Divorce Your Id, See Freud's Art

Lucian Freud is the grandson of Sigmund "the couch whisperer" Freud, but through art he found an identity that was perfectly his own. Known for his cool-toned, realism-based portraits, Lucian developed and defined his style well before passing away in 2011 at the age of 88. Earlier in his career,...

By Jamie Laughlin

June 28, 2012

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Lucian Freud is the grandson of Sigmund "the couch whisperer" Freud, but through art he found an identity that was perfectly his own. Known for his cool-toned, realism-based portraits, Lucian developed and defined his style well before passing away in 2011 at the age of 88. Earlier in his career, we saw much lighter, wispier brush strokes from Freud, but I prefer his later work when he really starts layering it on. He gives a true roundness to his subjects. A plumpness that almost mimics claymation fills out his muses throughout their cheekbones, rolling hips and curving legs. But what lures me in most are the eyes. Freud never much cared for them; he preferred to express a person's entire self, rather than forcing his or her story to emerge entirely from the face. The end result is a sort of regal, deadened gaze - like what you'd expect from a socialite pumped full of klonopin. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth has gained access to 90 of Freud's paintings, and the exhibition opens Sunday. It's the only U.S. stop of this tour, which runs through October 28. The Modern (3200 Darnell St.) is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. General admission is $10. Visit themodern.org.
July 1-Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2012

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