Bethlem Gallery, set in the grounds of the world’s oldest psychiatric institution, presents Our Eyes Will Dance, a retrospective of the work of artist Courtney (1964 – 2024) exploring the human condition, institutionalisation and body image.
Courtney’s art practice expresses the importance – and joy – of making work, and of making work with other people. Across drawings made painstakingly with pen on paper, with film, performance and also sculpture, Courtney’s wide-ranging practice poses questions about how we live and how we live together.
Partial bodies, features of bodies and bodies bound up explore a sense of being tethered and fragmented. They also explore a sense of fluid identities – not conforming to one gender or ethnic identity. Partially covered faces or eyes convey a sense of not being able to face a visual reality, preferring instead, at least initially, to use other senses.
Courtney didn’t use sketchbooks but instead developed an image over days and weeks before finally committing it to paper. With a wry smile he noted that the works may not turn out as he expected, and that he had to challenge himself to accept these changes. For Courtney, it was important to develop a good relationship with an artwork, to live with it, developing each work over time. He took huge enjoyment in colour, remarking seriously that he ‘fizzed with excitement with it’. The texture in his work was important too, he said: ‘the cross hatching gave [my works] a more fabric texture so it was like the warp and weft of my own life’.
The darker photographic performance-based series of images saw him cover up his own face or body, distorting, hiding, and holding a mask to a darker reality beneath. Courtney’s work was very seductive and, at times, joyful yet there was always a controlled element to compositions across the paper surface. The photographic works’ aesthetic feels more sinister, with expressions of pain and acute sorrow in comparison to the pen and ink drawings. This work used projections of his drawings over his face and body to explore layers of protection, illustrating his armour to the world.
Sophie Leighton, Director, Bethlem Gallery, said: “Making art was critical for Courtney as a way to survive in the system. He described himself as partially fragmented – a concept he explores in his works. He was interested in the importance of eyes and of looking; of being seen, and of avoiding seeing. He was drawn to eyes, often accentuating them with huge circles in his drawings. He remarked, ‘when we look at someone our eyes dance all over their face’.”
Amanda Glynn, Artist Development Lead, Bethlem Gallery, said: “Courtney and I worked closely for many years I was privileged to witness his art practice whilst being in the hospital setting, working with him therapeutically and supporting his engagement with the gallery. His untimely death came at a pivotal moment in his career when he was excited about an ambitious new project, with plans to develop his art practice in new directions. Courtney will be remembered for his smile and witty sense of humour; he saw the world through compassionate eyes. Underneath there was an acute sadness coupled with courage and determination which shines through the adversity that he experienced throughout his life.”
This fascinating multimedia exhibition showcases the full range of Courtney’s work, including drawings, video works, sculpture, performance and films of him discussing his practice.
Bethlem Gallery, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, London, BR3 3BX. Dates: 24 July – 5 October 2024. Times: Wednesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm. Admission: Free.
