Victor Hugo – The Royal Academy
I recently visited the Royal Academy's exhibition of Victor Hugo. A look into the life of the famed writer and activist, revealed his extraordinary creativity beyond his literary work. Famously known for Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Hugo’s art spans caricatures to surreal masterpieces.
His activism, including his fierce opposition to the death penalty, is reflected in works like Ecce Lex (Behold the Law), which protests executions. Hugo's art is often raw and unfiltered & you feel his inner turmoil and isolation, especially viewing his art during his exile on Guernsey. His works feature haunting, gothic imagery, including castles, landscapes, and abstract forms, blending emotion and imagination. Hugo’s architectural fascination, especially with gothic structures, is evident in his sketches of castles and his own gothic retreat. His art remains timeless, independent of artistic trends, and deeply connected to universal themes of empathy and human consciousness.
Well worth a visit....!!
