Description: Explore Frank Walter's relationship to Antigua through a range of works and writings that express his intimate connection to Caribbean nature, landscape, and place.
"Nothing seems to be reworked--it is as if each piece drew or painted itself without being adjusted, revised, or fussed over." --Hyperallergic Influenced by his studies of agriculture and the sugar industry in the former British colony of Antigua as well as in England, Scotland, and West Germany, Walter created work inspired by his thoughts, knowledge, journeys, and surroundings--work that encompassed painting, drawing, writing, sculpture, photography, and sound. His paintings--tender, quiet, and lush--transcend the traditional tourist's view of island life in favor of perspectives that explore how and why we look at where we are. Published on the occasion of the 2022 exhibition at David Zwirner, this catalogue includes an introduction by the show's curator Hilton Als. Barbara Paca, the leading expert on Walter, writes a text detailing her personal experience meeting Walter and being in his presence. An essay by Charlie Porter takes readers on a walk as he muses about Walter's life and the nature depicted in his paintings. Joshua Jelly-Schapiro travels to Antigua to explore the history of the island and Walter's lasting impact there.Brief description: Frank Walter (1926-2009) was born Francis Archibald Wentworth Walter, on Horsford Hill, Antigua. He spent much of the 1950s traveling and learning advanced agricultural and industrial techniques in England, Scotland, and West Germany. The artist returned to the Caribbean in 1961, where, in addition to painting, drawing, and writing, he began making sculptures, photographs, and sound recordings. In the early 1990s, Walter designed and built his home and studio on Bailey Hill in Antigua, where he spent the remainder of his time in relative isolation, reflecting, writing, and making art inspired by his thoughts, knowledge, journeys, and surroundings.
Review Quotes: "The show is intimate in scale, but its elemental force makes you lean in close"-- "WNYC"