Footballer

Edition of 3 and 2 Artist's Proofs
53 x 43 cm / 21 x 17 in

View Limited Edition Print on paper

The first painting from Watson’s new series DIORAMAS, this superb new artwork demonstrates an exciting development in the artist’s work, and explores personal themes relevant to his experience of the global pandemic and lock downs.

"Walking our dogs along beautiful Collins Street in Melbourne during lock down and seeing the empty luxury fashion house's windows was both unprecedented and surprisingly inspiring. I thought about the same designer boutiques I've visited when travelling abroad before the pandemic, and how much I also miss visiting art museums and working with new models." wrote Watson.

A starting point was offered by the experience and the artist began imagining creating painted theatre sets or glass showcases which may be be viewed by an audience - many of which are observing online in numerous countries.

The central subject is the model, Alexis Caught, who posed for the artist in London in 2017, and plays rugby for the gay team the Kings Cross Steelers. He appears contemplative, resigned to waiting, and seems indifferent toward, or unaware of, the attention he might attract from passers-by given his spotlit presence in the windows of an Yves Saint Laurent boutique.

Immaculately painted detail such as the platinum window frames dazzle with reflections and reminds us the footballers public position is sealed behind glass. A spare and neutral colour palette ensures the eye popping magenta pink and emerald olive green is without competition.

Engaging the viewer is a portrait of a young man by Giovanni Batista Moroni, which Watson has enlarged to maximise visual impact. Reminding us we too are being watched as we pause outside the window, the classical portrait also provides compositional balance and a cherished memory of Watson’s international art museum visits.

Much of the greatest art in history tells us something about the period it was created, and creating this painting during a challenging period has been therapeutic personally for Watson. Possessing a chic and quietly erotic aesthetic, this exceptional oil painting is one of the artist’s most significant and personal artworks.

We offer FREE worldwide fully-insured postage and packaging for all Limited Edition Prints and Photography.

All Limited Edition Prints, Canvases and Photography are sent unframed and packaged in re-enforced postal tubes.

All items will be shipped within 3 business days of receiving payment for your order. Delivery times can vary, but purchases are generally received worldwide within 5-7 business days from dispatch.

Items to be sent domestically will be sent using registered Australian Post. International orders are sent using international postal Express Mail Service (EMS). Tracking details will be provide upon dispatch of your order.

We take pride in getting your prints to you in the perfect condition. Your print will have been individually inspected and packed in perfect condition. Please minimize handling prior to framing.

“Ross has such an amazing talent. I’m loving the canvas prints as I work in my home office. Thank you for your help and speed.”
Brent Forster, London UK