Jane Waterous Canadian, b. 1959
XO, 2026
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 36"
202609-6319
'XO' brings Jane Waterous’s exploration of human connection into a playful and immediately recognizable symbol of affection. Hundreds of predominantly white sculpted figures flow across the canvas to create the...
"XO" brings Jane Waterous’s exploration of human connection into a playful and immediately recognizable symbol of affection. Hundreds of predominantly white sculpted figures flow across the canvas to create the underlying composition, while carefully placed figures in brilliant red, blue, green, yellow, turquoise, orange, pink, and violet punctuate the surface with flashes of individuality and energy. From a distance, the arrangement reads as a strong graphic statement; closer inspection reveals an extraordinary gathering of individual people, each modeled by hand and casting its own delicate shadow. The largely monochromatic palette gives "XO" a particularly sophisticated contemporary presence, allowing the selectively colored figures to carry even greater visual significance. For a collector, the title adds warmth and personality to the work, with the familiar “X” and “O” suggesting hugs, kisses, affection, and connection. It feels lighthearted and romantic while still retaining the conceptual depth and dimensional craftsmanship that distinguish Waterous’s work.