From Life: Drawing the Figure

26 Jul-1 Oct 2023

Overview

Discover our collection life drawings and explore a subject that has always fascinated artists – the human body

The art of life drawing allows us to look, study and understand the human form, with all its strengths and vulnerabilities. Art teachers teach their students the essentials through working from a live model in the studio. For many artists, this early training goes on to have a profound impact on their later work. Figure drawing reveals the inner lives of both artist and subject, as can be seen in works in the exhibition by Frank Auerbach, Leon Kossoff and John Minton.

With a particular focus on the development of modern ways of drawing in the twentieth century, From Life: Drawing the Figure will also highlight recent works by Tracey Emin and Claudette Johnson, demonstrating how the practice continues to hold significance for artists working today.