|
Hepworth, Barabara - Tate St. Ives
****
The Tate at St Ives is devoted almost completely to an exhibition which changes every
few months. For our visit, it was an exhibition to celebrate the centenary of locally based sculptor Barbara Hepworth. Some
excellent, clever sculpture in a very impressive seafront gallery though it was a shame that there isn't a permanent collection
of paintings by prominent, locally based artists.
Seen by me: 16.8.03 (with Naomi)
Hepworth, Barbara
Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, St Ives
****
The second part of my Hepworth double-header following her centenary exhibition at
the Tate at St. Ives, the sculpture garden exhibits her works in her modest town house and garden. The large sculptures in
her smallish garden are particularly effective and well arranged. Attractive sculptures in a permanent museum which was well
worth visiting even though I had already seen many of Hepworth's works in the Tate on the same day.
Seen by me: 16.8.03
(with Naomi)
Hopper, Edward - Tate Modern, London
***
Comprehensive exhibition of the very private 20th Century artist who
many claim “captures” the 20th Century United States. If this is the case, modern
America is very bleak – lonely city apartments and bars, and empty, austere country houses. The only
people present are expressionless and unable or unwilling to interact with each other – even a dog is unable to communicate. Hopper’s paintings are unremittingly bleak in what is
the most depressing exhibition I’ve ever seen. But
was the man and his worldview as lacking in hope as his art? Probably but maybe not – his final painting
and swansong to the world Two Comedians shows some humanity and emotion – maybe his bleak canvases were some kind of
ironic joke. Nevertheless, this is a very depressing exhibition albeit a thought provoking one which was well worth visiting.
Hopper is one of those rare artists whose paintings are much more effective in ones and twos in a general gallery rather
than all together as a miserable body of work.
Seen by me: 27.8.04 (with Naomi and Bin)
|
