'A Young Francis' (detail), c2010, pastel, 128 x 128cm, 138 x 138cm framed.Margaret Woodward
A Young Francis
(c2010)
This work is also known as A Young Francisco which places it within the group of works that continues Margaret's fascination with Francisco Lezcano*. In this case she poses him amongst a flock of birds, unfazed by their energy and flapping wings he stares directly at the viewer. Birds are flying in all directions, Francis/Francisco holding the wing of one of the birds as a device to show his connection. Margaret constructs the drawing in an arc from her subject to the leading bird as though they are attached to him, that they could carry him with them.
The magical nature of the subject, the imaginings that Margaret was so interested in conveying, is on display here. We all imagine ourselves taking flight, whether from a relationship, a place or simply to escape for a time. The cacophony of birds suggests such flight is not simple, the complexity of life decisions and indeed the practice of art, about which Margaret often spoke, is particularly evident.
We all imagine ourselves taking flight, whether from a relationship, a place or simply to escape for a time. The cacophony of birds suggests such flight is not simple, the complexity of life decisions and indeed the practice of art, about which Margaret often spoke, is particularly evident.
Birds were not usual subjects for Margaret. While occasionally an owl might provide a studied contemplation, and an early drawing, Matisse and his birds(1998), to find birds in flight in such a grouping is unusual. It is to her early student work, St Francis and the birds (1958), that we find the theme that simmered for the artist for over 40 years. The birds in this picture, a small tempera on hardboard, are in flight in a similar grouping. St Francis famously preached to birds, praising them for their freedom, and perhaps rather than Francisco Lezcano, A Young Francis may be a direct reference to the young St Francis.
Another earlier work, Protean Self-portrait (1982), is indicative of Margaret’s interest in the connectedness of nature and alludes to the Greek demigod Proteus who could change form and take flight. It is this notion that she explores with this work, Francis/Francisco morphing into birds to escape, “the beauty of courage” as Margaret described it.
* Francisco was a favourite subject of the Spanish artist Diego Velazquez. Margaret became enamoured with his image and often included him in her paintings.
Exhibitions and competitions:
“Margaret Woodward – Paintings and Drawings”, Wagner Art Gallery, Paddington NSW, 18 September – 14 October 2010
References
Isabel Hendriksen, Margaret Woodward: Inside Looking Out, Parramatta, Parramatta Heritage Centre, 2003, p.53.