Jonathan Wateridge - Uncertain Swimmer

The second monograph on British artist Jonathan Wateridge's work, "Uncertain Swimmer," features around eighty paintings and works on paper made between 2019 and 2022. The artist explores the motif of the pool, depicting swimmers and sunbathers, often by night, creating a disquieting atmosphere and a cumulative feeling of unease and ennui among those present. The publication charts a marked evolution in the artist's style from realism to more solitary, gestural, and expressive works.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Anomie Publishing

Jonathan Wateridge's captivating second monograph, titled "Uncertain Swimmer," delves into the diverse body of work created by the British artist between 2019 and 2022. This comprehensive collection showcases approximately eighty paintings and works on paper, further expanding the artist's exploration of representation and the enduring legacies of twentieth-century modernist painting. Building upon the themes explored in his previous bodies of work, such as "Enclave" and "Expatria" (2016–18), "Uncertain Swimmer" delves into the captivating motif of the pool, capturing swimmers and sunbathers in a series of visually striking and socially relevant compositions.

Far from being an escapist realm of aspiration and privilege, Wateridge imbues the pool with a disquieting atmosphere, eliciting a cumulative sense of unease and ennui among those present. The publication serves as a testament to the artist's remarkable stylistic evolution, moving from the realism of his earlier paintings characterized by complex multi-figure compositions to more solitary, gestural, and expressive works. Wateridge's masterful application of paint takes on new forms in the exquisite, curious, and often haunting paintings and works on paper showcased within.

Art historian and curator Marco Livingstone contributes an insightful essay to the publication, delving into the transition from Wateridge's naturalistic paintings to the flattened, reduced shapes, forms, and lines that characterize his modernism- and abstraction-infused pieces. Livingstone draws upon a rich tapestry of art historical influences, including Francis Bacon, Edvard Munch, and Paul Cézanne, to explore the identity of the individuals portrayed in Wateridge's portraits and the enigmatic spaces they occupy. He reflects on how Wateridge's current critical preoccupations have shifted from the autobiographical to more formal concerns, shedding light on the artist's artistic journey.

In the featured conversation between Wateridge and fellow painter Caroline Walker, the two artists engage in a thoughtful dialogue, sharing overlapping experiences and perspectives. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working in isolation, the influence of technology on their artistic process, and the importance of self-reflection and introspection in their artistic practice. Their conversation provides a deeper understanding of the creative forces that drive Wateridge and Walker, highlighting the rich and dynamic interplay between their respective artistic voices.

"Uncertain Swimmer" serves as a testament to Jonathan Wateridge's artistic prowess and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of representation. Through his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to evoke emotion, and his exploration of the human condition, Wateridge continues to captivate audiences with his unique vision and artistic language. This monograph offers a profound insight into the artist's creative process, providing a glimpse into the rich tapestry of his artistic achievements.

Weight: 1412g
Dimension: 254 x 299 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910221518