Pondtificate

Pondtificate is a 2008 acrylic on board, 61 × 81.5 cm, whose title is itself a piece of wordplay — a blend of 'pontificate' and 'pond' that signals Viviers' wit alongside his painterly skill. One of a series of animal works from this year, the piece captures a moment of contemplation, its subject rendered with the loose, assured brushwork that characterises Viviers' early board paintings. An original from a significant year in his development as an artist.