Get ready to be blown away by the unflinching art of Maggi Hambling – Britain's most daring and honest painter. This trailblazing artist has pulled no punches with her latest works, delving into the darkest corners of life, love, and loss. With a series of powerfully poignant exhibitions in London, alongside a book that will leave you breathless, Hambling takes us on an intimate journey through the final months of both her father, Harry, and her beloved Henrietta Moraes – a muse to some of the greatest artists of our time.
Her unflinching gaze captures her subjects at their most vulnerable – from deathbeds to coffins – yet somehow, these raw, uncompromising works are anything but grim. Art critic John Berger sums it up perfectly: "Maggi's courage and clarity in depicting human pain and shortcomings is a celebration of life itself." With her fearless approach, Hambling strips away the sugarcoating and invites us to confront our own mortality head-on.
A leading figure in British art for over four decades, Maggi has left an indelible mark on our nation's cultural landscape. From the National Portrait Gallery to the National Gallery, where she once held court as artist-in-residence, her work has sparked debate and discussion. And now, with these stunning new exhibitions, she's pushing boundaries like never before.
The relationship between Maggi and Henrietta Moraes – a colourful Soho legend and muse to artists like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud – was nothing short of transformative. Their connection ignited a creative spark that burned bright, with Moraes becoming the central subject of Hambling's work. As she once described her: "A force of nature who looks straight into your soul." These words echo through every stunning piece in this latest collection.
As we witness Henrietta's decline from cirrhosis of the liver, Maggi's art becomes more poignant than ever – a testament to her unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of life itself. Her remarkable drawings, like 'Henrietta returns to drink', show us that even in death's shadow, there's still a spark – a little bit of life infused into every charcoal line.
While you can't stream her work online, Maggi's masterpieces are waiting for you at national institutions across the UK. Don't miss your chance to experience the unflinching art that's been making waves in Britain's cultural scene – and cementing Hambling's status as one of our greatest living artists.