JENNY SAVILLE
Odalisque, 2012–14
Oil and charcoal on canvas
85 7/16 x 93 1/8 inches (217 x 236.5 cm)
Jenny Saville is a contemporary, feminist artist who is preoccupied with human flesh, completely natural, with all of its flaws. Her work is shown somewhat realistically from afar, but when it is closely examined her strokes are full of energy and rough, with seemingly random lines (like scratch marks) dancing across the canvas. The title of this work, in Saville's first solo gallery, is odalisque, which is Turkish word for female slave or concubine. The work plays with light, mirrors, and shadow, but the primary focus is the figures and expressions of the figures depicted.
REACTION
My favorite aspects of this work are the use of light and color, as well as the detail to expression. From a distance, the intertwined figures seem three dimensional and nearly photorealistic. Yet the real beauty is up close: the colors as highlights and shadows are not placed at a whim, but are strategic to make the painting seem as much like form as possible. The contrast between lights and darks and reflection of the mirror make the painting seem vivid and dynamic. Additionally, the expressions of the people reflect the title of the painting: the man seems powerful and possessive despite his obvious vulnerability, while the woman appears weary and lost. Portions of the painting, such as values, love of figure drawing, and feminism influence my personal art as well. The main theme of this work, about the subjugation of women, would play into what we are learning about the historic role of women in patriarchal societies in Global Studies.
Odalisque, 2012–14
Oil and charcoal on canvas
85 7/16 x 93 1/8 inches (217 x 236.5 cm)
Jenny Saville is a contemporary, feminist artist who is preoccupied with human flesh, completely natural, with all of its flaws. Her work is shown somewhat realistically from afar, but when it is closely examined her strokes are full of energy and rough, with seemingly random lines (like scratch marks) dancing across the canvas. The title of this work, in Saville's first solo gallery, is odalisque, which is Turkish word for female slave or concubine. The work plays with light, mirrors, and shadow, but the primary focus is the figures and expressions of the figures depicted.
REACTION
My favorite aspects of this work are the use of light and color, as well as the detail to expression. From a distance, the intertwined figures seem three dimensional and nearly photorealistic. Yet the real beauty is up close: the colors as highlights and shadows are not placed at a whim, but are strategic to make the painting seem as much like form as possible. The contrast between lights and darks and reflection of the mirror make the painting seem vivid and dynamic. Additionally, the expressions of the people reflect the title of the painting: the man seems powerful and possessive despite his obvious vulnerability, while the woman appears weary and lost. Portions of the painting, such as values, love of figure drawing, and feminism influence my personal art as well. The main theme of this work, about the subjugation of women, would play into what we are learning about the historic role of women in patriarchal societies in Global Studies.