H05 Tennis Beryl Cook

The composition presents a scene of athletic activity, specifically a tennis match, rendered with a distinctive visual style. Here we see two female figures engaged in play, viewed from an unusual perspective – directly above and at an angle that distorts their proportions and the spatial relationships within the scene. One player is captured mid-swing, her body contorted as she strikes the ball; the other appears to be falling or sliding across the court, her limbs extended in a gesture of imbalance.
The artist’s choice of viewpoint immediately disrupts any sense of naturalism. The figures are flattened and elongated, their bodies appearing almost cartoonish in their exaggerated poses. This distortion contributes to an overall feeling of unreality, suggesting that the scene is less about depicting a realistic tennis match and more about exploring movement, gesture, and the dynamics of competition.
The background features a stylized representation of a manicured lawn bordered by dense foliage. The colors are vibrant and saturated, contributing to the painting’s dreamlike quality. The tennis net itself appears somewhat disproportionate, further emphasizing the artists disregard for conventional perspective.
Subtly, there is an element of humor present in the scene. The exaggerated postures and distorted proportions evoke a sense of playful absurdity. It isnt merely about athleticism; it’s about capturing a moment of awkwardness or unexpected disruption within that context. The falling player, in particular, suggests a loss of control, which could be interpreted as a commentary on the pressures and vulnerabilities inherent in competitive environments.
The painting seems to operate on multiple levels: it is simultaneously a depiction of sport, an exploration of perspective, and a subtly humorous observation of human behavior under pressure. The artist’s deliberate manipulation of form and space creates a visually arresting image that invites contemplation beyond the surface level of a simple tennis game.