Francis Bacon - genius or shite

[trashpony]

My favourite Bacon books by a long chalk are "Interviews with Francis Bacon" by David Sylvester.

Thanks for reminding me - I haven't read that for ages but will give it a reread now I'm off to see the exhibition next week.

Oh and genius, definitely. A British one

 

[Cheesypoof]

Thanks for reminding me - I haven't read that for ages but will give it a reread now I'm off to see the exhibition next week.

Oh and genius, definitely. A British one

am gonna get that book too!

check this documentary, he says he reads because of the images words provoke quoting 'the reek of human blood smiles out of me.' I couldnt agree more.

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

Thanks for reminding me - I haven't read that for ages but will give it a reread now I'm off to see the exhibition next week.

I'm going to see it during the week too and i cant decide if its best to go there with a clean slate as it were and not read up about him or if knowing a bit of his own story might enrich or inform my interpretation
I think context is important when viewing his works, it makes them more illuminating, more exposing when you know the history between the painter and the subject, possibly because he was such an introspective man

i think he was a fascinating character, a self taught and self directed artist certainly gains my respect. However, I am looking forward to seeing some of the paintings that I've heard been desribed as sensitive and affectionate because I have never found that quality in his work

Genius? Not sure

 

[trashpony]

Well I went to the exhibition today and it was fucking awesome. I got the audio guide (3.50) which was well worth it, not only because it gave you a lot of context to the work and helped make links between different pieces but also because it was an AV guide - with a screen that showed images of the work that had influenced a particular piece together with interviews with FB. I particularly enjoyed seeing the chronological arrangement of the work and it was plain to see recurring themes which was fascinating.

Also at the moment, there is a piece by Martin Creed on which is totally ace.

I can also recommend the cafe at the Chelsea art school (next to the Tate) which does good coffee, a selection of hippy teas and some good snacks for a reasonable price (student discounts too )

 

[MightyAphrodite]

I wouldn't call the inventor of bacon the greatest but he's up there in my book.

Francis Bacon made stuff and made stuff happen, cant fault him for creating something out of nothing.

Cant fault anyone for that though.