Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Spanish term or phrase:
un elemental constructor
English translation:
a constructive element
Added to glossary by
teju
Apr 15, 2013 16:21
11 yrs ago
1 viewer *
Spanish term
un elemental constructor
Spanish to English
Art/Literary
Art, Arts & Crafts, Painting
Photography exhibit - art
Is there an established way to translate this? Gracias a todos, copio abajo el párrafo que lo menciona.
“Dejad hablar el viento… ese es el paraíso” dice Ezra Pound. He sentido a la revelación como un estado de gracia, lo más cercano a eso que llaman paraíso. En estas imágenes mi intención es decirlo así: “Escuchar al elemento constructor de la imagen, ese es el revelador de lo que hay aquí”. El hic et nunc o el speak easy de la obra en cuestión, y son el tiempo, el fuego, el aire, el ente imperial.
En esto baso la función de esta obra, en la revelación a través de un elemental constructor. Aunque el tema en amplio sea de índole social: ¿Gueto/campamento de refugiados o asentamiento indígena? Provisionalidad perpetua.
“Dejad hablar el viento… ese es el paraíso” dice Ezra Pound. He sentido a la revelación como un estado de gracia, lo más cercano a eso que llaman paraíso. En estas imágenes mi intención es decirlo así: “Escuchar al elemento constructor de la imagen, ese es el revelador de lo que hay aquí”. El hic et nunc o el speak easy de la obra en cuestión, y son el tiempo, el fuego, el aire, el ente imperial.
En esto baso la función de esta obra, en la revelación a través de un elemental constructor. Aunque el tema en amplio sea de índole social: ¿Gueto/campamento de refugiados o asentamiento indígena? Provisionalidad perpetua.
Proposed translations
(English)
| 2 | a constructive element |
Robert Forstag
|
| 4 +1 | a creative elemental (being) |
Charles Davis
|
Proposed translations
15 mins
Robert Forstag
United States
United States
Native in English
Works in field
United States
Translating words, preserving meaning
Native in: English
Works in: Spanish to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
134
Selected
a constructive element
But it is confusing as to what the artist means by "elemental constructor," given that "hic et nunc" and "speakeasy" suggest radically different kinds of things.
Suerte.
Suerte.
Note from asker:
| I think is essay is all over the place. "Ente imperial"? I have no clue where he's going with this. Some artists get so convoluted with their writing that it becomes impossible to follow their train of thought. I find your interpretation very interesting. I was thinking that "constructor" was a noun and "elemental" the adjective, so I was thinking he was speaking about a creator. |
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "After you graciously gave Charles an agree, it turns out that this was the artist's original intent. Thank you very much Robert."
+1
6 hrs
a creative elemental (being)
I am sorry about this; once again I am suggesting what looks like a straight calque (at least for "elemental"), but there is something behind it.
I have to admit that I didn't get this until I looked up "elemental". I thought it was probably a typo for "elemento", since the expression "elemento constructor" is used a few lines earlier, so you'd think it must be the same thing. But no, not exactly.
An elemental is a mythological being, composed of one of the four classical elements. Here is good ol' Wikipedia on the subject:
"An elemental is a mythological being first appearing in the alchemical works of Paracelsus in the 16th century. Traditionally, there are four types: gnomes, undines (also known as nymphs), sylphs, and salamanders. These correspond to the Classical elements of antiquity: earth (solid), water (liquid), wind (gas), and fire (heat)."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elemental
Various modern esoteric practices (not to mention video games, apparently) invoke elementals.
To make it a bit easier for some readers (speaking as someone who didn't get the point without assistance), you could put "elemental being" rather than just "elemental".
I think that when he says "elemento constructor" he's probably thinking of the four elements also.
I am not sure what to do with "constructor", which is an adjective in both cases. The trouble is that "constructive" is a common word normally meaning helpful or positive, which is not the intended meaning, I think; the sense is surely that of something which builds or constructs. Although it's rather a liberty, I would be inclined to use "creative", indicating that the element or elemental is what constructs or creates the image. I wondered also about "generative" or "productive".
I have to admit that I didn't get this until I looked up "elemental". I thought it was probably a typo for "elemento", since the expression "elemento constructor" is used a few lines earlier, so you'd think it must be the same thing. But no, not exactly.
An elemental is a mythological being, composed of one of the four classical elements. Here is good ol' Wikipedia on the subject:
"An elemental is a mythological being first appearing in the alchemical works of Paracelsus in the 16th century. Traditionally, there are four types: gnomes, undines (also known as nymphs), sylphs, and salamanders. These correspond to the Classical elements of antiquity: earth (solid), water (liquid), wind (gas), and fire (heat)."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elemental
Various modern esoteric practices (not to mention video games, apparently) invoke elementals.
To make it a bit easier for some readers (speaking as someone who didn't get the point without assistance), you could put "elemental being" rather than just "elemental".
I think that when he says "elemento constructor" he's probably thinking of the four elements also.
I am not sure what to do with "constructor", which is an adjective in both cases. The trouble is that "constructive" is a common word normally meaning helpful or positive, which is not the intended meaning, I think; the sense is surely that of something which builds or constructs. Although it's rather a liberty, I would be inclined to use "creative", indicating that the element or elemental is what constructs or creates the image. I wondered also about "generative" or "productive".
Note from asker:
| I need to put you on retainer! I didn't know that elemental had this other meaning, I bet my kids did (because of video games). Fantastic research Charles, I don't know how to thank you! |
| I just sent my client an email to see if there's any way they can contact the artist, just to be on the safe side. I will let you know what I find out. Thanks again. |
| I just heard from the artist. She said that with "element" she meant "componente esencial". In her explanations she goes on to mention the four elements. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into this. You came very close to her original meaning. Thanks again. |
Discussion