Release

Mark Francis 1962

Summary

Semi-abstract monochrome painting based on images of chromosomes seen through an electron microscope, comprising of short black curved and squiggled lines covering the canvas in random patterns on a white ground, giving the impression of chaotic, uncontrolled movement and reproduction. The black forms are painted onto a wet white ground, which is then brushed with a broad dry brush giving a three dimensional shadowy effect. The forms are irregular in placement and shape, they include: horse-shoe shapes, bent rods and looped forms, each line has a ball on each end. 'Release' is one of a series of paintings concerned with the basic processes of life and reproduction. The painting may be a celebration of life's forces. There is also a suggestion of nature out of control, with the sense of threat intensified by the density of the black paint. It evokes contemporary fears of rapacious microbes and deadly viruses.

Display Label

Release 1994 Mark Francis b.1962 Oil on canvas Francis' work is inspired by microscopic images of bacteria, chromasomes and sperm. Basic processes of life and reproduction fascinate him. His work is grounded in the tradition of abstract painting but lies ambiguously between abstraction and reality. In this painting, dragged paint suggests movement and the dark forms appear to be multiplying. The painting may be a celebration of life's forces, or a menacing image underlining contemporary fears of escaping microbes running out of control. Purchased with assistance from the National Art-Collections Fund 1995.1