Beauty Bleeds Through Jenny Saville’s ‘Anatomy of Painting’

Summary

The National Portrait Gallery in London is currently presenting The Anatomy of Painting, the largest UK museum solo exhibition of works by seminal British artist Jenny Saville.
On view through September 7, the exhibition chronicles Saville’s practice to date, bringing together 45 works from the early ’90s to today.

Jenny Saville’s work is driven by a deep-seated fascination – almost primal in nature – with the human body and its enigmatic, fleshly allure. Wrapped in hues reminiscent of bruises and punctuated by vibrant highlights, her portraits dance between dreamscapes and our tangible world, revealing the hidden layers beneath the skin’s surface, exploring identity and essence.

Showcased at the National Portrait Gallery in London, “Jenny Saville: The Artistry of Painting” signifies the most comprehensive UK museum solo exhibition devoted to the artist, spanning her long-term exploration of the human body through a display of 45 pieces.

According to its title, the exhibition showcases an artist’s persistent interest in human flesh and the medical perspective. Key aspects of her work revolve around detailed scrutiny – sculptures from ancient times and surgical settings – investigating various methods by which a body can be rebuilt, altered, and reinvented infinitely.

She observed that observing a surgeon gave her insight into how complex the human tissue structure is. This thought then led her to ponder not just the physical structure of the body, but also the layered nature of painting – the sequencing and rhythm of the painted canvas, as well as the consistency of the paint used.

In the 1990s, Saville gained recognition following her debut at Glasgow School of Art and her subsequent appearance in the Young British Artists III exhibition organized by the Saatchi Gallery. Since then, she has played a significant role in rejuvenating figurative painting for a contemporary era. By adhering to historical traditions yet introducing a fresh tactile quality and intimacy of skin and movement, Saville’s work has made an indelible mark on the world of art.

Beyond just the displayed paintings, this exhibition showcases Saville’s softer investigations into pregnancy and motherhood through works on paper – charcoal, pastel, and pencil – providing a comprehensive look at her artistic talent in various mediums. As curator Sarah Howgate explains: “The exhibition skillfully balances figuration and abstraction, celebrating and appreciating the essence of paint itself.

The exhibition is currently being displayed in London until September 7th. To secure your tickets, visit the National Portrait Gallery’s online platform.

National Portrait Gallery
St. Martin’s Pl,
London WC2H 0HE, UK

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