Bella Green

'It takes two'

16th June - 16th August

One of my favourite themes comes from the experience of learning Argentine tango dancing. I was first captivated by  it in Italy where I saw dancers doing a move I now know as a ‘gancho’ - ‘a hook’ -  from that moment I was hooked, and I  have been dancing  now for over 10 years. 

My own dancing and the experience of how it feels in my body is the essential ingredient I need to make these drawings. When I attend milongas (social dances) I observe others dancing and sometimes sketch on the spot. I also take photographs and use videos to record what I see. All of these  sources form the basis for my works.

These latest quick gestural drawings in gouache (opaque watercolour) aim to express the energy and movement of the dance and the relationship of the partners in the embrace.  They are drawn quickly in  few brushstrokes on a very smooth paper. Because of the direct nature of this process of drawing they cannot be corrected. They either work or are thrown away.  Many are!

It is important to me that anyone who also dances Argentine tango might recognise the steps or moves depicted. I also hope that non-dancers may be moved by the sensuous feel and excitement of this passionate dance.