Figurative painters don’t come much more influential than Francis Bacon and Tate Liverpool’s latest exhibition not only presents the best of his work, but a whole new perspective on it.
Invisible Rooms brings the largest collection of the Irish-born artist’s paintings ever seen in the North West to the Albert Dock venue, offering a retrospective look at his iconic portfolio.
The exhibition is set against ambient low-lighting which enhances the haunting quality of some of Bacon’s most famous pieces, such as the nightmarish ‘Crucifixion’ and 1952’s ‘Study for a Portrait’.
Visitors have the chance to get up close and personal with around 30 of these large-scale paintings, spread across a spacious gallery that takes a good while to explore, even without stopping for a moment to study the hidden intricacies of each exhibit.
These hidden intricacies take centre stage in Invisible Rooms, as the show highlights the subtle elements that appear throughout Bacon’s work, barely-decipherable nuances which change our perception of the artwork once brought to the fore.
For instance, the tortured figure depicted in ‘Study for a Portrait’ is surrounded by a ghost-like prism which, when flagged up, gives us insight into the trapped subject matter’s psychological state.
This aspect of Invisible Rooms sets it apart from your average Bacon exhibition. The show isn’t content with merely showcasing the great painter’s work, it delves beneath the surface and gives visitors a greater understanding of the artworks on display.
Alongside this sizeable collection of the artist’s greatest hits, the show displays exhibits salvaged from the painter’s workshop, from rough sketches to preparatory materials, laid out in strategically-placed glass cabinets to supplement the main attractions.
These rarities are a must-see for any Bacon enthusiast, unique titbits from his illustrious career which serve as the perfect side order to the main course. Make no mistake, this is full-fat Bacon with all of the trimmings.
The sheer volume of artwork on show in Invisible Rooms makes it a definitive look at one of the most influential figurative painters of the 20th Century.
Moreover, the career-spanning nature of the show will bring Bacon novices up to speed, while his long-term admirers will leave Tate Liverpool with fresh insight into his body of work.
Francis Bacon: Invisible Rooms opens at Tate Liverpool today (18 May) alongside an exhibition of fellow figurative painter Maria Lassnig’s work. Both shows run until 18 September.
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