A major exhibition dedicated to the work of renowned figure painter Jenny Saville has opened at the Modern in the United States. Titled Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting, this exhibition is organized by the National Portrait Gallery in London and marks the first significant museum showcase of Saville’s art in the US. The exhibition is overseen by Andrea Karnes, Chief Curator at the Modern, and features fifty works from the artist’s career, reflecting her evolution from the 1990s to the present day.
Saville first gained recognition in the early 1990s following her acclaimed degree show at the Glasgow School of Art. Since then, she has been a pivotal figure in the revival of figurative painting, continuously pushing the boundaries of the genre. Her distinctive approach to creating visceral portraits, often through thick layers of paint, showcases her fervor for the artistic process, which she describes as both energetic and physical.
Exploring Saville’s Artistic Journey
The exhibition offers a chronological exploration of Saville’s practice, highlighting key artworks that challenge traditional and historical perceptions of female beauty. Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of pieces, including charcoal drawings and large-scale oil paintings that illustrate the human form. Notably, the exhibition features monumental nudes that catapulted Saville to fame in 1992, as well as new works that reflect contemporary themes.
Among the highlights is a series of portraits rendered in vibrant, fluorescent colors, which examine the interplay between the physical and virtual realms in today’s image-saturated society. This series represents Saville’s ongoing dialogue with the art world and her commitment to exploring the complexities of modern representation.
Collaboration and Contribution
The exhibition was developed in close collaboration with Saville, ensuring her artistic vision is prominently represented. It includes works borrowed from significant public and private collections worldwide, enhancing the exhibition’s depth and breadth.
Accompanying the exhibition is a comprehensive publication featuring contributions from notable figures such as Emanuele Coccia, Dr Nicholas Cullinan, John Elderfield, and Roxane Gay. The publication also includes a conversation between Saville and Sarah Howgate, Senior Curator of Contemporary Collections at the National Portrait Gallery.
As Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting continues to captivate audiences, it stands as a testament to Saville’s exceptional talent and her significant impact on the contemporary art landscape.
