Study visit: Jerwood Gallery, Hastings, Dec. 2016

Visit to the Hastings Jerwood Collection and the exhibition: 100 Modern British Artists.
A number of artworks were notable to me.  Notes and reflections below.

Artwork 1
Frances Rose (1973) by Maggi Hambling.

I was immediately impressed by the quality of this painting.  It stood out in the gallery space, and I was incredibly drawn towards it.  It made me feel immensely close to the sitter; like I was sitting in the same room with her sharing a joke and a cup of tea.  It is interesting how the artist has positioned the sitter on a neutral background as if to ensure that nothing can distract from the sitter.  She has your full attention; demands full attention.

The patches of discoloured skin are painted in dabs of strong colour. Stronger than reality perhaps to enhance this woman's age?  Precise and deliberate strokes of colour throughout the entire painting, have produced a portrait full of character.


Artwork 2
News (1941) by William Roberts

I love the story and sense of place in this picture.  That of people waiting for news (of loved ones) from the war?  There is tension throughout the image. In the faces of the people, and in the crowded and busy composition.  The hands on the left side of the painting are grasping and needy.  Almost as if those hands are up in prayer from sinners in a church.  I love pictures that tell stories.  And especially so if they don't provide answers/conclusions/endings to the story.  This picture encapsulates wonderful storytelling.


Artwork 3
Mainly Grey and White (1957) by Anne Redpath


What attracted me to this picture is the top down viewpoint and distorted perspective of the still life - it is unusual and quite striking. The tonal variation although seemingly quite limited; appears to provide starkness to the objects.  The darker greys providing that depth and shadow, rendering the objects as still being in 3D space.  There is something uneasy about the image; it tells me a story that this tea party/picnic is not at ease.  Perhaps there is tension amongst the guest and diners?   The image seems to say that, "not all is happy and easy here."   It is certainly the distorted perspective that visually provides that sense of tension.

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