assistants and George Frederic Watts – Chaos Tate Britain (London)

The composition presents a sprawling panorama dominated by swirling forms and intense coloration. The artist has arranged figures within a tumultuous landscape, evoking a sense of primordial upheaval. A central vortex of light and energy serves as a focal point, radiating outwards into areas of both darkness and vibrant illumination.
On the left side of the scene, a mass of bodies writhes in apparent agony or struggle. These individuals are rendered with muscularity and dynamism, their postures conveying exertion and distress. The palette here is predominantly warm – reds, oranges, and browns – contributing to an atmosphere of fiery intensity and potential destruction. A sense of claustrophobia arises from the density of figures and the lack of clear spatial definition within this grouping.
In contrast, the right side depicts a more serene arrangement of reclining forms. These individuals appear less agitated than their counterparts on the left; they are arranged in a horizontal plane, suggesting repose or even dormancy. The color scheme shifts to cooler tones – blues and purples – creating a visual distinction from the turmoil on the left. While seemingly calmer, this area is not entirely devoid of tension; the figures retain a monumental scale and possess an almost unsettling stillness.
The central space between these two groups appears as a transitional zone, marked by swirling mists and indistinct shapes. A single figure emerges from this nebulous region, positioned centrally within the composition. This individual seems to be in a state of emergence or transition, poised between the chaos on one side and the relative tranquility on the other.
The overall effect is one of profound instability and transformation. The artist has not simply depicted a scene; rather, they have sought to convey an emotional and philosophical state – perhaps representing the birth of order from disorder, or the cyclical nature of creation and destruction. The absence of specific narrative elements allows for multiple interpretations, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of human suffering, potential renewal, and the inherent tension between opposing forces. The monumental scale of the figures and the dramatic lighting contribute to a sense of awe and grandeur, suggesting that this is not merely a local event but a cosmic drama unfolding on an epic scale.