Maggi Hambling: Walls of water

Atmospheric exhibition at the National Gallery of new works by Maggi Hambling.

The pictures almost created an installation of large works of waves or waterfalls against grey walls. They had a feeling of the Monet’s at the Orangery and spoke to the new Monet display over the stairs from it. The room actually smelt of paint but I wasn’t sure if that was of the thickness of the paint on the pictures to because it had only recently opened.

The pictures were thick splashes and swoops of paint. Often at the back there was a thin layer of paint with an almost lace effect. Some were quite monotone but others were packed with colour when you got up close.

They reminded me of one of my favourite places in the world, North Point in Barbados where the waves crash against rocks.

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