Brigit Macnamara 1937

Curator: The work before us, by Augustus John, dating to 1937, is a portrait of Brigit Macnamara rendered in oil paint. Editor: My first impression is a certain pastoral serenity, despite the dishabille of the figure. There's an almost classical repose conveyed through the arrangement of colour and the soft, blurring strokes. Curator: Augustus John, particularly during the early 20th century, occupied a central role in the British art world. This image of Macnamara is significant in understanding how he presented women, and especially artists, in his circle, which he often situated amidst the avant-garde circles of bohemian London. Editor: I'm especially drawn to the handling of colour. See how the bright yellow of her jacket creates a distinct contrast against the deep blues of the scarf and her dress. This vibrancy is, paradoxically, softened by the artist's very loose, almost unfinished brushwork. It pulls the eye this way and that, demanding we complete the forms ourselves. Curator: Indeed. This portrait, while seemingly personal, does align with John's tendency to create an idealized portrayal of bohemian life and unconventional beauty. It should be said that Brigit was his lover for 4 years, up to 1937, which makes the picture quite revealing of John’s creative licence when representing those intimate to him. Editor: Is it possible the frank portrayal of nudity here—the partially revealed breast— functions not simply as titillation, but rather speaks to a broader aesthetic investigation? The way John reduces form and focuses instead on light, colour, and brushstroke suggests this element of raw nature. Curator: Potentially so, although his personal relationships clearly played an important part when executing portraits of female subjects in particular. I wonder about its display and the reactions during that period, given the moral complexities involved. Editor: A fitting consideration. Studying the composition through form, brushstrokes, and colour theory certainly clarifies the subject’s emotional impact. Curator: I am more persuaded that through examining the society’s values at the time it offers us key understanding and provides greater knowledge of its value and position within his body of work. Editor: Regardless, analysing Augustus John's vision undoubtedly shows the value of seeing the image in front of us and its cultural perception in tandem.