Rana Begum on Sir Joshua Reynolds
4 August 2023
As well as over 30 spectacular works by Sir Joshua Reynolds, our major 'Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration' exhibition features three brand new works by artist Rana Begum. The paintings came about after Begum undertook a research visit to The Box. Each one responds to a different Reynolds portrait, although not in a literal sense. These new works explore the effect of one colour against another, the impact of light and how Reynolds created depth, movement and drama. Listen to these video clips, taken from a recording session in Begum's studio, to discover what inspired her.
1. Portrait of Lady Ann Bonfoy
This beautiful portrait of a woman in a pale green dress standing in a confident pose is the first work from our collections that Begum was drawn to. Begum was particularly inspired by the weight and shape of the fabric in this portrait of Lady Ann Bonfoy of Port Eliot, St Germans, Cornwall. The new work she's created uses shades of green, pink, blue and grey that reference Ann's dress as well as the sea and trees that Reynolds painted in the background behind her.
2. Portrait of Elizabeth Field
This portrait is a recent acquisition for The Box and was previously in a private collection. It's an early work by Reynolds and features his uncle’s sister-in-law, Elizabeth Field. Although it's more modest than many of the other portraits in our 'Reframing Reynolds' exhibition, we were really pleased when Begum decided to respond to it. The colours in her resulting painting are more subtle than the ones she normally uses. It was a challenge she welcomed.
3. Early Self-Portrait
This self-portrait by Reynolds dates from the time he owned a studio in Plymouth Dock (now Devonport), and it's his features that really stand out. He gazes directly at the viewer; his face illuminated against the dark background. His pink lips and rosy cheeks add noticeable 'pops' of colour. Begum was drawn to this work, which depicts Reynolds at the age of 23. The vibrant painting she's created looks amazing on our gallery walls, and has the same air of drama she identified in the self-portrait.
This is the first time Begum’s responded to a collection like this and the experience has made her think about colour and space in a different way. It’s been fascinating for us to see an artist who doesn’t create traditional portraits respond to Sir Joshua Reynolds’ work and her three new paintings are a stunning addition to our exhibition. They also demonstrate how the historic can inform the contemporary, which is such an important part of what we do.
In addition to the three new works by Begum in the 'Reframing Reynolds' exhibition, you can also see her internationally touring 'Dappled Light' exhibition at The Box this summer (until 24 September).