British contemporary artist, Jenny Saville, depicts figures through elements of both classical figurations and abstract modernism; using thick and vibrant strokes of paint. As Saville applies a multitude of layers of thick oil paint she merges the human life of the subject figures and the vibrate hue strokes. The work of this contemporary artist focuses on representing the “imperfections” of flesh and all the societal implications and expectations that revolve the superficial human complexion. Saville studied in the Glasgow School of Art and later attended a fellowship in Cincinnati (1991). Within her fellowship in Cincinnati, Saville was able to observe the work of a plastic surgeon in New York City. This was an immensely formative experience for Saville as she was able to witness the construction, destruction, and reconstruction of human tissue— a grand metaphorical and visual aspect of her work. Additionally, Saville spent a great deal of time focusing on the fragility and resilience of humans and the human condition as she viewed cadavers in morgues and studied classical and Renaissance sculptors. Saville’s work offers a contemporary perception on the societal presence of bodies and how their forms are portrayed across cultures and history.

Work Below, Respectively: Meridian, 2019-20| Second Nature, 2020| Chasah, 2020 |Drift, 2020-22