I was in NYC on the weekend and had the chance to see the current Francis Bacon exhibit as well as the Fashion exhibit "The Model as Muse" at the Met. While both were filled with unique perspectives on life the Francis Bacon exhibit was filled with the kind of fascinating dread that only suffering artists seem best able to express.
I have long been a fan of Bacon and his path to the dark and tortured side of existence. His caged forms screaming in anguish challenge the boundaries of art and obscenity. There is something strangely compelling in his twisted creations. Something visceral that cuts to the core of humanity. I loved the exhibit, even if I was a bit morose after wards. Sometimes sombre thoughts fuel creativity.
In sharp contrast the fashion exhibit, "The Model as Muse" was all about society's changing views of ideal beauty with regard to the female form and fashion. It was interesting to see that in the 40's models were women, not girls. Now we are exposed to children or teenagers as women and the body image that is associated with 15 year old rather than a woman. It is unfortunate that men are not subjected to the same standards as women. The photos in this exhibit were stunning.
