Howard Hodgkin in Oxford

I have always loved Hodgkins work, it is striking. This word is apt as the work hits you, the colour; the bravado in his paintings has at times stop me in my tracks. The most notable time was the last room in his retrospective in the Tate, where his newest works were situated. So much joy had leaked out of them and upon reading the titles this sadness at the world, the war was confirmed.

However I have just read THIS ARTICLE by Jonathan Jones, from The Guardian. The title is 'Howard Hodgkin - the last English romantic painter' and not only does it talk about Hodgkin's beautiful art but Jonathan Jones writes in a beautiful way.

First he introduces the idea of how in these works you can conjure up an impression of where they are from, nearly all the works in the show are on loan from private collectors. This placing of art is by far one of the joys of collecting and how I would love to have a Hodgkin to hang. Even with a less renowned collection though placement is a joy, I particularly like a collection of small works on paper I have on my stair well (including one canvas by my 5 year old nephew)

But back to Hodgkin and the article, the images brought up give a real sence of what is on offer to see and I fully plan a trip down to Oxford before the end of the show.

DETAILS HERE

Also http://www.howardhodgkin.org.uk/ is a great resource to find out more about the artists and see more of his works.

Below is one of my many favourite works of Hodgkin, 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' 1988-1981:




Nathan