With Daughter on her Mind (A Tribute to Muriel Belcher), by Michael Clark, is an homage to the legendary Muriel Belcher who started The Colony Room Club back in 1948. The projection is anchored by a double image of Tilda Swinton with a light leak casted across her face.
As Clark recounts, ‘Muriel had a keen eye for spotting beauty and talented artists and after the first few days of the Colony Room Club opening, Francis Bacon walked in. The two struck up a familial relationship and in exchange for £10 a week (and many free drinks) Bacon was to bring in friends and other artists alike to the club.’
Within the work, a quote appears saying: ‘After showing me his most recent painting still in progress, on the easel, Francis handed me a collection of portrait photographs by John Deakin. “Muriel” he said, “She had an extraordinary sense of beauty.” The same can be said for Tilda Swinton – a magnetic energy that surrounds her. Fading between images of Francis Bacon, Muriel Belcher and Tilda Swinton – they all become integrated into each other reflecting their similarities.
Michael Clark’s ’With Daughter on her Mind (A Tribute to Muriel Belcher)’ is featured in the exhibition ‘Tales from the Colony Room: Art and Bohemia’. Visit Dellasposa Gallery to view this exquisite work.
© Michael Clark, 2020.
V.D.U made possible with the support of ICEROCKS LONDON.