Vienna In June

Unframed
61 x 55 cm / 24 x 22 in

Framed
83 x 77 cm / 33 x 30 in  

Oil on board 
2024
Signed lower right

A much anticipated and breathtaking painting,Vienna in June, is Ross Watson's first offering in almost four months.  Featuring his second depiction of the model Malek, here he is featured larger and full length. He first appeared in Swimmer, 2021 one of Watson's most popular artworks from the Diorama series.

Exploring Vienna last June, Watson's imagination was sparked by seeing a street display announcing a new Dior boutique on Kohlmarkt. "I was fascinated by the convincing three dimensionality of the display, which was in fact flat, printed on plastic sheeting which created a temporary wall, behind which a new Dior boutique was being built." said Watson

Resembling a figure from one of Caravaggio's chiaroscuro masterpieces, a young man dominates the foreground, head tilted backwards and gripping swimming pool hand rails. He appears lost in the moment, basking in warm golden light. Behind him a moody shadow cast over the display wall fuels a dramatic and somewhat surreal scene.

Wearing an orange and grey fluorescent uniform, a crossing guard directs traffic from a bright yellow zebra crossing, both offering a vital counterbalance in the overall composition.  Against the deep greys, the pistachio green colour of the swimwear is an ideal complimentary opposite of the bright orange and yellow in the painting.

A horizontal line of irregular staples runs along the base of the display wall - the one clue the viewer is provided to indicate the 3-D effect is illusory. Classical painting traditions long practiced in Vienna, are evoked in the depiction of the glimpse of sky in this mesmerising and important new painting.

Available for immediate release
Price is inclusive of complimentary global shipping and insurance.