Gloria with Coiled Hair

John Bratby's 1967 work Gloria with Coiled Hair exemplifies his distinctive approach within the realm of the portrait genre. As a prominent figure in British kitchen sink realism, Bratby integrates elements of Expressionism through bold brushwork and vivid color contrasts, capturing intense emotional depth. The title emphasizes a personal and intimate depiction, focusing on the subject named Gloria, highlighted by the distinctive feature of coiled hair. Bratby’s technique combines striking impasto with raw, direct representation, reflecting the mid-20th-century shift toward more expressive and candid figurative art.