MICHAEL KIRKMAN: FRANCIS BACON – ORIGINAL LINOCUT

Artist: Michael Kirkman
Price: £495.00
Publisher: Printed by The Artist, UK
Publication date: Not stated
Format: Original linocut
Condition: Fine condition, unframed
Size: Sheet size: 81cm x 50.4cm
Edition Number: 5/8

DISCOVER THE ART OF MICHAEL KIRKMAN AT HORNSEYS

Michael Kirkman, an acclaimed British artist, is known for his evocative and expressive prints, paintings, and drawings. Having studied at the prestigious Edinburgh College of Art, he further refined his drawing skills, graduating with an MA from the Royal College of Art in 2010. Now based in London, Michael has produced commissioned prints for esteemed institutions such as the National Theatre, Faber and Faber, and the Palace of Westminster, notably celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee. His works are part of the collections at York Art Gallery and the Palace of Westminster, alongside numerous private contemporary art collections throughout the world.

DESCRIPTION:

This original linocut, “Francis Bacon,” is a striking work by Michael Kirkman. Referencing a photograph of Francis Bacon taken by John Deakin in 1952, it was printed by the artist himself. It is one of the earlier of his linocuts that we are offering for sale. He produced it at a similar time to his lithograph of a similar title that was editioned at the Curwen Studio. This linocut is number 5 from the very small edition of 8 and is in fine condition and unframed.

KEY FEATURES:

• Artistic Technique: Masterful use of linocut printing, showcasing Kirkman’s skill and precision.
• Limited Edition: Very small edition of 8
• Condition: Fine condition, unframed.

WORKS AND TECHNIQUES BY MICHAEL KIRKMAN IN OUR CATALOGUE

Michael Kirkman’s art is distinguished by his expertise in linocut and lithography, with a particular focus on the rich textures and unique character these techniques offer. Linocut, a relief printing technique, involves carving a design into a linoleum surface, applying ink, and pressing it onto paper to create striking, bold images. This method allows for the creation of distinct and vibrant prints, each showcasing Kirkman’s meticulous attention to detail and composition.

In addition to linocut, Kirkman has also mastered lithography at the renowned Curwen Studio. Lithography is a technique where the artist draws directly onto a limestone or metal plate with a grease-based medium. The plate is then treated to retain the drawn image, allowing for a wide range of tones and intricate detailing in the final print. Kirkman’s lithographs are celebrated for their depth, texture, and expressive quality, capturing the essence of his subjects with nuance and sensitivity.

WHY CHOOSE MICHAEL KIRKMAN’S ART?

Michael Kirkman’s art is lauded for its emotional depth and technical precision. His use of linocut and lithography enables him to create works that are not only visually compelling but also rich in narrative and texture. His ability to convey complex emotions and scenes through these traditional techniques makes his prints highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike. Our collection here boasts a broad range of his work, including original prints, drawings, and ceramics.

A SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF FRANCIS BACON

Francis Bacon (1909–1992) was a British-Irish painter known for his raw, emotionally charged, and often unsettling depictions of the human condition. His work is characteriSed by its intense, distorted figures, which explore themes of existential dread, violence, and the fragility of life.

Key Aspects of Bacon’s Art:
Distorted Figures: Bacon’s paintings are famous for their grotesque, contorted figures, often presented in isolated or claustrophobic settings. These figures are sometimes based on photographic studies, X-rays, or images from medical textbooks, and they reflect Bacon’s interest in the human body as both a physical and psychological subject.

Themes of Suffering and Isolation: Bacon’s work frequently explores themes of suffering, death, and existential anxiety. His figures often appear trapped in their own bodies or environments, evoking a sense of inner turmoil and despair.

Influence of Surrealism and Expressionism: While Bacon’s work is often associated with Expressionism, due to its intense emotional impact, it also shows the influence of Surrealism, particularly in its dreamlike, nightmarish quality and the use of unexpected, disturbing imagery.

The “Screaming Popes”: One of Bacon’s most famous series is his paintings of screaming popes, inspired by Diego Velázquez’s “Portrait of Pope Innocent X.” These works depict the pope as a tortured, screaming figure, conveying a sense of anguish and powerlessness.

Bacon’s Association with Meat in Photography:
Several iconic photographs of Francis Bacon taken by photographers like John Deakin or later by Richard Avedon capture the artist surrounded by or in proximity to raw meat. These photographs visually reinforce the connection between Bacon’s art and his obsession with the human body, flesh, and the violence inherent in existence.

John Deakin: Deakin was a close friend of Bacon and photographed him extensively. Some of these photographs served as source material for Bacon’s paintings. While not depicting Bacon with meat explicitly, these gritty, raw portraits of Bacon often highlighted the dark, intense atmosphere of his work.

Richard Avedon: In 1979, Avedon took one of the most famous photographs of Bacon, which features the artist standing with a stern expression next to a large, hanging side of beef. This photograph encapsulates the brutal realism that characterises much of Bacon’s work, directly linking the artist to the raw material that so often appeared in his paintings.

Symbolism:
The images of Bacon with meat or in proximity to it symbolise the profound relationship between his life, his art, and his exploration of the human condition. The meat in these photographs serves as a visual metaphor for the themes of mortality, decay, and the physicality of existence that pervade Bacon’s work.

These photographs, whether they directly show Bacon with meat or simply evoke the atmosphere of his paintings, contribute to the mythos of Francis Bacon as an artist deeply engaged with the visceral realities of life and death. They are powerful representations of his identity and his art, emphasising the raw, unflinching exploration of the human experience that defines his oeuvre.

Legacy:
Francis Bacon is considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century. His work has had a lasting impact on both contemporary art and popular culture. Bacon’s exploration of the darker aspects of the human psyche, his innovative use of form and colour, and his ability to convey deep emotional and psychological states continue to resonate with audiences and influence artists today.

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE AT HORNSEYS

At Hornseys, we are dedicated to offering items that uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of artwork is carefully curated to ensure that each item we offer is authentic, collated, and complete.
Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each print is researched and verified for authenticity, guaranteeing that you receive a genuine signature from the artist.
• Expert Curation: We wholly own all our artworks. We trust our taste and have invested heavily in it. We have confidence in all artwork that we offer for sale.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If, however, you wish to make a return, artworks may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for whatever reason. We request that we are notified in advance if you wish to do so. They must be returned to us in the same condition as they were sent for a full refund.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND SERVICE

Understanding the value and rarity of these items, we ensure that every aspect of your purchase meets the highest standards of quality and service. This includes:

• Free Expedited, Tracked, and Insured Delivery within the UK: Ensuring that your artwork arrives safely and promptly.
• Fully-Insured Worldwide Delivery: Offering peace of mind for international collectors with reliable and secure shipping options.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION

Visit Hornseys today to explore our fine collection of Michael Kirkman’s prints and other artworks. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located since 1976 in Ripon in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, we are recognized as a destination gallery for tastefully curated artwork, design, and fine books.