A
few days ago I went to the National Portrait Gallery to see one of my favourite
paintings on display ‘self portrait as soldier’ by Kirchner. I knew the
painting was going to be displayed in the new ‘Great War’ exhibition (free
entry) and was excited to see this painting up close, as I had no idea of its
size. This is always interesting when one has gazed so fondly at a reproduced
image but never considered how it would be up close. I first consciously came
across this painting in sixth form when I was looking at German Expressionism
and was captured by the crude, haunting expression of Kirchner’s portrait. The severed
hand suggesting lack of creativity and ability to paint against the blacked out
eyes suggests deadness; a feeling all too prevalent with War. I love the
expressionists visible brush strokes, flat bold colours and exaggerated
characters.
I could’ve
stood in front of the Kirchner painting for hours actually, I felt so connected
to it. It was smaller than I was expecting (of course) but the paintwork was
exactly as I imagined and the cigarette still felt so camp and reckless that there
was still that drollness present.
Some
other things of interest done recently:
Played
Laser Quest, had a vegetarian breakfast at Carnaby streets ‘The Diner’, watched
‘Legends of The Fall’ (Amazing movie) and ‘Last of the Mohicans’.
Also,
I am part of an ensemble of the production ‘Dialogues
of the Carmelites’ which will be on at the royal Opera
House. I have been attending rehearsals every Monday and last week we had a
talk by Director Kasper Holten, which
was completely inspiring.
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