London Presentation, Annie Kevans

Annie Kevans

Throughout my trip to London dating back to 23/10/13 to 25/10/13, I seen Annie Kevens inspirational exhibition in The Saatchi Gallery presenting "Boys". I had to create a presentation based on an particular artist I seen in London in pairs to my seminar group in Contextual and Professional Studies.  

Here is a photograph I took from a balcony view in The Saatchi Gallery which looked down onto the "Boys" exhibition. From afar the subject looked like traditional paintings which created a sense of calmness, although reflecting back upon to this the room was empty reflecting negative space, dominating the paintings which reflects Kevans conception. 

Annie Kevans, Adolf Hilter,
Germany, 2004.

The use of washed out colours, reminiscent of old photographs seem unimposing with their big sad eyes that make you feel a certain empathy for the boys depicted. That is, until the read the titles of the paintings which are located almost in the corner of the room out of the way  and discover that these “boys” grow up to become some of history’s most notorious and infamous men.
Although personally I though the eyes were deceptive and evil, as they presented dark and mysterious staring at the audience creating a sense of negativity. 

The paintings were presented slightly higher the audience average height suggestive of despot, a figure holding powers and using them in a negative way. 

Kevans has been working on these series of paintings since 2004 as dating back to when Kevans was in art school, she created "Adolf Hitler". Kevans is a figurative artist as exploring through her work, she has always used the human body as an expression. 

“Those eyes – invariably the darkest, most substantial part of each painting – draw sympathy in a way a cartoon cat on a greetings card” – Ben Street (museum educator, writer and curator)

I found this interesting as it presents a different opinion to my interpretation of the "Boys" eyes.