Billy Childish U. K., b. 1959
Swimmer and Waterfall, 2019
Archival print on heavy matt stock paper
Signed and numbered by the artist, lower right on recto
Signed and numbered by the artist, lower right on recto
30.5 x 35 cm
Edition of 200
© Billy Childish
'Swimmer and Waterfall' emerges from his 'Where the black water slid' series, which explores the classic theme of bathers in nature. The composition combines rushing water with the human figure,...
'Swimmer and Waterfall' emerges from his 'Where the black water slid' series, which explores the classic theme of bathers in nature. The composition combines rushing water with the human figure, meditating on humanity's relationship with natural forces.
The print juxtaposes a solitary swimmer against the raw power of a waterfall, rendered with bold brushwork that captures both movement and contemplative stillness. The tableau draws from Romantic traditions depicting nature's sublime power while incorporating modernist approaches to figure and landscape. Childish's treatment of water connects to Japanese ukiyo-e prints and European Impressionist traditions while maintaining his distinctive contemporary voice. The work synthesises human and natural elements that resonate with the human condition and natural environment.
The print juxtaposes a solitary swimmer against the raw power of a waterfall, rendered with bold brushwork that captures both movement and contemplative stillness. The tableau draws from Romantic traditions depicting nature's sublime power while incorporating modernist approaches to figure and landscape. Childish's treatment of water connects to Japanese ukiyo-e prints and European Impressionist traditions while maintaining his distinctive contemporary voice. The work synthesises human and natural elements that resonate with the human condition and natural environment.