GERALD LAING

Chevelere Assigne

Catalogue raisonné no. 684

Artist's CR 623

2005

Kinkell

Oil on canvas

36 x 32 inches / 0 cm

Exhibitions:
• Gerald Laing: Iraq War Paintings, Galerie Salvador, Paris, 2005
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• Gerald Laing: Iraq War Paintings, Globe Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne, 2007
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Literature:
• Gerald Laing, 'Artist’s Notes on War Paintings', unpublished manuscript, 2004
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Selected Citations and Comments

The title is taken from a Chanson de Geste which was translated into Middle English in about 1190. The central figure, the Swan Knight, is a modern Helyas (derived from the Celtic Ala, Eala, Ealadh - a swan). Helyas was once the epitome of chivalry. Even though he is positioned in the circle and square of Vitruvius’ high concept of human perfection, my Helyas is off-balance, ungainly and deformed. His enclosed helmet fails to disguise his human fallibility. Nevertheless, the Knight, supported by his corps de ballet, delivers high explosives from a safe altitude. Can Art help?

Gerald Laing, 'Artist's Notes on War Paintings', unpublished manuscript, 2004