SURGE ,2010
Provenance : Provenance: Private collection, Hermanus. SMAC Gallery, Cape Town.
Exhibited :
Literature : Van Zyl, M. (ed). (2013). 'Jake Aikman: At the Quiet Limit'. Stellenbosch: SMAC Art Publishing, illustrated in colour on p. 19.; SMAC Gallery Catalogue. (2011). [Exhibition catalogue]. SMAC Art Publishing: Stellenbosch, illustrated in colour on p. 70.
Notes : ABOUT THE ARTWORK Painted in 2010, Surge is a captivating large-scale seascape rendered with a profound sense of atmosphere, inviting one into a mesmerizing scene of serene beauty. Measuring 2m x 2m, the painting commands attention. With its sheer magnitude, the work allows for an immersive experience. Aikman's mastery of colour – working only in hues of blue – and light, brings the oceanic scene to life, evoking a sense of both awe and trepidation. This duality of nature – the beauty and might that simultaneously exist in the natural world, is the poetic essence of Surge. At first glance, the painting appears to capture a moment of intense natural power – nature’s dramatic act before a storm. Aikman expertly portrays the squally waters and stormy skies, creating a palpable energy within the scene. The play of light and shadow on the surface of the wavy waters enhances the dynamic nature of the painting, infusing it with a sense of movement and immediacy. Yet, amidst the tumultuous seascape, there is a sense of tranquillity and calm. Aikman balances the ocean's raw force with a serene quality that draws viewers in. The composition leads the eye to a focal point – an ethereal glow on the horizon, hinting at the presence of sunlight in the distance. This delicate touch of warmth and daylight amidst the tempestuous scene instils a sense of hope. The painting elicits an emotional feeling of contemplation and introspection. It invites one to reflect on the sheer vastness of nature and one’s place within it, serving as a reminder of the awe-inspiring forces that shape the planet and our insignificance compared to such immenseness. COLLECTOR'S NOTE In 2010, the same year this painting was produced, Jake Aikman was invited to partake in the 4th Beijing International Art Biennale. The year prior, he was selected to participate in the major exhibition; L’Anima Del Acqua: The Spirit of Water, sponsored by the Italian government and presented at the Ca’ d’Oro Palace as part of the 53rd Venice Biennale in 2009. In 2012, Aikman participated in the Olympic Fine Arts Exhibition; Creative Cities Collection, held at the Barbican Centre in London. More recently, Aikman presented solo exhibitions in Granada (2018) at ArteFiera, Bologna (2019) and Barcelona (2021). He also exhibited internationally in group exhibitions in Florence, Italy (2020) and art fair participation includes Swab Barcelona Art Fair (2021), Future Fair New York (2020, 2022), Art Verona (2019) and The Others Art Fair in Turin (2018).
Condition_report : The overall condition is good. Paint cracking in the bottom right quadrant. Minor paint loss to the corners of the canvas.
