lThe initial visual idea was to use the Georges Rouault
print of the crucifixion
from the New Art Gallery, Walsall as a starting point for what was envisaged as a series of works. There had also been
two recent exhibitions of the
print work of Rouault in Birmingham (Miserere) which had also aroused my interest in the artist’s
work.
l
lThe crucifixion had the typical Rouault heaviness
derived from his strong use
of black. Once colour was added, his pictures looked like stained glass windows.
l
l I liked the
liveliness that seemed to be implied by the quickly drawn brushstrokes. This form of mark-making, I felt, brought
a closeness between
artist and viewer, who was engaged by both the directness and the richness of the loose style, I also liked the
intensity achieved by the contrast
of bright, rich colours and heavy black lines, although I did not want to incorporate a religious theme.
l