That's probably not news to any of you who've clicked through every link in the right nav bar of this blog, but I'm guessing that's not a particularly large chunk of R:M:B's readership. Regardless, on the (rare) occasions in which I find myself daydreaming about what I'd do with a sudden cash windfall, it's not cars, houses, boats, or bling that seize my imagination, but the riveting paintings of Peter Doig, and how in some alternate reality to which I've yet to escape, I am the owner of one.
I accidentally blundered into Doig's work in 2005 while fooling around London for a week. My travels happened to coincide with part one of the Saatchi Gallery's "Triumph of Painting" exhibition, where I found Doig's work to be the most immediately arresting and memorable. Upon returning back to NYC, I mentioned to an artist pal of mine that Peter Doig's paintings had reminded me a bit of his own, and my remarks illuminated an expression of stunned reverence upon his face. Apparently, for an art world insider, being told that your work is reminiscent of Peter Doig's is just about the highest complement that can be paid, even if it's a neophyte like me that's saying it.
Anyhow, with Mr. Doig's work now fetching sums in the millions, I've come to reckon with the fact that I'll never own one. Besides, personal property is overrated and the ultimate expression of selfishness, right? Thank god for the internet, and the many Peter Doig paintings that can be viewed within her velvety corridors. For my own convenience as much as for your enjoyment, I offer the following assortment of P.D. related links to bios, online galleries, and other such digital stimulations. Allez!
The Saatchi Gallery's Triumph of Painting
P.D. Virtual Gallery at the Tate Britain
[Pictured right: "Orange Sunshine", 1995, oil on canvas.]
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