Exhibit: Bacon + Moore are Terrifyingly Beautiful!

AGO Terror + Beauty Art Exhibition Review

Heya! Last week I visited the AGO's newest exhibit Francis Bacon and Henry Moore: Terror and Beauty and was in awe of how terrifyingly beautiful this exhibit was. I was emotionally drained after spending almost 2 hours among some of the most emotionally charged pieces of art I have ever seen. 

Outside AGO: Two Large Forms by Henry Moore, 1966 and 1969

Outside City Hall: Three Way Piece No. 2 (The Archer) by Henry Moore, 1966

It's interesting that two such different artists have been paired together for this exhibit. Torontians may be familiar with some of Moore's work. There is a Henry Moore Sculpture Centre at the AGO, and two of his sculptures can been seen in front of City Hall and outside the AGO. In contrast, Terror and Beauty is Francis Bacon's first major showing in Canada. And the differences don't stop there. Moore is known more as a sculptor and Bacon was more famous as a painter. Moore's work is viewed as serene and used universal themes; whereas Bacon's work is more electric and autobiographical. It's interesting to see these two famous artists from British Modernism, that lived during the same time period, interpret a world in turmoil in their own style. I loved how each artist's work plays off each other and made me see their works in a different light. Explained at the beginning of the exhibit: "the artists' works are paired to create a dialogue showing their shared awareness of human suffering and mortality that is also a testament to human strength and resilience."

The Terror and Beauty exhibit is divided into 4 large rooms displaying Moore's and Bacon's work together. The first room includes a timeline of each artists life. There is also several Bill Brandt photographs, displayed together with Bacon's sketches, depicting British life during the bombings of World War II. Throughout the exhibit, among the art pieces, are various quotes from the artists, as well as large placards detailing certain themes that each artist represented in their work, like Crucifixions and Bodies. Just outside the exit of the exhibit, there is an opportunity to watch two short films about each artist. The films are open to all museum guests without any additional price.

I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibit, the art spoke volumes to me and gave me goosebumps. Francis Bacon and Henry Moore: Terror and Beauty runs until July 20, 2014. For more information please visit ago.net/francis-bacon-and-henry-moore.

And P.s!: Every hour on the half hour, a volunteer from the AGO gives a free 10 minute art talk in a different place throughout the museum. Just look for the red dot!

P.s,

Melanie!