Docent’s Corner | Study for a Turquoise Slip

Feb 17

Written By BRAHM

The selected drawings now at BRAHM offer an intimate opportunity to “see” with the eyes of accomplished North Carolina artists Ben Long and Tony Griffin. Of most interest to me is the artists’ obvious commitment to “drawing” as foundational, a principle rooted early on in a shared monumental experience of classical training abroad. Complexities of expression and emotion invite the viewer to look further, to consider the human story being told. There is a sense of immediacy, that subjects are drawn as they are, wherever they are, in life, at the time. It is this perception of authenticity that transcends discussion of similarity and diversity for me.

I gifted myself with an entire afternoon at this exhibit. It was richly rewarding and I hope you will make a point to see it. Of surprising and lasting impact to me was Tony Griffin’s not-to-be-missed “Study for a Turquoise Slip”, an engaging rendering of visual and psychological contrasts: it is a vision of exquisite feminine lassitude, yet the repose is reckless. The youthful subject appears to rest peacefully, while the awkward angle of her arm and risky placement of her hip on the outer limits of the chair suggest underlying tension if not discomfort. She is created and surrounded by the most compelling softness of form and color, splendidly languid and innocent, yet there is a sense of teeming inner energy that can resurrect at any moment, catapulting her into a state of vibrant movement. The portrait is at once beautiful, tender, and enigmatic. Such is the authentic condition of youth.

This Docent’s Corner is brought to you by Madge Megliola