AN EXPLORATION OF INSTINCTNESS AND ART
Francis Giacobetti, renowned photographer, offers us a fascinating look at one of the 20th century's most enigmatic artists, Francis Bacon, through the prism of his photographs. This new book from Editions Assouline, rich in previously unpublished images and rare interviews, offers a deep immersion into Bacon's tortured and instinctive universe, revealing intimate and little-known aspects of his personality and creative process.
From late 1991 to early 1992, just a few months before his death, Francis Bacon agreed to pose for a series of photographs by Francis Giacobetti. This unique collaboration gave rise to a collection of strange and captivating images, inspired by Bacon's disturbing works. These photographs, never before shown, were exhibited in June 2003 at the Marlborough Gallery in London, arousing considerable interest in the art world. One of the book's central themes is the importance of instinct in Bacon's work. In his own words: " I don't really believe in mastery as such, I believe more in instinct. It was my instinct that drove me to paint, and without it, I'd probably be sleeping in the street or dead. " For Bacon, intuition is the driving force behind his art, an irresistible impulse that transcends technique and reason. The conversations between the two friends reveal much about the painter's philosophy. Bacon confides: " Every artist worthy of the name spends his whole life dreaming of making the ultimate painting, the one that will forever define the discipline. For us, vanity never wavers. " This relentless desire for perfection and self-improvement is a constant in Bacon's life, a quest that drives him to explore the limits of his own talent. For the painter, art needs no explanation; it must be felt by the viewer: " Great art requires no words, because we experience it as a shock. It strikes our nervous system directly, without any need for culture or intelligence. " This brutal vision of the artist underlines the immediate, visceral impact of his works, designed to provoke an instinctive, emotional reaction.
Bacon also expresses his love for the act of painting rather than the canvases themselves: " To be perfectly honest, what I love most in the world is not the paintings themselves, but the act of painting. I've been lucky enough to be able to make a living from my obsession. " This statement reflects his passion and devotion to his art, where each painting is a personal and intense struggle. Stunned by the value placed on his work, Bacon asserts: " I paint for myself, and only for myself. I never imagined I could make a living from my paintings. At first, I was very surprised that people were willing to pay for them. And some people even think that the more expensive they are, the better. I find that very masochistic. This critical reflection on the art market and the perception of value underlines the artist's cynical view of the world around him.
Francis Giacobetti's new book sheds light on his intimate conversations with Francis Bacon, offering a unique and unprecedented perspective on a complex and fascinating painter. This volume is an invaluable contribution to understanding the work and life of Bacon, an artist who left his mark on art history through his passion and relentless quest for perfection.
FRANCIS BACON BY FRANCIS GIACOBETTI
ÉDITIONS ASSOULINE, JULY 2024
EU.ASSOULINE.COM
