Who painted Movement of the Soul, from the series 'Academies'?

Movement of the Soul, from the series 'Academies' was painted by Karen Knorr in 2000.

Where can I see Movement of the Soul, from the series 'Academies'?

Movement of the Soul, from the series 'Academies' is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Movement of the Soul, from the series 'Academies'

Karen Knorr , 2000

Movement of the Soul, from the series 'Academies' is a photographic photography by Karen Knorr. It dates from 2000 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Movement of the Soul, from Karen Knorr's 'Academies' series (2000), is a photograph that juxtaposes classical art with contemporary observation, set within a grand, ornate space.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts two draped, faceless figures in a bed, beneath a circular painting of a winged figure. The scene contrasts the serenity of the draped forms with the dynamic, possibly falling, winged subject above, inviting reflection on the intersection of stillness and movement.

Technique & Style

Knorr employs a blend of sharp architectural details (tall columns, red dome, dark blue walls) and selective blurring (figures' faces) to create a sense of detachment, highlighting the tension between the realism of the setting and the ambiguity of the figures.

History & Provenance

Created in 2000, this work is part of Knorr's 'Academies' series. While the original description references a connection to Canova's sculpture at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the visual note provided suggests a different scene, indicating possible variations in the series or a misattribution in the source description.

Context

The 'Academies' series by Karen Knorr often explores the relationship between historical European cultural institutions and contemporary society, using photography to question perceptions of art, history, and the human form.

Legacy

As part of Knorr's body of work, 'Movement of the Soul' contributes to her reputation for challenging viewers to reconsider the dialogue between past and present through subtle, visually complex photographs.

Artist & collection

Artist

Karen Knorr

Karen Knorr HonFRPS is a German-born American photographer who lives in London. In 2018 she received an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society. Her work is held in the collection at Tate, London.

Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

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