I was surprised to see that visitors to London's galleries and museums are down as the National Portrait Gallery(NPG), cited as having the largest drop in numbers, was busy when I visited earlier in the week.
The busiest part was the Portrait Award exhibition and while the pieces were technically brilliant only a few grabbed my attention.
People often get hung up on art, what should they like, what's the correct way to talk about it. I say ignore all that and look with an open mind. If something takes your fancy, great, if it doesn't, move on. Someone else will like it.
If you can't make it to the NPG you can see all the entries online. Here are a couple I like. I'm not going to say anything about them. It's up to you what you think about them. If they intrigue you there's more info on the gallery website.
Patchwork by Paula Wilson © Paula Wilson
The New Religion by Conor Walton © Conor Walton
It is disheartening to see visitor numbers are down. The Portrait Gallery is one of my favourite in London, most of it is free, the paid exhibitions are affordable, and I love popping in for a moment of calm when I'm in central London.
One fascinating display I've looked at a few times now (it's free, just pop in!) is 'One Unbroken Stream.' It's a series of five paintings showing how artists ideas can be transmitted and built on across generations, a sort of time travel.
Beginning with Ingres and ending with Frank Auerbach, it's well worth a look. And I wish I could draw like this!
The busiest part was the Portrait Award exhibition and while the pieces were technically brilliant only a few grabbed my attention.
People often get hung up on art, what should they like, what's the correct way to talk about it. I say ignore all that and look with an open mind. If something takes your fancy, great, if it doesn't, move on. Someone else will like it.
If you can't make it to the NPG you can see all the entries online. Here are a couple I like. I'm not going to say anything about them. It's up to you what you think about them. If they intrigue you there's more info on the gallery website.
Patchwork by Paula Wilson © Paula Wilson
It is disheartening to see visitor numbers are down. The Portrait Gallery is one of my favourite in London, most of it is free, the paid exhibitions are affordable, and I love popping in for a moment of calm when I'm in central London.
One fascinating display I've looked at a few times now (it's free, just pop in!) is 'One Unbroken Stream.' It's a series of five paintings showing how artists ideas can be transmitted and built on across generations, a sort of time travel.
Beginning with Ingres and ending with Frank Auerbach, it's well worth a look. And I wish I could draw like this!
The Portrait Award is on until 23rd September 2018.
Comments