“Irish-born artist Francis Bacon was the horse breeder’s son who became one of the most important painters of the 20th century. An openly gay man at a time when homosexuality was illegal, he was banished from his conservative family home by his father at 16. After that, he drifted through Berlin and Paris before establishing himself in London, with his formative years running parallel with some of the 20th century’s most profoundly disturbing events. This powerful exhibition will focus on Bacon’s unerring fascination with animals: how it both shaped his approach to the human body and distorted it; how, caught at the most extreme moments of existence, his figures are barely recognizable as either human or beast.”
In the entry space of the exhibit, the room suddenly changes into a dark colour theme compared to the outside, where all viewers’ attention goes towards the one and only painting on the wall, which immediately gives a strong statement to the viewer of the theme of this exhibition.
I noticed that the galleries have different colour-painted walls to accommodate different paintings.
Throughout the entire exhibition, most paintings exude a depressing atmosphere as if they could immerse the viewers into Bacon’s deepest mind. However, compared to the atmosphere brought by the paintings, the exhibit space itself gives a very neutral and calming effect.
I noticed that the galleries have different colour-painted walls to accommodate different paintings. When the paintings showcased in the room have a strong colour theme or contrast, it is being placed inside the room where the walls are painted in white so viewers can focus on the use of colours and the emotions behind the paintings. This is quite clever when you want to emphasize the colour of the painting inside the space as you would not like to have any other colours drawing away viewers’ attention.
However, when showcasing paintings with strong movements or actions, the room was painted in a burgundy colour (darker red) instead. In some cultures, red could be associated with hatred, anger and aggression, which would perfectly suit some of Bacon’s paintings.