Bay of Angels is a reinterpretation of the painter Raoul Dufy’s depictions of the Cote d’Azur. Produced during the rise of fascism in Europe and the outbreak of WWII, Dufy’s paintings are famously void of any grim political realities and are instead filled with serene tranquillity. In Bay of Angels, Coventry inverts Dufy’s style with an exclusive use of thick black paint to depict the palm trees, coast line and water that make up the coastal scene. Towards the end of his life Dufy admitted that he was more and more obsessed with darkness, with painting black.
Keith Coventry’s paintings and sculptures are inspired by everyday subjects – urban landscapes, pop culture and contemporary politics. The artist said: ‘I think in a lot of my work there could be an element of humour somewhere – but it’s not particularly funny. You know, that sort of unfunny humour.’
KEITH COVENTRY (British, 1958)
Oil on canvas, wood glass and gesso
Acquired in 2006
