Lidos are a quintessential summertime experience along Britain’s sea coasts, where outdoor pools are often integrated right into the beach. Some lidos feature fresh water, chlorinated like indoor pools, while others allow saltwater to flow in with the tides. This tradition is closely connected to the rising popularity of wild swimming, where individuals take refreshing dips in lakes, rivers, and seashores. The social aspect of wild swimming has led to the formation of clubs, promoting mental and physical wellbeing among participants.
British artist Tarka Kings draws inspiration from these timeless recreational activities for her intimate drawings. Her recent solo exhibition, “Mornings at the Lido,” at Offer Waterman showcases her use of graphite and colored pencil to capture quiet, reflective moments. From depicting individuals getting dressed in changing rooms to lounging at a cafe by the Serpentine lake in London’s Hyde Park, Kings explores the transitional spaces between interior and exterior, action and stillness, and community and solitude.
Kings has been exclusively working with graphite and colored pencil since 2008, drawing from her own experiences and incorporating models and photographic references into her art. As someone who swims daily and overlooks the River Thames from her studio, Kings’ connection to water and its presence in the urban landscape of London is a central theme in her work.
To stay updated on Tarka Kings’ latest creations, you can follow her on Instagram. Her drawings, such as “Swans,” “Bath Mat II,” and “By the Lake,” offer a glimpse into everyday moments that are both familiar and contemplative. Through her detailed compositions, Kings invites viewers to reflect on the significance of water in our lives and the spaces it inhabits.
