It was an arty weekend. First was the Caulfield Hume split at TATE Britain. I really like Patrick Caulfield's work but realised that I much prefer his earlier stuff, when it was its simplest. As he added more elements and techniques I feel it started to lose it's appeal. As he said in '81, "I like the idea that things have been done in the most minimal fashion, that you don't keep adding."
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| And I am alone in my house, 1973 |
Interestingly I wasn't too bothered about seeing Gary Hume from the images I had seen online and in print, but I was instantly won over upon entering the room. The large scale, high gloss paintings are done absolutely no justice except in person. I also loved that he painted the doors, transforming their role in the exhibition.
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| The Moon, 2009 |
Next was Lowry upstairs. I find it hard to really enjoy his work, but it was interesting listening in to the conversations people were having about it. I found that people look at his work like a mystery to be solved. By examining the shopfronts, time of the day, and street names - they try to piece together a narrative, drawing comparisons to their own upbringing. I think to an extent, Lowry can only be enjoyed alongside nostalgia or at least an interest in history. I wonder what art there will be for me to look at in the future and piece together my own youth.
The next day I went to see Jeff Koons at the Brighton Royal Pavilion. I'd seen most of the work before but it was still enjoyable. I like the iconic nature of his work. The work all has a very pristine and perfect feel to it. I thought this was an interesting quote, "If one of my works was to be turned on, it would be destroyed!"
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| The New, 1981 |
