Maggi Hambling: ‘A Consistent Irritant’

This chapter offers a consideration of the work of Maggie Hambling through the lens of Mikhail Bakhtin's theories on the grotesque. It argues that controversy is a powerful force and that asking difficult questions encourages us as humans to look at ourselves, the world, and the role of art in new ways. In particular, I consider the role of degradation in Hambling's work.

In January 2025, the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Fashion In Motion experience presented a collaboration between art and fashion. Through the creative lens of fashion designer Eden Loweth, Maggi Hambling’s art was explored, understood, and reimagined in a bold and innovative collection. For one day, Loweth brought Hambling’s work to life through a visual and textual reinterpretation of the emotions and moods woven throughout her diverse oeuvre. Deep Breath serves as a catalogue capturing the essence of this unique event.