In a cozy apartment in Luxembourg, we had the privilege of sitting down with a remarkable individual who has lived a life filled with adventure and artistic exploration. Meet a true man of the world, a Luxembourg citizen with a deep connection to Africa and a unique perspective on art and life. At 90 years young, his spirit remains vibrant, and his stories paint a picture of a life well-lived.
From the very beginning, it is clear that adventure has been a constant companion in his life. When asked to introduce himself, he humbly describes himself as a man of adventure, someone to whom life has been exceedingly kind. Born and raised in Luxembourg, he embarked on a journey to Africa in the 1950s, driven by the inspiration of his grandfather’s tales. The Democratic Republic of Congo became his first destination, immersing himself in the vibrant culture of African tribes.
Throughout his life, this intrepid artist has traveled extensively, exploring countries such as Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire multiple times. Africa became his muse, an enduring source of inspiration. His love for the African people shines through as he reminisces about his connections and friendships, though many have been lost with the passage of time.
Now settled in his Luxembourg apartment, his memories provide a bridge to the adventures of the past. Yet, even as life takes its course, new adventures continue to unfold. The interviewer, an African himself, becomes part of the artist’s journey, a beautiful adventure that he graciously embraces.
When asked about his perspective as an artist while traveling, he reveals a captivating insight. Though he does not seek to find images in the arts while on his travels, he desires to encounter people in their truest form. To touch them deeply, he believes it is necessary to approach them as a fellow human being rather than an artist, capturing their essence authentically.
The artist’s way of touching people is enigmatic, something that he describes as magical. Building a connection and sharing experiences are at the core of his artistry. This unspoken magic allows him to connect with individuals on a profound level, transcending language and cultural barriers.
Reflecting on his first journey to Africa at the tender age of 24, he acknowledges his youthful inexperience but also the preparation he received at the colonial school. Immersing himself in knowledge, he voraciously read and spent countless hours at the museum in Brussels, where he absorbed the soul of African art. The museum became a sanctuary, nurturing his artistic growth and understanding.
When asked about the communication between primitive African art and his formal education, he acknowledges the influence of artists like Picasso. As an artist, he understands that one’s work is shaped by influences, and he emphasizes the importance of capturing the essence of communication.
A palpable sense of wildness emanates from his art, a quality that the interviewer keenly observes. The artist believes that cutting through the surface to grasp the magic is essential. For him, art is a medium to convey something beyond words—a mystical experience that transcends rational explanation.
As the interview draws to a close, the artist remains humble about the magic present in his work. He recalls the wisdom of a renowned artist he had the privilege of meeting multiple times. According to this artist, true art must possess an element of magic; otherwise, it falls short of its purpose.
In the life and art of this extraordinary individual, we discover a spirit of adventure, a deep connection to Africa, and an unwavering belief in the enchantment of art. Through his encounters and experiences, he captures the essence of humanity, touching souls with his unspoken magic. As we bid farewell, we are left with a sense of wonder and gratitude for having
Arthur Unger, the Story
In the realm of artistry, I am hesitant to single out a particular painting as my favourite, for the creations that dance within my mind are ethereal and transient. They are fleeting moments in the tapestry of my existence, emerging and dissipating like delicate apparitions. It is as if the very essence of these moments teeters on the precipice of departure, contingent upon the ignition of passionate inspiration, only to vanish once more.
Amongst this evanescent collection, I stumble upon works that pique my interest, ones that I believe may resonate with others. Yet, I must confess that I refrain from becoming too entwined with my creations. I am drawn to the act of creation itself, the pulsating vivacity of the present moment, rather than the remnants that linger thereafter. It is not the outcome that captivates me, but the intoxicating process of bringing forth the unspoken depths within me, a conscious safeguard for my soul.
In contemplating this enigmatic artistry, my mind oft returns to a word that resides upon my lips with fervent frequency: magic. Ah, how it eludes precise definition, slipping through our grasp like a mischievous sprite. And so, we resign ourselves to bask in its enigmatic aura, allowing it to linger as an intangible force that seizes not only our attention but our very essence. How can one articulate the ethereal grasp of magic? No words will suffice, and thus, we leave it be, embracing its existence as an enchanting enigma.
There are, of course, those moments in life that exude the essence of magic. Yet, there exists a parallel notion, one of stability within the ephemeral. It is a paradox, a harmonious juxtaposition of ephemeral and enduring that stirs within us a palpable sense of wonder. Alas, I cannot recall the exact words I have uttered, for they have already slipped through the sieve of recollection. However, what truly captivates my attention is that the moment those words are vocalized, they dissipate, akin to the intangible essence of Africa, evading our grasp. Such phenomena refuse to be stabilized, for the essence of a moment lies solely within its existence.
Within the vast expanse of existence, we encounter moments that shimmer with the ineffable aura of magic. Yet, we also encounter elements of constancy that, from different facets, ignite within us that very sense of enchantment. In the magical tapestry of Paris during the bygone 1950s and 1960s, a marvel was forged—a creation woven by the hands of artists, writers, poets, journalists, and the avant-garde. They, the creators, summoned this enchantment into being. I maintain that this enchantment has not vanished nor dwindled into obscurity; its essence lingers, whispering through the ages. Whether in the 50s, the 60s, or beyond, I find remnants of this beguiling magic still present, reinventing itself within diverse art forms and the myriad expressions of artists. It is an eternal cycle of creation and recreation, ceaselessly evolving.
In the moment of creation, the human mind awakens to a profound cognizance that something extraordinary is transpiring. I reminisce on the exalted era of the 1960s, when Paris was adorned with grand exhibitions that enthralled our senses, a perpetual feast for the eyes and soul. Amidst this vibrant tapestry, one could suddenly be struck by the revelation that someone had conceived something that reached deep within, unfurling a metamorphosis of the soul. It is an inexplicable alchemy, a transformative voyage that unfolds unexpectedly, transcending our preconceptions and guiding us toward uncharted territories.
Arthur Unger