FALLING UP

Whilst we were at the Courtauld Gallery we a small exhibition entitled 'falling up' which was looking at the effects of gravity.This included  Ruebens work, The Descent from the Cross. This masterpiece shows the  the collapsing figure of Christ as his faithful followers surround him, yet none seem to actively support him.  Christ's body seems to be in an ambiguous state, neither rising or descending. this feeling is emphasised by the sweep of the white shroud.

The contorted figure of Christ masterfully painted.


A completely different work of art was Cornelia Parker's Neither From Nor Towards but yet seems to have a lot in common with Rueben's painting

The central area of the gallery was dominated by this was a beautifully constructed work. A selection of weather worn bricks  were suspended above the floor as though in the act of falling. It is unclear if Parker is attempting to recreate the buildings from which these came, or if we are anticipating the moment of impact from their collapse. Thus we too are suspended like Christ in Rueben's work..

"Gravity is what happens to you over a lifetime, the earth's grip on all of us" Cornelia Parker.