WHEN I WAS AT SCHOOL I used to visit the Tate Gallery (now Tate Britain, taking second place to its populist upstart sibling). I loved the paintings, particularly the modern art.
But there was one painting, hanging over the staircase, which I hated. I found it ugly, bewildering, offensive. I disliked it so much that I used to shield my eyes every time I had to use that staircase. The painting was The Resurrection, Cookham, painted in 1924-7 by Stanley Spencer (you can see it here).
Years later I wondered what it was about that particular painting that upset me so much. How was it that mere paint on canvas could produce such a profound emotional reaction? How could a work of art have the power to disconcert me to such a degree?
So I went back to the Tate or another look. It had since been moved away from the staircase, with a comfortable bench placed in front of it. I sat for the best part of an hour, staring at it, trying to get it to divulge its many mysteries.
I still find it ugly. But I stop and say hello each time I visit the Tate.
Footnote: in 2022 Tate Britain removed The Resurrection, Cookham from display, citing potential issues over alleged racial stereotyping. I find it bizarre that a painting created 100 years ago should be held to account by today’s standards.
