ANITA AUSTWICK    Meteorological Report  London & New York 2012

The buzz of the 21st Century City hits Modern Artists Gallery  with a new series of work by Anita Austwick.  Whether a city dweller, commuter or tourist, every visitor will have a personal response to these vibrant and lively urban depictions of London and New York.

Austwick's skill is in her ability to by-pass the built environment and focus on the passage of the commuters, the shimmering lights, the taxis and buses that race amongst us. The weather is a major factor in her work and she slips gracefully from the
snowy banks of the Hudson to the brilliant sunshine of Central Park. Lone figures battle against snow and sleet whilst other views show crowds bustling home huddled under umbrellas. Closer to home the viewer can enjoy twilight on the River Thames and street lights around Westminster. The reflection of light on the Thames is one of the most striking features of the exhibition. Two large canvases depicting Westminster Bridge and London Bridge respectively have a striking luminosity portrayed by the combination of street lighting and watery reflections. These two major works (100 x 120cm) are certainly the most striking of the show, but the smaller paintings should not be overlooked. A beautiful and unusual departure for Austwick, entitled 'Regatta' captures the spray as a large sailing boat catapults through the water. Another particularly engaging work is 'No Time to Wait' which artfully depicts the moment a yellow taxi races past. This engaging work will resonate with anyone who has enjoyed the hustle and bustle of New York City.

This is a 21st Century depiction of the 21st Century City presented in a very sophisticated manner by a very skillful artist.