Thoughts on Portraiture opens at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Picasso, Pacheco, Auerbach and Bomberg – just some of the artists who feature in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s new free exhibition
Thoughts on Portraiture – which opened on August 3 - explores how artists have used a wide range of styles and imagery to interpret complex human emotion and experiences.
The display in Gallery 13 draws on Birmingham’s collection of modern and contemporary art and is centred around Man and His Sheep by Ana Maria Pacheco.
This installation by the Brazilian-born artist consists of eight lifelike carved wooden figures arranged in a procession. The popular artwork has not been on public display for more than five years.
Two works by Pablo Picasso join the display and showcase artworks from the Vollard Suite, Winged Bull Watched by Four Children Portrait of Vollard I.
The exhibition continues with the rare opportunity to see artworks that have never been on public display before, including a self-portrait by German expressionist painter, Walter Gramatté and a detailed etching by Frank Auerbach which depicts his friend, the art historian Michael Podro.
Birmingham-born artist David Bomberg also features, with a self-portrait, painted in thick, fluid marks, created by scrutinising his face in a large mirror. His unflinchingly honest depiction of himself, physically and emotionally, speak of how we each can be our own harshest critic.
Pacheco’s oil painting In Illo Tempore I can also be seen on display.
Emalee Beddoes-Davis, curator of modern and contemporary art at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “These artworks explore the individual experiences, beliefs, fears and passions of the people that made them or the people they depict.
"The evocative pieces speak to complex human emotions that are universal but will mean something different to everyone who sees them.
“We are thrilled to showcase many artworks that have not been on public display before, alongside popular favourites not seen for some time.
"The exhibition is a rare opportunity for visitors to view a beautiful range of expressionistic artworks from Birmingham’s collection that exude fascinating psychological intensity.”
Thoughts on Portraiture runs from August 3 to November 18.
