The Freud gene
Just back from the Lucian Freud exhibition and must say, wow, what an impression it has left on me!
In a world obsessed with appearance and how to make things look good, Freud stands on the rare side of those who prefer to look at the world, or to be precise, at people in a black & white way. Of course, his “black and white” is anything but literal, as he stands as true genius when it comes to the way he uses colour to depict people.
He said he liked to “look at people like animals” which I interpret as flesh. He certainly goes beyond that, though. It’s been said that he liked to get under people’s skin and in my view the good old Sigmund Freud gene descended straight onto him, as he often, like his granddad, seemed to capture the inside of people: the raw and hidden feelings and emotions of his sitters.
The comprehensive exhibition of his works at the Portrait Gallery in London until 27th May undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression on you; this being one of amazement about a person who spent a grand total of at least 65 years of his life looking at the complex and intricate inner nature of people.
No need to say, a unique opportunity to see more than 100 of his works spanning from the 1940s to 2011 not to be missed.
By DENISE BOWSER
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