Band 5/6 Response 1
Recoil, Release, Rest consists of nine black and white paint, wash and charcoal drawings which fit together to form a complete image. Audience understanding is largely dependent on the title of the work. The central concept is the dynamic potential of the human form drawn from life. The resting figure is shown at a rather awkward angle, creating a contradiction in the supposedly comfortable pose. This device and the inset or overlayed figure studies create tension within the work. The isolated figure in the left lower corner distracts the audience from the successful use of foreshortening, although the bold and painterly exploration of drawing practice provide some coherence across the nine panels. Although the body of work has some inconsistencies, its scale, energetic line work and dynamic composition evoke a powerful image.
