CAC - Rebecca Swainston
Fri, 21 Jun
|Sarah Wiseman Gallery
Artist's talk on her 'Marvellous Suspension of Disbelief' exhibition and recent Mexico residency where she explored the theme of the circus. Both have become a metaphor in her paintings for taking risks and 'imposter syndrome'. Followed by lunch at Pompette.
Time & Location
21 Jun 2024, 11:00 – 14:30
Sarah Wiseman Gallery, 40-41 S Parade, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JL, UK
About the event
Rebecca is fascinated by the history of the circus, its faded glitz and glamour, the thrill and danger of the performance, but also by an awareness of life behind the scenes. Through her work, we sense what it takes to put on these shows; the barely concealed grime, difficulty, and boredom, sweat and tears of repeated rehearsal as well as the insecurities of life on the road.
The paintings reflect this tussle for the freedom to be who and what we are and what we really want to be. In the painting ‘Affinity’, this balancing act is played out by the delicate connection between the horse and the rider. She performs acrobatics in unsuitable clothing and the unbridled horse could easily bolt if their connection was lost.
There is a deep sense of personal evaluation in Rebecca’s figurative paintings which has formed the backbone of her practice for many years as she explores our collective sense of place in the world, physical and imaginary.
In this incredibly rich exhibition, we delve deeper into these key themes of her practice and come to question our place in the performance of life.