Radio Four recently conducted a survey of listeners' choices of 'Desert Island Discs.' How about some 'Desert Island Pics' to go alongside these? Here are the first two candidates for my shortlist from this week's viewings.
'Christ of St John of the Cross' by Salvador Dali. Dali has long been a favourite and this work is outstanding. Detailed painting, carefully planned and executed with an impact that's difficult to describe. The current chapel-like hanging at the Kelvingrove brings out the intentional spirituality of the work. Many memories associated with the painting - first ever exhibition I attended was a Dali retrospective at the Tate, we chanced upon this painting for the first time on a family holiday that took an unexpected turn and a framed print has hung in all the homes we've owned since. I'd almost forgotten how beautiful it is.
'Red Ballet Skirts' by Edgar Degas.Less familiar to me than Monet or Renoir, the Degas collection at the Burrell was the first unexpected delight as the Scottish part of the Tour began last weekend. The Impressionist style (although Degas didn't care for the term so often used to describe his work) has had a special place in my journey of art appreciation since first encountering 'Water Lilies' at the National Gallery as a teenager. Degas liked to catch the dancers he depicted off stage rather than on and many of those he drew were older performers rather than glamorous younger women. Loved the warm colours of this one although others on display were equally beautiful.
Back south of the border now and looking ahead to a couple of weeks of reading, study, reflection and some time at the Fitzwilliam.
Hope we have managed to post a comment on your blog! Interesting to read about the idea of 'Desert Island Pics' - we certainly remember the Salvador Dali picture at Kelvingrove - and this is the one you have on your wall at home isn't it? Mum and Dad.
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