Painted Faces

Painted Faces is an exhibition inspired by the recent acquisition of a work by internationally known contemporary artist Marlene Dumas, which depicts the talented singer-songwriter, Amy Winehouse.

This exhibition expands upon one of the main themes of Dumas’ work: the relationship between art and female beauty. Dumas’ ‘Back to’, 2011 will be shown alongside other works on paper from the collection.

Further interpretations of beauty will be presented through historical works including watercolours by Pre-Raphaelite and Pre-Raphaelite-influenced artists, which capture the intensity of the face and figure in detail, as well as intricately painted Chinese decorative portraits made in the style of late nineteenth-century artist Tinqua and a Chinese painted fan belonging a tradition known as the ‘one hundred faces’ fan.