During his lifetime, Francis Bacon maintained that he painted directly onto canvas without the benefit of preparatory studies. Since his death in 1992, however, several groups of works on paper have come to light, offering amazing new insights into Bacon's working methods and personal obsessions. "Bacon's Eye" showcases a unique collectiion of works on paper that were bundled up and given by the artist to his friend Barry Joule just prior to his death. This collection includes a remarkable album of 70 oil sketches that relate to his work from the '50s and '60s, as well as over 900 "working documents": images torn from books, magazines and newspapers that have been painted and sketched over, revealing an artist's-eye-view of some of the most important people and events of the 20th century. As of yet, these works have not been officially recognized as being by Bacon. Permission to to show these works alongside finished paintings was denied by the Bacon Estate. The gallery, 21 Publishing, and a host of Bacon experts firmly believe in the authenticity of these works. This book, along with an exhibition at the Barbican Gallery in London, are a means of allowing the public to judge for itself.
Edited by Georgia Mazower. Foreword by John Hoole. Introduction by Mark Sladen. Essay by Mark Sladen.
116 color and 6 b&w.
9.25 x 12 in.
