art, exhibition

Saatchi Yates took immense pride in presenting the extraordinary exhibition Bathers. This exceptional group show pays tribute to the timeless tradition of bathing scenes in the history of painting, celebrating the allure of the ultimate summer muse.

Throughout the ages, artists have found inspiration in the bathing figure, harking back to classical antiquity. From the French Masters' reverence for natural beauty to Picasso's daring reinvention, the fascination with this subject has endured, fueled by the captivating imagery of Venus rising from the sea. Saatchi Yates' new exhibition delves into this mesmerizing theme, keeping the tradition alive and vibrant.

The exhibition seamlessly weaves together a compelling collection of contemporary art with the masterpieces of Post-War and Historical greats like David Hockney, Paul Cezanne, J. M. W. Turner, and Pablo Picasso. Accomplished contemporary stars such as Hurvin Anderson, Henry Taylor and Eric Fischl join the ensemble, creating an artistic tapestry that beautifully reflects the breadth and diversity of the Bathers theme across the history of art. The showcase also features notable pieces from Jean-Baptiste Oudry, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Damien Hirst and Auguste Rodin, adding further depth and richness to the exhibition.

When asked about the significance of bathers in painting, Martin Gayford eloquently explains, "Bathers in painting are both diverse and fundamental to the human condition. The combination of unclothed bodies and water can evoke guilt-free primordial innocence: a sin-free Eden. On the other hand, the same visual elements can evoke the consequences of Eve and Adam's Fall: guilt, lust, death. In either case, the subject weaves together two major preoccupations of artists for centuries – landscape and the nude. It comes as no surprise that bathers have been a source of fascination for painters throughout history, and it is likely that the combination of water and human bodies will continue to intrigue them well into the future."

Now, in a touching tribute to this cherished tradition, six of Saatchi Yates gallery artists will embark on their own artistic exploration of the Bather. Each artist have had infused their work with a unique, painterly style, offering a fresh perspective on this enduring subject. Among the celebrated Saatchi Yates-represented artists participating in the exhibition are the talented British visionaries Danny Fox and Benjamin Spiers, the prominent Ethiopian artist Tesfaye Urgessa, the breakout Korean artist Sujin Lee, the American visual artist Kottie Paloma, and the Swiss artist Angela Santana.

We’ve been truly excited to witness this extraordinary exhibition that promised to transport the viewers through the ages and it did immersed us in the captivating world of bathers. It's a celebration of art's ability to connect us across time, culture and geography, and we cannot wait to experience the imaginative interpretations of these gifted artists in the future. If you share our passion for contemporary art and its profound ability to evoke emotions, make sure not to miss Bathers at Saatchi Yates, this weekend, a momentous celebration of artistic heritage and contemporary brilliance that ends on the 10th of August 2023.