Phoebe Unwin

Man with Heavy Limbs

2009

Not on display

Artist: Phoebe Unwin born 1979
Medium: Acrylic paint, ink, charcoal and pastel on card and printed paper
Dimensions: Unconfirmed: 1465 x 1000 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by Tate Members 2010
Reference: T13224

Display caption

This work depicts a seated male figure in profile with his forearms and hands resting on his thighs. Rendered in a variety of materials, from charcoal and pastel to acrylic and ink, the work is made of four sheets of paper mounted together in the frame. The printed pattern acts both as clothing and interior, thus confusing the relationship between figure and background. The depiction of a single fragmented figure follows Unwin’s interest in removing any sense of narrative or reality. This way, the figure stands alone in the work’s own imaginary world with no sense of place or time.

Gallery label, September 2016

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