Painter Tom de Freston has been drawn to the figure of his wife, novelist Kiran Millwood Hargrave, in a series of nude portraits that explore themes of pregnancy and female embodiment. The couple's experiences with seven miscarriages before the birth of their daughter Coral in 2023 have informed these works, which De Freston initially created as a way to process his grief.
De Freston's fascination with Titian's Poesie series, commissioned by King Philip II of Spain, has led him to re-examine the dynamic between male artists and female subjects. "I wanted to ask, 'What does it mean as a male artist to be looking at the female figure? And where does the agency sit?'" he explains.
Through his own paintings and those of Millwood Hargrave, De Freston seeks to subvert traditional notions of power and control. Millwood Hargrave's presence is integral to these works, which are not posed but rather taken from photographs she had agreed to share with her husband during their pregnancies.
These intimate portraits capture the vulnerability and fragility of pregnancy, while also conveying a sense of hope and resilience. De Freston describes them as "ritualistic, like spells" that offer a form of protection against loss. By elevating Millwood Hargrave's image to one of reverence and consideration, these works challenge traditional representations of the male gaze.
The exhibition Poíēsis at London's Varvara Roza Galleries will showcase De Freston's paintings alongside those of Millwood Hargrave, providing a unique insight into their artistic collaboration. As a rare exploration of pregnancy and miscarriage in visual art, these works embody a profound sense of empathy and understanding, offering a testament to the transformative power of love and connection.
De Freston's fascination with Titian's Poesie series, commissioned by King Philip II of Spain, has led him to re-examine the dynamic between male artists and female subjects. "I wanted to ask, 'What does it mean as a male artist to be looking at the female figure? And where does the agency sit?'" he explains.
Through his own paintings and those of Millwood Hargrave, De Freston seeks to subvert traditional notions of power and control. Millwood Hargrave's presence is integral to these works, which are not posed but rather taken from photographs she had agreed to share with her husband during their pregnancies.
These intimate portraits capture the vulnerability and fragility of pregnancy, while also conveying a sense of hope and resilience. De Freston describes them as "ritualistic, like spells" that offer a form of protection against loss. By elevating Millwood Hargrave's image to one of reverence and consideration, these works challenge traditional representations of the male gaze.
The exhibition Poíēsis at London's Varvara Roza Galleries will showcase De Freston's paintings alongside those of Millwood Hargrave, providing a unique insight into their artistic collaboration. As a rare exploration of pregnancy and miscarriage in visual art, these works embody a profound sense of empathy and understanding, offering a testament to the transformative power of love and connection.
! Tom de Freston's paintings are so raw and honest, especially with Kiran Millwood Hargrave at their center 
. It's amazing how his experiences with miscarriage have informed these works, and it's beautiful to see the vulnerability and fragility of pregnancy captured through art.
. And that they're using intimate photos from their pregnancies? So cool! It feels so personal and special 
. I'm definitely going to check out this exhibition in London, sounds like a game-changer for me 
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I think its really beautiful that Tom de Freston is using his art to process his grief and find a way to honor Kiran Millwood Hargrave's experiences. As someone who's been through their own share of ups and downs, I can appreciate the vulnerability and fragility of pregnancy in these paintings. Its like he's taking something that could be a source of pain and turning it into something that feels almost sacred. The fact that he's elevating Kiran's image is also really powerful - its like a testament to the way love and connection can transform us, even in the darkest moments. I'm excited to see this exhibition! 
This is such a powerful exhibition! I mean, can you imagine having that kind of grief and vulnerability to draw from? It's like Tom de Freston and Kiran Millwood Hargrave are giving us permission to feel all these emotions together 
. And it's not just about the artwork itself, but how they're subverting traditional power dynamics between men and women in art. I love that they're making their relationship and experiences a part of this exhibition - it's like we're getting a glimpse into their own private rituals 
. The way these paintings make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside is real! 
. The way de Freston is subverting traditional power structures with these nude portraits is just genius 
. And Millwood Hargrave's presence in these works is everything – she's not some posed model, she's a real person who's been through hell and back and still managed to create something breathtakingly beautiful 
And what's with the "ritualistic, like spells" description? Sounds like some marketing buzzwords to me 
. Can't an artist just express themselves without needing to justify their medium? 
i can only imagine how painful it must've been for him to go through 7 miscarriages, but at least he's using it as fuel to create something beautiful 
It's beautiful how these works are flipping the script on traditional power dynamics, where the woman is the focus and not just a subject. I love that Kiran Millwood Hargrave's presence is woven throughout these intimate portraits - it's like she's speaking directly to you 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see their partner in all their vulnerable glory? 
The fact that he's using these works as a way to process his grief is so beautiful and relatable 
. And can we talk about how gorgeous Millwood Hargrave looks in these paintings? 
. The fact that they're exploring themes of pregnancy and miscarriage is also super relevant 
... it's like, we don't talk about these things enough in art, you know? And the way these portraits are capturing this vulnerability and fragility is just really beautiful 
, but instead of making her look bad, he makes her look like a goddess 
! meanwhile, his paintings are all about subverting traditional power dynamics... sounds like he's having an existential crisis 
]
, but hey, love conquers all, right? 
and de freston says they offer a form of protection against loss, which is wild. idk if i'd wanna hang them on my wall or anything, but maybe i can appreciate the sentiment?
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. And Kiran Millwood Hargrave's presence in these works is everything - I love how they're breaking down traditional power dynamics between male artists and female subjects 
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Also, what's with the name "Poesie" from Titian's series - is that like a code or something?