Man

The image of the ambiguous human figure consists of a simple facial outline and two oval elements placed on top of oversized limbs. The man’s head is turned towards the left, exposing only one profile. Executed with a simple black line, the huge legs resemble chunky boots and, given their size and shape, clash with other surrounding elements. The juxtaposition of abstract elements seems to compose an ambiguous yet complete image of the human figure. At the same time, the lack of explicit connection between different parts makes them come across separate and independent, challenging the initial impression of wholeness. The print sheds light on the experimental spirit and intellectual restlessness of the beloved British artist who famously said, “at Bradford School of Art the Gods were Degas and Sickert, I wanted Picasso.”