Figurative art: how both artists and collectors are inspired by human bodies and faces

Figurative art – or figurativism – seems to be very popular at the moment. When I launched At First Sight Gallery online in April, plenty of figurative images were suggested by Instagram as posts I might like (and I did like them!), and I'm noticing even more today.

Both artists and art collectors are inspired by the real world, in particular the human figure. As artist JT says: "I paint my feelings; people give me feelings."

I'm particularly drawn to art featuring the human body/face – and also skulls and skeletons. (I'm not exactly sure what that says about me psychologically, so if you can offer an opinion, please comment below!) That's why I followed JT on Instagram early on my art journey, and I'm delighted she has joined our growing roster of artists. Her first collection of prints with At First Sight Gallery includes a dramatic skull creation and a striking self portrait that she has named Soul Reflection (as seen above).

For Pablo Picasso, using the subject matter of the human body was also way for him to communicate his feelings. While the jagged forms of The Three Dancers (1925) convey an explosion of energy, the sinister image is laden with his devastating recollections of the suicide of his friend Carlos Casagemas. 

Sometimes, we as viewers, are challenged to confront our own feelings. Francis Bacon's art often features powerful and unsettling imagery that has a profound psychological impact, encouraging exploration of the subconscious and its complex emotions.

I recently previewed Morag Caister's show at Rhodes Contemporary Art in London, and both the figurative images and colours really struck me. She says on a pinned self portrait post on Instagram: "I'm exploring inherent human nature through figuration. I like to make paintings that pay respects to our collective emotional experiences."

Other modern artists painting figuratively that have caught my eye recently include Jon Wassom. He includes wonderful pieces of text alongside images of his paintings to describe the figurative forms and bring them to life. For example, Daughter of the Stars "embodies the radiant essence of a cosmic goddess, a divine force woven from stardust. Her presence is both fierce and ethereal, as if she were born from the heart of a meteorite. Bathed in golden light, she is the manifestation of the sacred feminine—strong, unapologetic, and boundless. A celestial spirit who transcends time and space."

The pieces in Heather Newhard's special series called For Us represent the journey of walking through life’s challenges and finding one’s voice, embracing the beauty of individuality, and honouring the relationships that help us break down our emotional walls. They are beautiful, empowering images that represent journeys of self-discovery – both the artist's and our own.