Jonathan Wateridge at David Risley Gallery

On a clear day you can see forever

I have been reading a lot about this particular exhibition over the past couple of weeks. Words like ‘amazing’, ‘fabulous’, and ‘breath-taking’ were being thrown around in regards to Jonathan Wateridge’s first solo show. Looking at the images on the web, I have to admit that I was intrigued by the disaster theme. So last Friday, I bundled up and made my way to the home of contemporary art in London…the east end.

David Risley Gallery is tucked away on Vyner Street with a front door that even I had to duck to get through. Once inside the gallery, I completely understood what everyone was talking about. Each of the large four works is hung on its own wall, preventing any distractions to the viewer. Set against unspecific, yet extremely intense landscapes, each work depicts shipwrecks and airplane crashes. The artist does not provide any clues as to what happened in each scene. The machines are not of the modern age and the backgrounds are generic. The truly noteworthy aspect to these disaster scenes is in the artist’s construction. The works are done in oil on large sheets of perspex (acrylic glass) that is built up over ten layers. The result is a three dimensional image that is reminiscent of a stage set, providing a very dramatic and theatrical feeling.

The show is already sold out but that doesn’t mean that you can’t go down to the gallery and enjoy the view. Take my word: these are definitely worth the trip. Check out Jonathan Wateridge’s work at the David Risley Gallery until 19 November 2006.