Peter Doig (born 1959) is a contemporary Scottish painter known for his evocative and atmospheric landscapes. While born in Edinburgh, Doig’s upbringing was transcontinental, with stays in Trinidad and Canada before returning to the UK for his artistic training and subsequent career.
Doig’s painting style is characterized by its dreamlike quality, where familiar landscapes are rendered with an otherworldly sense of wonder, mystery, or even foreboding. Often using photographs or film stills as a starting point, he creates works that, while rooted in reality, are imbued with a sense of the surreal or the uncanny. His application of paint is both precise and expressive, using layers to create depth and texture.
His association with the “London School” places him in the company of artists like Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon. However, Doig’s work is notably different in its consistent focus on landscapes and its unique blend of the figurative and the abstract. This sets him apart and has resulted in a distinct voice in contemporary painting.
Some of his notable works, such as “White Canoe” and “Swamped,” showcase his penchant for imbuing ordinary scenes with a dreamlike or mystical quality. In both paintings, canoes are depicted, but the landscapes around them possess a haunting beauty.
In terms of inspirations, Doig draws from a plethora of sources: personal memories, photographs, films, and even music. His diverse upbringing, moving between different continents and cultures, has undoubtedly played a role in shaping his unique perspective.
Artists like David Hockney, with his pool scenes, might come to mind when considering contemporary counterparts, though Doig’s work often leans more toward the ethereal.
In conclusion, Peter Doig stands as a singular figure in modern painting, celebrated for his ability to capture the essence of landscapes in ways that are both familiar and hauntingly alien. His contributions to contemporary art continue to be celebrated worldwide, with his works achieving recognition and significant value in art markets.
Useful Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Doig
https://www.wikiart.org/en/peter-doig
