The Dream of Homolois - John Swogger, 2010 (print)
“Fronting the sixth gate stands another foe, Wisest of warriors, bravest among seers –
Such must I name Amphiaraus: he, set steadfast at the gate of Homolois.
The sign of Ruin standeth at the gate, There, where they strove with Fate
And the ill power beheld the brothers’ fall,
And triumphed over all!”
Aeschylus, Seven Against Thebes (Trans. E.D.A. Morshead)
Just been to see the Picasso exhibition up at the Tate in Liverpool. Apart from the newspapers and prints and posters, there were quite a few paintings which I had never seen before. Really taken by the range and dynamism of so much of the painting. Everything just exuded confidence – confidence in line, colour and gesture. A lot of people say that they are intimidated by “famous” artists, but I found the exhibition very – empowering, I suppose. Every piece at once felt spontaneous and yet considered, it spoke a lot about how confidence in ones own work can be felt and seen by an audience. If you don’t have any faith in your work, perhaps no one else will. That’s what I mean about the exhibition being empowering – a tremendous sense of “just do it”-ness. Nike, the goddess of Victory and running shoes – patroness of artists?
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