The Swimming Race (1958) by Alex Colville

The Swimming Race - Alex Colville - 1958

Artwork Information

TitleThe Swimming Race
ArtistAlex Colville
Date1958
Art MovementContemporary Realism

About The Swimming Race

“The Swimming Race,” painted by Alex Colville in 1958, stands as an eminent example of Contemporary Realism within the genre of genre painting. The artwork vividly captures the moment athletes launch themselves into a swimming race, immortalizing their poised and dynamic motion.

In the artwork, a group of swimmers are depicted diving into a swimming pool from the starting blocks, their streamlined forms gracefully cutting through the air. Each swimmer is clad in a classic swimming suit and cap, highlighting their focused determination. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the textured surface of the water, the stark contrast of the swimmers’ bodies against the pale pool deck, and the subtle, yet dynamic interplay of motion and stillness. A figure in a uniform stands in the background, possibly a coach or official, observing the race’s commencement from a distance, adding to the narrative depth of the scene. The harmonious composition and realistic portrayal vividly render the intensity and anticipation of a competitive swimming race.

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