This is the studio of Francis Bacon, artist, 1909-1992 originally in London but totally moved to the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, Ireland his birthplace. The following wording from the Hugh Gallery is a better description of the relocation activity than I could ever put together:
"The Hugh Lane Gallery removed the contents of Francis Bacon's studio at 7 Reece Mews ,London, in August 1998. This operation was conducted with the assistance of a team of archaeologists who mapped the space, and tagged and noted the positions of the objects. The reconstructed studio features the original door, walls, floors, ceiling and shelves. Over 7,000 items were found in the studio and these were catalogued on a specially designed database before their replacement in the studio. The Francis Bacon Studio Database is the first computerised archive of the entire contents of a world ranking artist's studio. Every item in the studio has a database entry. Each entry consists of an image and a factual account of an object. The database has entries on approximately 570 books and catalogues, 1,500 photographs, 100 slashed canvases, 1,300 leaves torn from books, 2,000 artist's materials and 70 drawings. Other categories include the artist's correspondence, magazines, newspapers and vinyl records."
He was not a particularly neat person and was never married -- big surprise!
I don't much care for his artistic works; they appear to be reflections of the disorganization in his life, or at least in his studio. More on Mr Bacon here.
This is one of the more appealing (to me) of his works. This could hang on our wall for awhile, probably in a hallway, where it wouldn't become tiring. That criteria seems to be how I would judge an artistic work: how long could I look at it without it reaching the point where I would no longer see anything new in it.
Some libraries I have been in offer "art" on loan. Seems like a good idea although have never done it. How about a hanging frame which could display selected pictures, or even moving designs as with a fractal presentation ever changing in color and evolution. Ultimate impermanence . . . .
I wonder what would be the factors in deciding what to put up on the wall and how long to leave it there?
How would you determine what hangs on the walls of your home, and for how long?
ReplyDeleteWell I first have to admit I have no real refined taste in art but I tend to gravitate towards works that reflect real life with an escapist mentality. As my online screen name suggests I like tropical or sailing themes which puts me about at the same level as poker playing dogs.
Checked out Bacon's works online and actually like some of them.
I will answer both questions of what and for how long in one word...nothing. By choice we put nothing on the walls and are very spare with what goes on tables.
ReplyDeleteIf only a chaotic 'shed' lead to a good artwork!
ReplyDeleteI can live with plenty of chaos. Mr. Bacon's studio would definitely test my level of exactly 'how much'! His studio seems to be the antithesis of Gail Rieke's suitcase wall. As for living with art - I frame what I like, hang where I want it. The images become a sort of emotional touchstone for me. As my emotions are constantly changing, so are my perceptions of the art on my walls.
ReplyDeletexxx
I could not work in Mr. Bacon's studio.
ReplyDeleteAs family members passed away, I was the one who always received their art, since I was an artist. Ha. Other people's art is not necessarily something I like, and yet I can't bring myself to throw them away.Someone went to a great deal of trouble to paint them. But when I move, those old paintings will hopefully be sold at a garage sale...surely someone will like them.
I change the paintings on my walls quite regularly...taking one from the living room and replacing it with one from a guest room, for instance.
My photos come through on the TV, and I love that constant change better than a static painting.
Very interesting post, Goatman!! xx
That studio does look a bit too messy, even for me. I need clutter, but it's a kind of orderly clutter, like a stuffed ash tray.
ReplyDeleteNever did much hanging up of art personally, but I'm the kind of person who'd never be able to take one off coz I'd get kinda comfortable with it's presence and I don't like change in my environs.
Being neat is for your mother not an artist! I remember an interview of one of Picasso's son, where rhe son said there was a great freedom living with the artist for he didn't care if his children left their toys all over the place. Great post!
ReplyDeleteOnly last week a friend sent me a link to a long article about Timothy O'Sullivan and I was swept away by his photography. Fun to see more here, along with the interesting info about Bacon.
ReplyDeleteBe well.
Love the O'Sullivan photo!
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"You think this is messy? You should see what it looks like (pointing towards his head) up here!"
ReplyDelete[Kurt Vonnegut]
Interesting that some like nothing at all on the walls (I once knew a couple who painted their bedroom black -- all walls and ceiling -- with white shag and bedspread. Nothing on the walls there.
ReplyDeleteAnd the idea of sameness appeals. That is having the same art in the same places to invoke a sort of comfort through familiarity. That is pretty much how we do it save a few changes now and then; but nothing too radical.
But to move art from one room to another is my first impulse. Especially through those long days of winter and desire for some sort of change and difference. But little rearrangement results, from my inertia. Then spring comes, change is all around.
I saw recently saw brick walls either side of a fireplace where much art was hung and re-hung every few months. This may be a happy compromise between static and total relocation of the framed expression. But I know not how they hung paintings on the bricks?
Wow! I'm not sure how he worked well in his studio, but it's incredible.
ReplyDeleteI prefer wildlife photos on my walls versus paintings. I enjoy all aspects of nature.
Thanks for stopping by on my blog.
You have a wonderful taste in art. That is for sure. Good one.
ReplyDeleteI recently moved the art on my walls and rearranged everything. (With the exception of one print that's limited by size.)
ReplyDeleteI've found it deeply unsettling. I think remove should have replaced move.
I agree..It is so many things in his studio.. not sure how he found his paints LOL..
ReplyDeleteZi is well, in two months time she will be 3 yrs..Now she having holidays and Sal (saleh) he was the one who have seen US with me (in my tummy) now is 11 months...