My figurative oil paintings are based on family photographs form the 1970s era, with a particular focus on occasions such as birthdays, weddings, pool side holidays, and other milestone events.
I call into question whether the memories we hold of these times are the truth, or instead distorted by our experience of these through their photographic records.
A direct painting technique is employed to convey a freshness and immediacy of imagery, in an attempt to evoke visceral and emotive responses. Exaggerated colour and contrast add to the impression of viewing through rose tinted glasses.
What are ostensibly fairly routine life events become dramatised tableaus populated by a cast of purposeful characters.
The work is nostalgic in it’s roots, but moody and brooding rather than twee. Figures frozen in action, suspended mid flight. Disembodied celebratory choruses. Endless summers. A cacophony of water play. Olfactory memories of lit candles, chlorine, brine, barbecues and sunscreen.
Michael Waters is a figurative oil painter based at Switchboard Studios in Adelaide.
His paintings are based on family and other nostalgic images from the 1970s era and are concerned with whether the memories we hold of these times are the truth, or instead distorted by our experience of these through their photographic records.
He is mostly self taught, supplemented with part time courses through the Adelaide Central School of Art.
He has participated in several local group exhibitions, most recently at Gallery 42 (‘Afterglow’)
