Notable Achievements 2023
Almost camouflaged, the figures in John Heywood-Waddington’s paintings often echo the tones of the surrounding landscape. They are distinct, but only just. Seemingly quick, gestural marks one moment conceal space, the next opening it up. Oil paint partially covers the lines drawn out with oil bars. The paintings constantly toy with questions of how much and what to give the viewer. Often, they err on the line of ‘just enough’, ensuring a two-way relationship between artist and viewer. The viewer has something to grapple with, yet in return, must work to unpick the image. When we do register the figure, identifying details remain hidden. Conversely, this concealment is an act of generosity, opening up the paintings and giving them a universality that makes the images so compelling.