Aug 12

Aug 12 Friday Night Flicks: Francis Bacon: A Brush with Violence

“I think Bacon is on his own, really. I mean, he had a very, very dark view of the world… And that’s probably why I love Bacon paintings, because when I first saw them, they reminded me of sort of spaces I’d imagined in nightmares, which is why he’s great.” —Damien Hirst

I got this great idea from our pal and colleague Phillip Dillon. He uses his morning coffee to research and learn something new about art. Even if it's just for 15 minutes. And since I’ve tried his recommendation it’s led to many rad discoveries, like this film on artist and painter Francis Bacon.

Bacon did not go to art school. He didn’t take any of the paths one is “supposed” to take. But he did have a storied and dark life he turned into works that now regularly auction in the ballpark of 40-80 million dollars. The lifestyle he led was often a complicated, alcohol-fueled mess of failing relationships and turmoil and madness — which makes for fascinating viewing and obviously incredible art.

His work doesn’t leave you wondering about the torment and pain he’s been through. It’s all right there on the canvas. This captivating BBC documentary from 2017 is the kind of flick we’re always searching for on YouTube and rarely finding. But in this case, my commitment to it worked out and we highly recommend.

*Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion* c.1944

Many of the characters who were there with Bacon at the time, drinking and watching the chaos that was his life recount their tales and the torment they witnessed — and how he was able to turn that into his art. Seeing the origin story of these artists is always interesting. Check it out tonight over coffee, tea, or a glass of red. Maybe even all three. —Travis