Conversation 1916

Fancy a chat? A good gossip over a cup of coffee can brighten even the most mundane of days, as the English painter Vanessa Bell (1879-1961) here shows. ☕️ Largely known as the sister of the famous author Virginia Woolf (1882-1941), Vanessa Bell’s fantastic painting has previously been overlooked. In this oil painting, ‘Conversation’ (1916), Bell employs rich colour and simplified forms to create a vibrant dynamism. Here, Bell has rejected the conventions of realism in favour of a modern style which captures the spirit and boldness of the conversation. 🌷 This painting depicts three women, seated in a triangular composition. Behind the women, we see draped curtains and loosely rendered flowers. This suggests the women are sitting before a window which looks out over a garden. Though set in a domestic interior, the women are not restrained by convention or rigid gender roles – rather, they appear animated and energetic in their debate. Bell’s avant-garde style reflects the progressive values of the Bloomsbury Group, in which she was a core character. 📚 The Bloomsbury Set was a 20th century circle of writers, artists, and intellectuals. They frequently met in the Bloomsbury area of London, where they discussed innovative and unconventional ideas. Crucially, the group offered a space for women and queer people to challenge Victorian norms and exchange thoughts. ‘Conversation’ (1916) can be seen to embody the significance of conversation and intellectual connection to the Bloomsbury gatherings. 🗣️ Vanessa Bell worked on this experimental oil painting for several years, beginning in 1913. It reflects the merits of friendship and remains an enduringly relatable image even today. Now, let me text my friends! 🤣💬 Editor: Lucy Jude Grantham