A Journey Through Transition and Longing

You’d Be Pretty Miserable Too – Peter Doig’s Journey from Trinidad to North London

The tropical warmth of Trinidad is a stark contrast to the gloomy atmosphere of North London, and it is this shift that has permeated the works of renowned artist Peter Doig. Born in Scotland and raised in Trinidad, Doig later moved to London to study art. In 2021, he returned to North London, bringing with him the vibrant memories of his Caribbean upbringing. The paintings showcased at the Courtauld Gallery reflect this transition, evoking feelings of nostalgia, longing, and sadness.

Peter Doig’s unique approach to art, combining photography and art historical influences, has earned him a significant following and established him as an influential figure in the contemporary art world. His latest exhibition at the Courtauld is no exception; it is a testament to his mastery of merging memory and artistic expression.

The paintings in this collection are heavily influenced by Trinidad, with scenes of bathers on moonlit beaches, strongmen, and boats filled with musicians. The island’s presence is undeniable, as are the traces of music that permeate the artwork, including guitarists, singers, and various instruments. These visual and auditory elements represent the memories and half-forgotten moments of Trinidad that Doig has reimagined and reshaped from miles away through thick, dark paint and washed-out murk.

The influence of art history is also evident in Doig’s paintings, with nods to Cézanne and Gauguin, as well as more recent works depicting a skier in the Alps and his son on Regent’s Canal towpath. These pieces serve as reminders that Doig’s life has taken him far from the sunny shores of Trinidad.

While the majority of the paintings in this collection are exceptional, one piece, in particular, stands out as truly breathtaking. “Alice at Boscoe’s” features the artist’s daughter asleep in a hammock, surrounded by a lush tropical garden. The painting captures the essence of the entire exhibition – a brutal, almost uncomfortable nostalgia.

Nostalgia can be a painful reminder of the past, and the figures in Doig’s paintings represent moments that will never be experienced again. The interplay between haze and solidity in his artwork represents the struggle to hold on to these memories as they fade away. The opportunity to witness this process through Doig’s paintings is deeply affecting and incredibly beautiful.

The Courtauld Gallery’s exhibition of Peter Doig’s new and recent works offers a fresh perspective on the career of this celebrated artist. As the first contemporary artist showcased at the gallery since its reopening in November 2021, Doig’s paintings provide an intriguing contrast to the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works in the gallery’s collection.

In addition to the main exhibition, the Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Drawings Gallery presents a series of prints made by Doig in response to the poetry of his friend and collaborator, the late Derek Walcott. This display offers further insight into the artist’s creative process and influences.

Sponsored by Morgan Stanley and supported by Kenneth C. Griffin, the Huo Family Foundation, and the Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne, the Peter Doig exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery is a must-see for art enthusiasts and admirers of Doig’s work. The paintings on display encapsulate a journey of transition, change, and loss, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of memory and the emotions it can evoke.

Website: The Courtauld Gallery