I went to the Royal Academy today to catch the Manet exhibition before it closes this weekend and to see the Bellows show. It was impossible to see the first, as it was very crowded, several visitors deep before each picture, so no chance.
So I went up to the next floor to see the George Bellows - much more space and many fewer visitors - and was just bowled over by his work. He documented life in modern New York, showing slums and parks, boxing matches and family portraits. His drawings, lithographs and paintings have an energy which draws the viewer in, almost mesmerised by the detail. But if you go, prepare to be shocked and moved by the war paintings.
This is an exhibition not to be missed.
So I went up to the next floor to see the George Bellows - much more space and many fewer visitors - and was just bowled over by his work. He documented life in modern New York, showing slums and parks, boxing matches and family portraits. His drawings, lithographs and paintings have an energy which draws the viewer in, almost mesmerised by the detail. But if you go, prepare to be shocked and moved by the war paintings.
This is an exhibition not to be missed.