by Richard Wathen
Richard Wathen, a London-born artist (1971), presents a never-seen-before selection of canvases enriched by watercolors on cardboard – also shown for the first time – which are an integral part of his modus operandi.
His paintings are primarily portraits and his works have been compared to those of Thomas Gainsborough in their subject matter and composition, though with a “strangeness” or “uneasiness” about them, even something “eerie” or “grotesque.” His works are often described as being initially familiar, with their similarity to historical portraiture in composition and technique, but upon further inspection revealing disquieting details which contribute to the sense of eerie strangeness.
His paintings draw inspiration from a variety of art historical periods, mixed with disguised, self-fashioned autobiographic references. Together with the uncertain appearance and placement of figures, he creates a distinct sense of unease in reference to the...
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Richard Wathen was born in 1971 in London. He graduated with a BA in Fine Art Painting from Winchester School of Art in 1995 and received an MA in Fine Art from the Chelsea School of Art in 1996.
Wathen’s works have been exhibited in numerous galleries in cities across Europe and the US including solo shows in London and New York City. Since 2003 he has had solo exhibitions at Max Wigram Gallery, L&M Arts (NYC) and Salon 94 (NYC). He has taken part in group...
