Gerard in Hospice by Jackie Anderson
If ‘less is more’ were a painting, this would surely be the one.
The title ‘Gerard in Hospice’ suggests that the painting has the hospital setting. As depicted the man is in deep meditative sleep, perhaps in pain, and unaware of the viewer. At first glance, the painting seems unsophisticated and may even give the impression that more attention should have been paid to the painting. However, upon close inspection, spectators can witness the complexities of the painting with just one colour—transparent brown. The true backstory—painter’s dying husband—further intensifies the effectiveness of the painting.
The painting was on display in The National Portrait Gallery London. When Kaho and I were visiting the gallery two weeks ago. Around 50 other paintings were exhibited for the Visitor’s Choice Portrait Award 2024. Undoubtedly, all the works of art displayed for the competition were the finest and meticulously presented. As soon as we entered the room, we began to observe and examine the paintings. Even though we admired and adored all of them, this particular one caught our attention. We stood staring the painting in complete silence.
I watched the painting for a while, and then there was only the painting. The first thought that emerged in my mind was not to wake him up. The alleviated facial muscle, awareness of hospice bed, and gentle resting head on the pillow evokes the sense of empathy in the viewer. Besides, the painting encapsulates the human frailty, receding vigour, and perhaps acceptance of the ending—in the most peaceful way.
In painter Jackie Anderson’s own words: ‘I wanted to capture how beautiful and peaceful he looked. It felt like portrait painted itself.’
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