In light of our latest exhibition Myth by Mark Demsteader, we turn our attention to the rich and varied world of figurative art.
Far from a single approach, figurative art has evolved through centuries, encompassing styles that range from classical realism to bold abstraction and conceptual photography. Below, we look at some of the most significant artists whose work demonstrates the breadth of expression within the figurative tradition.
Classical Realism: John Singer Sargent
John Singer Sargent exemplifies the refined elegance of classical realism. Known for his technical brilliance and ability to capture the character of his sitters, Sargent brought a sense of grace and naturalism to portraiture. His work demonstrates how realism, while rooted in careful observation, can also communicate emotion and atmosphere beyond mere likeness.
Pop and Contemporary Iconography: Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol redefined figuration through Pop Art, blending the human form with celebrity culture and mass media imagery. His portraits of icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley were not traditional likenesses but bold symbols of fame and consumerism. Warhol’s figurative work shows how style can shift from detailed realism to graphic repetition, bridging fine art and popular culture.
Psychological Realism: Lucian Freud
Lucian Freud’s paintings are known for their unflinching honesty and psychological depth. Using thick impasto and muted tones, he captured the weight of human presence with a raw intensity. Freud’s style represents a strand of figurative art deeply concerned with the inner life of its subjects rather than idealised beauty.
Expressionism and Distortion: Francis Bacon
In stark contrast, Francis Bacon embraced distortion to reveal the turmoil of the human condition. His figures, often twisted and unsettling, are rendered with bold gestures and vibrant colour. Bacon’s expressionist approach demonstrates how figurative art can transcend likeness to explore themes of pain, conflict and identity.
Conceptual and Narrative Photography: Cindy Sherman
Cindy Sherman brought a new dimension to figuration through photography. By using herself as a model and transforming into a wide array of characters, she questioned stereotypes, gender roles and the nature of identity itself. Sherman’s conceptual style highlights how figurative art is not limited to painting or drawing but can thrive in contemporary media.
Monumental Abstraction of the Human Form: Jenny Saville
Jenny Saville merges classical influences with modern abstraction, focusing on the raw physicality of the body. Her canvases, layered with thick smears and painterly gestures, magnify flesh in ways both intimate and monumental. Saville’s approach exemplifies how figuration can push beyond traditional representation to challenge perceptions of beauty and form.
From the elegance of Sargent’s realism to the raw physicality of Saville’s monumental canvases, figurative art continues to reinvent itself across media and styles. Our exhibition Myth by Mark Demsteader joins this tradition, offering a contemporary perspective on the enduring power of the human figure in art.
