About this artwork
This print relates to a series Bellany made in 1970 that deal with a theme of sexual angst. It shows a naked, shrunken woman whose arms disappear behind her back as though tied together. It evokes the naked figures that feature in Bellany’s paintings inspired by his visit to Buchenwald concentration camp. Behind her is what appears to be a gutted skate, displayed in the manner of the Crucifixion, a metaphor for suffering humanity. Bellany only began to experiment with printmaking when he started teaching at Winchester College of Art, in 1969. His prints utilise the same imagery and symbols as his paintings, and here the Crucifixion recalls his painting from 1964 titled ‘Allegory’.
Updated before 2020
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artist:John Bellany (1942 - 2013) Scottish
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title:Ominous Presence II - Fear
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date created:Dated 1970
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materials:Etching on paper [1/50]
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measurements:25.40 x 23.70 cm (paper 41.90 x 39.20 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 2000
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accession number:GMA 4324
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gallery:
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subject:
John Bellany
John Bellany
Bellany was born in the fishing village of Port Seton, near Edinburgh. He studied at Edinburgh College of Art and at the Royal College of Art, London. His work of the 1960s and 1970s dealt with original sin, guilt, sex and death. His characteristic paintings are large compositions featuring his own...
