Anna Freeman Bentley - Make Believe

Anna Freeman Bentley's paintings explore the emotive potential of space through architectural imagery. This third publication, centered on the relationship between painting and cinema, features works from her recent series "The Color Room" and includes an essay by Thomas Marks and an interview with Georgie Paget. The publication is edited by Matt Incledon and Matt Price and designed by Joe Gilmore. It coincides with the artist's second solo show at Frestonian Gallery.

Format: Hardback
Length: 84 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Anomie Publishing

Anna Freeman Bentley's paintings delve into the emotional realm of space, drawing inspiration from the Baroque era. Her artistic journey encompasses a wide range of sources, including junk shops, restaurants, private members clubs, flea markets, and meticulously designed interiors. At the core of her artistic exploration lies an in-depth examination of surfaces, tensions, and the atmospheric nuances evoked by these diverse interior environments. While her depicted spaces appear empty, subtle visual cues hint at the presence of people and the social tapestry woven within them.

This captivating third publication by Freeman Bentley, a renowned artist, delves into the intricate relationship between painting and cinema. The book is organized into sections, showcasing major paintings on canvas and panel, as well as a collection of works on paper, all created during the period of 2021 to 2022. The central focus of Bentley's artistic inquiry in this publication lies in the exploration of sets from the film "The Colour Room," a cinematic masterpiece that tells the captivating story of the early career of celebrated British ceramicist Clarice Cliff. The foreword to the book is penned by Rollo Campbell and Matt Incledon of Frestonian Gallery, providing valuable insights into the artist's creative process and the significance of her work within the context of contemporary art.

In an insightful essay titled "The Importance of Historic and Contemporary Cinema and Temporary Architecture in Freeman Bentley's Work," writer and critic Thomas Marks delves into the profound influence of cinema and temporary architecture on Freeman Bentley's artistic practice. Marks highlights a notable shift in Bentley's palette, embracing the use of pastels and drawing parallels between her artistic journey and the pioneering work of Clarice Cliff. He emphasizes the artist's ability to capture the essence of historic and contemporary cinema through her paintings, creating a visual tapestry that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.

To further enrich our understanding of Freeman Bentley's artistic vision, an interview with Georgie Paget, the co-founder of Caspian Films, the production company behind "The Colour Room," takes center stage. In this engaging conversation, Paget delves into the artist's profound interest in the artifice of film props and the film set as a layered space steeped in meaning, purpose, and potential. The two discuss the reciprocal relationship between painting and cinema, recounting Freeman Bentley's experiences on the film's sets and delving into her meticulous working processes. From capturing photographs on set to translating those images into captivating paintings, Bentley's artistic journey is a testament to her dedication and creativity.

In conclusion, Anna Freeman Bentley's paintings transcend the boundaries of traditional art forms, employing architectural imagery to delve into the emotive potential of space. Through her meticulous exploration of surfaces, tensions, and atmospheric nuances, Bentley creates a visual language that invites viewers to engage with the spaces she depicts. Her third publication, centered on the relationship between painting and cinema, showcases her exceptional talent and her ability to capture the essence of historic and contemporary cinema through her artistic lens. By examining the sets from "The Colour Room" and engaging in insightful conversations with Georgie Paget, we gain a deeper appreciation for Freeman Bentley's artistic vision and the profound impact she has made in the world of art.

Dimension: 240 x 260 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910221433