Encouter with an Artwork (3)

On Sunday March 8th I returned to the Tate to view Epstien`s "Jacob and the Angel" for the third time.

On my last visit, I explored the different experiences of approaching the work via the stairs from the Manton entrance versus coming in from the ground floor.On this visit I looked at the work in the context of the paintings in the adjoining rooms.

Coming to the sculpture from the ground floor where "Altermodern" is presented, in the room to the left are paintings by William Blake(1752-1827) and Cecil Collins(1908-1989). Both were known as visionary artists. Angels are represented in many of the works of both artists in this room. "Good and Evil Angels" is a very powerful image of Blake`s, as is "Angel and Flowing Light" by Collins. The Angel appears to be a very potent symbol to all three artists, and I think the grouping of their work together adds strenght to all their expressions.

On the stairway coming up from the Manton entrancethere hangs a huge canvas(oil) by Frank Bowling(b. 1938) titled "Mirror", 1936. It shows a gold spiral staircase with a man descending(ascending?) and a blurred figure coming up from the bottom. The palettte is bright- oranges,reds, lime green, gold, violet and indigo.Standing infront of Epstein`s sculpture, the painting is in the background. It has a religious feel, and I believe the two work well together.