"Lucian Freud, l'Atelier," © DR, Centre Pompidou

Lucian Freud  (grandson of Sigmund Freud) is known for his somber and realistic figure paintings and nudes which often picture people around him: family, friends, lovers, etc. A collection of approximately 50 large paintings, this exhibition is organized around the theme of Freud's London studio. It explores the painter's work through four central concepts: Interior/Exterior, Reflection, On Painting, and As Flesh, providing an accessible overview of the painter's masterpieces.


On view are many of Freud's major full-sized compositions, his signature self-portraits, and his variations on the works of masters such as Chardin and Cézanne. Throughout, Freud's sheer virtuosity is clearly the star attraction, with many of the works displaying an almost 3D quality, such is the precision and perfection of the painting. The last section, dedicated to imposing portraits of Leigh Bowery and Big Sue, is particularly touching in the lifelike rendering of the abundant flesh of both models.
 
The exhibition concludes with a screening of a film by English artist Tim Meara (a silent look at the Holland Park studio) and a series of photographs taken by Freud's assistant, David Dawson. These stills, showing intimate moments of Freud at work, are the perfect companions to a collection
 of paintings in which models and painter alike are depicted and exposed.


"Lucian Freud, L'Atelier," Centre Pompidou, until July 19, 2010.
Gallery 2, Level 6, every day except Tuesdays, 11am - 9pm (ticket
office closes at 8pm). Late opening Thursdays until 11pm (ticket
office closes at 10pm). €12, concessions €9.