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- Paintings as Portals: a wander around the art of Darren Waterston
Paintings as Portals: a wander around the art of Darren Waterston
Take a 5 minute stroll with us
Today we’re sharing our recent view of Darren Waterston’s solo exhibition, ‘A Life in Fields’ at Breggruen Gallery, San Francisco.
Viewing: The Gathering, 2024, Oil on wood panel, 60×72 in.
Considering himself a painter first, the artist also has a strong interest in architecture, reflected in his ability to create unique spaces that allow viewers to feel as if they are stepping into a painting. A central theme in Waterston's work is his use of historical aesthetics, which he reinterprets and modernizes, demonstrating that historical art themes remain vital to contemporary art.
(Left) Aureus Fields, 2024, Oil on wood panel, 48×48 in. (Right) Bourne, 2024, Oil on wood panel, 48×48 in.
In the above paintings, there is a nod to classical Chinese landscape painting in subject (landscapes), technique (Gong Bi *see notes), composition (the placement of the pictorial elements that encourages our eye to wander through the painting) and presentation (much like a classical scroll painting unrolled).
Low Humm, 2024, watercolour and gouache on rag paper, 29 ¼ x 22 in. (74.3 × 55.9 cm. unframed)
In Waterston’s works, the viewer frequently finds themselves on the boundary between reality and fantasy, the painting a gateway to transcendence that remains enticingly elusive.
“My work is often referencing the history of painting. I've been looking at how abstracted space has been represented, like the conceptual space of the heavens or the cosmos, …
I am constantly looking back at art history to reinterpret the way these abstract ideas are painted throughout time."
Metamorphose Trilogy 3, 2024, Oil on wood panel, 36×34 in.
Take risks.
Don’t follow trends.
Collect from your heart.
-Darren Waterston on how he approaches art collecting.
With thanks to Berggruen Gallery for partnering with us on our private tour.
And thank you for wandering with us! For more information on these paintings and the rest of the show or to learn more about collecting art, we’re here: [email protected]
Notes:
Other art historical references that can be found in these works include: Flemish art, the Symbolists, and the Surrealists. In addition to visual references, Renaissance painting techniques such bole underpainting are also included alongside the Chinese Gong Bi method of ink and brush painting.
*Symbolist art is an art movement that originated in the late 19th century, primarily in Europe, as a reaction against the naturalism and realism that dominated the period. Symbolist artists sought to express abstract ideas, emotions, and the metaphysical through their work, often using symbolic imagery to convey deeper meanings beyond the literal or representational.
*Surrealist art is a movement that originated in the early 20th century, marked by its emphasis on accessing the unconscious mind to unleash creativity and explore imagination. This art form frequently includes dream-like scenes, bizarre or fantastical imagery, and elements of surprise or unexpected combinations.
*Bole underpainting is a foundational step in the process of creating gilded surfaces, providing adhesion, colour enhancement, and surface preparation for the application of gold leaf in traditional oil painting techniques.
*Chinese Gong Bi painting, also known as "meticulous painting" or "fine-line painting," is a traditional Chinese painting technique that emphasizes highly detailed, precise brushwork to depict realistic subjects with exquisite craftsmanship.
‘A Life in Fields’ is on view at Berggruen Gallery, San Francisco until June 13th 2024.
Our fun and intimate tours for emerging and seasoned collectors take place primarily in San Francisco. To share your interest in joining please send an email to [email protected]