Photo by Jon-Paul Rodriguez

MONTH IN REVIEW: May 2024

A roundup of this month’s art and design news about the makers and creators from Greece and Cyprus

Transitions was an exhibition of paintings and works on paper by Tomas Watson at the Anita Rogers Gallery. It included work from 2017 to present day. This time period was characterized by radical upheaval – both emotionally and physically – for the artist.

Watson is a figurative artist that is not restricted by realism. He lived and worked in Greece for most of his career. When asked why, Watson answers, “The Greek light.”

For the closing party on May 25, the Anita Rogers Gallery transported guests to 1940s Greece with live rebetiko and smyrnaiko music, Greek food and wine, and dancing.

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Anita Rogers Gallery presents ‘Transitions’, an exhibition of paintings and works on paper by Tomas Watson on view through May 24. Photo: Jon-Paul Rodriguez

NEW YORK – Anita Rogers Gallery presents ‘Transitions’, an exhibition of paintings and works on paper by Tomas Watson, a British artist based in Greece. The work spans a period from 2017 to the present; a period which for Watson was characterized by radical upheaval, both emotionally and physically.

On the new work in the exhibition, Watson states: “These paintings are about my life, not in a descriptive or specific sense, but rather in the form of observations that open up the possibility of a deeper, universal meaning.”

Figurative art may seem an outdated form to pursue in our times, a form already perfected long ago. There are a few contemporary artists, however, who practice this at the caliber of the Renaissance masters in terms of drawing, composition, and technique, but who are also firmly grounded in a modern approach.

British artist Tomas Watson (born 1971) is one of these. Throughout his 35-year career, he has consistently searched, experimented, and found new ways to refresh the existing forms and infuse them with the vigor of the ever-changing modern world. His work combines age-old mastery with an abstract aesthetic.

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Installation view of Tomas Watson: Transitions (2024) Photo by Jon-Paul Rodriguez

Tomas Watson Exhibition at Anita Rogers Gallery

By Dirk Petzold

New York City-based Anita Rogers Gallery currently presents “Transitions,” an exquisite exhibition showcasing the remarkable talent of British artist Tomas Watson. Spanning from 2017 to the present day, “Transitions” encapsulates a period of profound change and evolution in Watson’s life, both personally and creatively.

In his latest body of work, Watson invites viewers into a world that transcends mere representation, delving into the depths of human experience with profound introspection. As he aptly puts it, “These paintings are about my life, not in a descriptive or specific sense, but rather in the form of observations that open up the possibility of a deeper, universal meaning.”

In an age where figurative art may seem like a relic of the past, Watson defies conventions with his masterful technique and modern approach. Trained at the prestigious Slade School of Art in London, and a recipient of the esteemed BP Portrait Award in 1998, Watson’s dedication to his craft is unmistakable. Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Degas, Turner, and Rauschenberg, he seamlessly blends age-old mastery with a contemporary aesthetic, breathing new life into the timeless art of figurative painting.

For Watson, light is more than just a physical phenomenon—it is a conduit for emotion and meaning. Whether illuminating the intimate confines of an interior space or bathing the expansive outdoors in a golden glow, light plays a central role in shaping the mood and atmosphere of his compositions. His meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a keen understanding of form and shadow, creates a sense of depth and dimensionality that is truly mesmerizing.

In “Transitions,” Watson’s shift toward exterior scenes reflects a newfound sense of openness and exploration. Bold strokes of color intermingle with subtle nuances of light and shade, imbuing each canvas with a palpable sense of vitality and energy. Yet beneath the surface beauty lies a profound sense of introspection—a testament to Watson’s unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of the human experience.

Beyond the confines of the canvas, Watson’s impact extends far and wide. Alongside his partner, he has recently established the Sigri Arts Retreat on the idyllic island of Lesvos, providing a haven for artists to nurture their creativity amidst the stunning backdrop of the Aegean Sea. As he embarks on this new chapter of fatherhood, Watson’s passion for art and education continues to inspire and uplift all those who encounter his work.

The exhibition is on view from March 6 to May 24.

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