GENIEVE FIGGIS

b. 1972, Ireland

Equal rights, 2021

Acrylic on panel
23.62 x 31.5 in.

Collection of The Bass
Gift of Dr. Ramiro del Amo
2021.8.1

The painting features Genieve Figgis’ “classic” subject of a group of figures within an ornate architectural setting, evoking the tradition of commissioned portraiture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. While referencing history, Figgis wanted the painting to feel reflective of our current times, so she included a diverse group of individuals within the image, mixing races and genders and depicting the central woman holding a sign with the words Equal Rights. While Figgis’ practice does inherently comment on the evolution of our social norms and class system over the centuries, with Equal rights she takes a more direct stance towards what she feels a painting can say and achieve in today’s climate.