Helen Durant

Ascent

At the heart of "Last Shot" is a young woman, the central character of this evocative piece. She is fully absorbed in the game of snooker, her posture and facial expression revealing intense concentration and determination. The artist has deliberately obscured all the colored snooker balls, leaving only the white ball visible. This compositional choice draws the viewer's attention to the player's anticipation of her "last shot." The backdrop of "Last Shot" is a dimly lit snooker hall, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The faint glow of overhead lights accentuates the drama of the moment, casting shadows that add depth and complexity to the scene. The absence of details surrounding the white ball and the player's narrowed focus on it contributes to the overall feeling of precision and concentration. "Last Shot" is a visual metaphor for life's critical moments—those decisive occasions when everything hinges on a single move. By obscuring the colored balls and leaving only the white ball visible, the artwork symbolizes the importance of making the right choices, even when faced with uncertainty and obscurity. The young woman's unwavering focus on her last shot encourages viewers to consider their own pivotal moments in life. It prompts reflection on the significance of each action and the consequences that follow, reminding us that sometimes, a single move can determine the course of our journey. "Last Shot" by Akinboye Akinola Peter...

This large figurative oil painting is a reinterpretation of two paintings by John Vanderbank, A young gentleman riding a schooled horse, 1729 / Man on horseback, 1728. A unique oil p...