Frestonian Gallery is delighted to present Anna Freeman Bentley's latest series of works. The ‘make believe’ series includes 14 major new canvases, a similar number of smaller works on panel and canvas, and over twenty works on paper. They will be presented in two halves: the first opening as a solo artist presentation at the Armory Show in New York from the 8th September, and the second, more substantial half, comprising Anna’s second solo exhibition at Frestonian Gallery, London, which will open on the 21st September.
This exhibition of two halves is the culmination of two intensive years of work and a continuation of Freeman Bentley’s exploration into the ‘layering of space, and interiors that are steeped in meaning, purpose and potential’. The focus of this new series is the staged and constructed interiors of a single film set, a subject matter that Freeman Bentley has long held a fascination with. The film in question, The Colour Room, charts the life and career through the 1920s and 30s of the pioneering ceramic designer Clarice Cliff, the first female art director at a Staffordshire pottery.
Both presentations are accompanied by a substantial new catalogue, that has been co-published by Frestonian Gallery with the prestigious Anomie Publishing imprint, It features a wonderful essay on this new series of works by acclaimed critic Thomas Marks, as well as an in-depth interview with Freeman Bentley by Georgie Paget, the Producer of The Colour Room.
At each of Freeman Bentley’s exhibitions we have seen to date, the mastery of her medium has only increased, and again in ‘make believe’ we see the ever-greater refinement of her painting skills and techniques, which, in addition to an extraordinary eye for composition, make Freeman Bentley’s work so distinctive. Her palette has maintained its boldness and brilliance while astutely absorbing certain gentle and nuanced qualities inspired by the subject. Freeman Bentley is considered one of one of the most talented and exciting painters working in the UK today and it is an honour for Frestonian Gallery to be presenting this work in both New York & London
