Two paintings by Francis Bacon are set to be displayed in the upcoming Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (SCVA) exhibition: ‘REALITY: Modern & Contemporary British Painting’, opening on September 27th. Francis Bacon's 'Study for Portrait of P.L. No. 2' 1957, and 'Owls' 1956, are due to be included in the exhibition. 'Study for Portrait of P.L. No. 2' is due to be withdrawn from the exhibition in November/December, whilst Francis Bacon's 'Owls' is due to remain on display for the exhibition's duration.
Curated by artist Chris Stevens, REALITY brings together over 50 works celebrating British painting with some of the best and most influential artist of the last sixty years. The included works retain a strong reference to the real world, testifying the strength of painting as a medium and the impact of British painting today. The artists in REALITY tackle a diverse range of subjects, referencing the body, relationships, history, politics, war, the urban environment and social issues. Despite these different references, the works are all united by two things - the harsh realities that have concerned key British artists over the decades and the simple act of painting. As well as Francis Bacon, other 20th century artist's work to be displayed includes Walter Sickert, Lucian Freud and David Hockney, alongside contemporary painters including Ken Currie, George Shaw, Caroline Walker, and many others. For more information please visit the exhibition site. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is an inspirational public art museum situated on the campus of the University of East Anglia in Norwich. Gifted by Sir Robert and Lady Lisa Sainsbury to the University in 1973, the Sainsbury Collection includes the largest group of early paintings by Francis Bacon in Northern Europe. During the 1950′s, Robert and Lisa Sainsbury developed a close relationship with Francis Bacon, cemented in 1955 when Lisa commissioned him to make a portrait of Sir Robert, the only time Bacon agreed to such a venture.
“I went to Norwich last week and saw your magnificent collection of sculptures. You and Lisa have really made a wonderful gift to the nation”. - Francis Bacon having visited the Sainsbury Centre writing to Sir Robert Sainsbury in May 1978
'REALITY: Modern & Contemporary British Painting' September 27th 2014 – March 1st 24th 2015 Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts Norwich, NR4 7TJ Word ref: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts press release and website. Please note all details including names, dates and featured works, opening days/hours are subject to change, for all confirmation please contact the SCVA.
