Ophelia (500 Years of Stories)

This press ad is part of a campaign designed to increase footfall to Tate Britain by making the art inside feel relevant to people today. Instead of showing the art, it uses words to tell the story behind the piece, with the intention of leaving the viewer wanting to go and see artwork for themselves. Ophelia is the story of unresolved grief. It’s devasting consequences and pain are there to be seen in a painting that, on the surface, looks serene and beautiful. This context of loss and grief make it an unlikely choice as the nation’s favourite painting.