Humans are highly emotional beings and we express ourselves in many ways; our gestures, expressions and movement can convey a multitude of emotions. This exhibition explores the interaction of mood and movement and how complex we really are.
A girl gazes above with wide eyes and lips parted. She seems curious and almost in awe of what she sees… This suggests a childlike innocence and fascination.
The different layers in this painting and the fact people are walking in different directions highlights the busyness of the market. They generally have neutral, almost bored expressions on their faces showing that this is an everyday, mundane place.
Hugh Gerard Byars (b.1957)
Oil on canvas
H 61.5 x W 76.2 cm
Glasgow Life Museums
The mother and child here embrace each other and show a deep connection. The child plays with the mother’s hair and smiles; the mother looks up directly at the toddler showing love and affection and also that she prizes her child.
William Hilton (1786–1839)
Oil on canvas
H 127 x W 99 cm
The Collection: Art & Archaeology in Lincolnshire (Usher Gallery)
Here, a girl stands confidently, observing the view in front of her. She seems focused, which is highlighted by her rigid stance and possibly even her blunt hairstyle.
Harold Charles Harvey (1874–1941)
Oil on canvas
H 50 x W 45 cm
Wolverhampton Arts and Heritage
In this painting each of the figures has a slightly different expression and position: the man in the foreground is slouched and bored and the man behind is more patient. The group of people chatting are huddled together and the person in the background quietly observes.
Rosemary Gabrielle Davies (1922–2016)
Oil on board
H 54.8 x W 71 cm
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum
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These men are engaged in very physical work; the man standing wipes his brow and his expression reveals his exhaustion. The man below holds a curved metal rod which reflects the up and down movement he makes. His body appears limp showing that he too is tired.
Chris Tunwell (b.1959) and Patients & Staff of the Occupational Therapy Dept
Oil on board
H 122 x W 81.5 cm
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
In this busy scene there is a lot of movement depicted from running to rolling. Even the spectators are physically engaged - some point or are leaned towards the action - and we get a sense of energy, excitement and anticipation.
Charles March Gere (1869–1957)
Oil on canvas
H 62.5 x W 75.3 cm
Gloucester Museums Service Art Collection
The surfer's angular body and position in relation to the board conveys they are mid-movement; it is easy to imagine what this scene would look like in action. Their arm is held up to balance and instinctively from the spray of water.
Paul Edward Nicholls (b.1948)
Oil on canvas
H 51 x W 41 cm
Royal Institution of Cornwall
Although the movement and expression is subtle here, you can still see how this woman feels. She smiles and takes care in putting the chopped vegetables into the pot, showing us she enjoys cooking.
Paul Gopal-Chowdhury (b.1949)
Oil on canvas
H 213.5 x W 183 cm
Heritage Doncaster
The violinist holds her violin comfortably, suggesting she is practised and enjoys playing. Her expression is thoughtful too which gives us an insight into the mood of the music.
George Henry Grenville Manton (1855–1932)
Oil on canvas
H 274 x W 170 cm
The Collection: Art & Archaeology in Lincolnshire (Usher Gallery)