A painting masterclass at a British yachting event has produced an unlikely symbol of the worldwide impact of BP’s Gulf of Mexico disaster.
The appearance of BP chief executive Tony Hayward on the Round the Island Yacht Race has been captured in dramatic fashion by one of the country’s most controversial names in Brit Art.
Oil of Wight by Pete Sturoni was hastily completed as the artist broke away from the planned workshop for students on the seafront in Cowes. Instead the celebrated artist focused not on the colour and spectacle of the mass yacht race but on the presence of the BP boss among the fleet.
“I was so angry that while millions of gallons of oil destroy lives and livelihoods across the Atlantic he was quaffing Pimms in luxury on an ocean that belongs to all of us,’’ said Sturoni. “Oil should be used on canvas – not in the sea.’’
While the event itself was held beneath glorious sunshine, the Brit Art stalwart’s interpretation clearly shows Hayward’s yacht tainting every drop of water it touches.
“We were expecting an unusual masterclass in a glorious setting but when Peter realised the BP boss was taking part his painting became frantic,’’ said fine art student Ben Fine. “You can really see his anger in the brushwork.’’
Sturoni is now considering how best to use the distinctive painting to help those affected by the disaster.
Pictured – Oil on Canvas by Pete Sturoni
