of artists and musicians. His famous sonnet “Utjeha kose” (don’t try to look for a translation which would be “Comfort of hair”), which is one of the best lyrical works ever produced in this country, was reworked into a song many times over decades (see the enclosed track).
Matos died in 1914. The singer of the above tune is now 79, the sculptor is 93, and the statue itself is 43 years old, but it does not end here. New generations are coming that are drawing inspiration from the life and work of one of the country’s greatest lyricists and the works of art he inspired.
I invite you to post photos in black & white of something that says “inspiration” to you. Leave links to your posts in the comment section.
Lost in Translation 
wonderful sculpture
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Happy you like it DM. Have a good Sunday!
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This sculpture looks both welcoming and inspiring. I do like a sculpture that you can interact within this way. Brilliant post Paula.
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This is a good history for us of Matos. A good photo of the sculpture also.
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Thank you kindly Angeline. I am happy to see you here 🙂
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Inspiration flows through time like a river touching generations yet unborn. This is great.
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Well said, Joseph! I like your comment just as much as Paula’s lovely work!
Have a great Sunday, both of you,
Dina
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Tusen takk dear Dina. Klem
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I love the way the simple slouched figure looks so utterly like an inspired poet looking into the middle distance. Here’s my contribution – http://artifactsandfictions.com/2015/01/25/inspiration/
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Fantastic response, Suzanne. It will be very interesting to see how they will paint the maze. It already looks promising. Thank you for taking part.
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Yes, it’s a great project isn’t it. I’m looking forward to getting to the park later to see how it’s changing.
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Tutto molto interessante e “inedito” per me….
Mi piacerebbe tantissimo sedermi nello spazio accanto al poeta!
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Thanks for the introduction to this Croatian poet. Am I likely to find English translations? You’ve produced, as usual, and interesting take on the theme
As for the photo, I love the way the poet and the lamppost are sharp and the background less defined, and you use light and shadow beautifully.
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Hi Meg, no you are not likely to find English translations that are worth anything. It is a sonnet in rhyme and I don’t know who would be able to do it justice. I found a bit better French translation somewhere, but then I wasn’t happy with it either and was going to improve it – but still not happy 😀 Thank you for complimenting my shot – what makes it a bit different is the unusual composition/perspective.
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Everything about the post is fascinating, Paula: the photo, the sculpture, the story behind it set to music – a veritable congregation of creative impulses.
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🙂 Much appreciated Tish. Thank you for reading.
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I bet a lot of people take photos sitting on the bench next to the sculpture. hm. and how funny that translated it would mean “comfort of hair” –
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Well, it is how it translates. I won’t tell you what the poem is about, it would make you sad.
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Dear Paula, the sculpture is beautiful, and together with the song it creates a moment of peacefulness, captured in the middle of the busy life of Zagreb. Almost like observing and at the same time also melting within. The photo being b&w adds…more layers to the atmosphere. Inspiring…most definitely as well as educational for me! 🙂
I didn’ t walk too far from nature this time: https://esengasvoice.wordpress.com/2015/01/25/black-white-sunday-inspiration-nature-will-never-fail-you/
Have a wondeful Sunday! Hugs
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Magic Ese, a true magic in your frozen wonderland. Thank you for bringing it to me. I wondered how would a sung poem in Croatian sound to my readers – and you did not fail me 🙂 I am happy to hear you could lent your ear. Thank you for everything, Ese.
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I have an inspiring view for everyone: http://travelwithintent.com/2015/01/25/no-smoke-without-fire/
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This is a fabulous landmark of London – two of them actually. I wish I could know what made it smoke. Funny, but I was planning a post with the title “where there is smoke, there is fire” 😀 Thank you very much for this inspiring view, Debbie.
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great post Paula. couldn’t help laughing when you mentioned translation. who is performer?
nice photo as well.
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Hrvoje Hegedušić back in the old days, when he was young still. Why is translation making you laugh?
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when i started reading the post, i thought : “oups, the title would be something to translate.” and than you said : “don’t try to look for a translation… ” even in Croatian it doesn’t make much sense without powerful verses that follow. i hadn’t heard or read that poem for ages ( but reeeally ages, some 30 years maybe 🙂 and this was great reminder. can’t tell what i liked more – the music, the photo or the post itself. pure perfection.
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Thank you very much, Klara. We must be the same generation 🙂
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Of course I had to try google translate anyway, and you’re right: it didn’t make sense. 🙂
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😀 It is an intimate poem about death :S (I knew you would :D)
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Fantastic sculpture…
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Pingback: Searching for Inspiration | Colline's Blog
Inspiring people seem to live forever, don’t they Paula? You have shared an interesting post with us today.
Here is mine: http://collinesblog.com/2015/01/25/searching-for-inspiration/
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Thank you, Colline. Yes, they certainly stay with us for many lifetimes.
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https://willothewizp.wordpress.com/2015/01/25/black-white-sunday-inspiration/
Your post is very inspiring 🙂
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I find the sculpture very inviting and would want to have a seat next to this great poet.
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I love knowing this ! Thankyou …xxx
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Wonderful entries this week, Paula! You’ve obviously inspired everyone. That sculpture has so much character.
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They are always wonderful 🙂
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Yes, there’ll be a walk tomorrow, then a 2 week gap. We leave in the early hours of 1st Feb. Busy week ahead so I’m looking forward to it. All well with you? 🙂
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I am OK Jo, which can be seen from my posts 😀
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Pingback: Black And White Sunday: Inspiration | murmur of mimir
12 years have passed, but still inspiring: http://wp.me/p4gT8q-m4
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I love the thoughtful, even determined, relaxation of this.
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Well your post inspired me to write this Paula. A bit late for Sunday, I know: http://wp.me/pKVAM-192
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I am honoured Tish. Thank you for this wonderful post. 🙂
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Stunning sculpture, and the song, although I didn’t understand a word, sounds so romantic. Thanks for the interesting history surrounding this work of art. Hope you have a peaceful week, Paula. xx
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beautiful sculpture.
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🙂 thank you Andy. It was really avant garde in its time 😉
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I hope someday I am able to go around the world and visit such beautiful places 🙂
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Here’s my black and white inspiring photos…
https://lumar1298.wordpress.com/2015/01/27/black-white-sunday-inspiration/
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What a fabulous piece of work, I love the smooth lines and strength in the sculpture. Most inspiring indeed!
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Very interesting work. Have you ever sat next to him, or perhaps you’ve sat on his lap? 🙂 That would make a GREAT shot. 🙂
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His lap doesn’t look too comfy 😉
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Stil, it would be a great photo. 🙂
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