So I decided to spend and afternoon visiting Leeds art gallery and Henry Moore institute.
Its been several years since I last visited and thought I was long over due for a dose of culture.
One of the first things that strikes you in the Leeds gallery is the sheer size of some of the paintings they have on display in the main viewing area. The level of detail in some of these pictures are truly breathtaking.
The first of the pictures that completely blew me away was "Scotland for ever" painted by Lady Elizabeth Butler. The picture was painted in 1881 and depicts the charge of the Royal North British Dragoons (The Scots Greys) at the Battle of Waterloo. The picture itself became well known and popular during
WWI when both the British and the Germans used the image for propaganda
purposes. The sense of drama mixed with the rich vibrant colours make this picture really stand out.
Scotland for ever
One of the other paintings that was difficult to over look was "Retribution" by Edward Armitage.
The sheer Size and scale of this work mad it impossible not to be drawn to it. Although the subject matter itself is something may not appeal to the mainstream the level of detail in the work makes it really stand out.
Retribution
Henry Moore Institute
Sarah Lucas was the Artist displaying her work the title being "Ordinary Things"
To be Perfectly honest I just did not get this exhibition, I guess the phrase one mans poison is another mans pleasure really comes into play here. I have read the review by Adrian Searle of the guardian but to be honest I just found it uninteresting and uninspiring if not bordering on vulgar. I am not doubting that this artist has something unique but was not for me on this occasion.
