Elsy Menko – Time #2
l’Horloge
A poem by this name by the French poet, essayist and philosopher Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867) appeared in his most famous work, a volume of poems called “Les fleurs du mal” (The Flowers of Evil). The work was considered very controversial and he was prosecuted for obscenity. It did establish his reputation though. The poems deal with urban themes, the changing society due to industrialization, irony, beauty, decay, sex and death (scandalous at the time). He is considered a forerunner to existentialism and was a key figure in 19th century literature.
This particular poem deals with time, not as a neutral measure but more of an inescapable predator, a menace, an executioner. Time judges and sentences, never competing but always winning, it colonizes us.
In keeping with the spirit of the poem I gave the clock a dark menacing background.
Horloge! Dieu sinistre, effrayant, impassible,
Dont le doigt nous menace et nous dit:
Souviens-toi!
Impassive clock! Terrifying, sinister god,
Whose finger threatens us and says:
Remember!
Souviens-toi que le Temps est un joueur avide
Qui gagne sans tricher, a tout coup! C’est la loi.
Remember! Time is a greedy player
Who wins without cheating, every round! It’s the law.
Commercial and hand printed cottons, tule, wool, sequens, button, free motion embroidery and hand stitching.
Detail view:
Original digital image: Stoyanka Ivanova
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
It is a very interesting story behind your piece that looks amazing! So many details and wonderful choice of fabrics. It really looks a little bit evil 🙂 Bravo!
Great interpretation of the poem. I especially like the mood the background sets. Great precise fussy cutting of the clock gears. Fantastic colors. Bravo!
Beautiful and dramatic, love the dark mood of Beaudelaire’s poetry you created so effectively.
First I just have to comment on the poem you chose: so powerful!
I love the clock you created! So many beautiful details. Very powerful – just like the poem.
Elsy it is a very strong interpretation of the poem ! The way you have repesented the clock is stricking ! well done !
The subject of your work is very interesting, another chapter for education. The work is well done, as is the use of colors and the fabrics are special.
a dramatic clock to illustrate a rather deep poem. The skillful cutting and stitching have created a very detailed clock interior.
A very atmospheric and menacing piece that truly reflects the sentiments of the poem. The choice of fabrics and design is perfect and the way that it has been put together is perfect. Great work
Wonderful, your attention to detail gives the clock face dimension. Great use of colour and material. The poem was a great addition to your series.
A dark subject which you have beautifully interpreted with your choice of fabrics and colours. Great attention to detail, lovely work well done.