The much-anticipated exhibition, Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting, has opened at the Modern in the United States. Organized by the National Portrait Gallery in London and curated by Sarah Howgate, this marks the first major museum exhibition in the country dedicated to Saville, one of the prominent figures in contemporary painting. The exhibition is overseen by Chief Curator Andrea Karnes.
Since gaining recognition in the early 1990s, particularly following her celebrated degree show at the Glasgow School of Art, Saville has significantly influenced the realm of figurative painting. Her work is characterized by a powerful use of thick paint to create visceral portraits that reflect her energetic and bodily engagement with the medium.
Exploring Saville’s Artistic Journey
The exhibition features a comprehensive collection of fifty works spanning Saville’s career, from the 1990s to the present. It not only showcases key pieces that have defined her artistic journey but also delves into her enduring relationship with art history. This broadly chronological exhibition includes a range of mediums, from charcoal drawings to large-scale oil paintings, all of which challenge conventional notions of female beauty.
Among the highlights are the monumental nudes that first brought Saville acclaim in 1992, alongside new works that she describes as ‘portraits’ for the twenty-first century. These pieces are rendered in fluorescent and saturated tones, boldly exploring the intersections between the physical and the virtual in a world saturated with images.
Collaboration and Accompanying Publications
Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting was developed in close collaboration with the artist herself. The exhibition includes works borrowed from various prestigious public and private collections worldwide, further enriching the narrative of Saville’s impact on contemporary art.
The exhibition is complemented by a detailed publication featuring contributions from prominent figures such as Emanuele Coccia, Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, John Elderfield, Roxane Gay, and Karnes. Additionally, it contains a conversation between Saville and Howgate, offering deeper insights into her artistic philosophy.
As visitors explore this exhibition, they will witness the evolution of an artist who continues to push boundaries and redefine the portrayal of the human form. Jenny Saville’s work serves as a powerful commentary on contemporary issues surrounding identity and representation, making this exhibition a must-see for art enthusiasts.
