Anna Weyant’s artistic world
The young painter shares her fascination for the Dutch Golden Age and 20th century figurative masters.
Words by Raquel Fernández Sobrín
As a young woman (or as a human being that at some point in their life have felt as a young woman), it is really easy to find oneself in Anna Weyant’s paintings. A suddenly unrecognizable reflection in the mirror here, a self-doubting gesture there. As familiar as those glimpses of everyday life might seem, there’s a sense of mystery to her figurative work and still life compositions. A taste of discomfort, a touch of irony. The Calgary born, New York based artist and her work inhabit in the intersection between the beautiful and the devastating. Here, Weyant shares her influences, inspirations and dreams.
When did you felt attracted to the medium of paint for the first time?
Maybe in high school. I think Lucian Freud had just died and I was looking at a lot of his work.
What’s the first piece of art you remember seeing?
My parents had a painting of a young girl in my childhood home. She was holding a flower and it was set against a dark green background. I’ve always loved the image.
What’s the one you could never forget?
The Fortune Teller (ca. 1700-1799) by Gerrit Van Honthorst.
What’s your favorite artwork by someone else?
Two Laughing Boys with a Mug of Beer (1906) by Frans Hals.
What’s the work of art in any medium that changed your way of looking at things?
Is there any work of art or period you didn’t love when first discovering it but changed your opinion over time?
Medieval European painting.
As spectator, are you more into contemporary art or do you prefer the classics?
I love the classics.
Who are some of your favorite artists not yet mentioned?
Zurbarán, Caravaggio, both Gentileschis, Andrew Wyeth, Balthus, Magritte.
Is there any artist whose work you consider underrated?
Clara Peeters, the 1600s Dutch still life painter.
If you had an unlimited budget, what’s the piece of art would you buy without hesitation?
Bacchus (1595-1596) by Caravaggio.
Anna Weyant’s first solo show at the Gagosian Gallery opens in November.
Artworks in order of appearance:
‘Loose Screw’ (2020), Anna Weyant
‘Unconditional Love’ (2021), Anna Weyant
‘The Fortune Teller’ (c. 1700-1799), Gerard Van Honthorst
‘Table with Orange, Olives and Pie” (1611), Clara Peeters
