Cos 045 Rolf Armstrong Prize Winning Picture Rolf Armstrong

The artwork presents a female figure in a dynamic pose, seemingly captured mid-action during a tennis match. She is depicted seated on what appears to be a low wall or ledge, her legs extended and angled outwards, suggesting movement and energy. The artist has rendered her in athletic attire: a short white skirt with a red belt, a matching top, and tennis shoes. Her posture conveys both confidence and playful allure.
The background is a solid, vibrant blue, which serves to isolate the figure and emphasize her form. This stark simplicity directs the viewer’s attention entirely onto the subject. The lighting is carefully managed; it highlights the contours of her body, creating a sense of volume and three-dimensionality. A tennis racket rests across her lap, further reinforcing the sporting theme.
The womans expression is one of amusement or lightheartedness, with a subtle smile playing on her lips. Her gaze appears directed slightly upwards and to the side, suggesting an engagement with something beyond the immediate frame. This contributes to a sense of accessibility and invites the viewer into her world.
Subtextually, the work seems to engage with notions of femininity and athleticism prevalent in its era. The figure is presented as both physically capable and aesthetically pleasing, blurring lines between sportswomanship and idealized beauty. There’s an element of staged spontaneity; while the pose suggests action, its clearly a carefully constructed moment designed for visual appeal. The overall effect is one of breezy charm and playful sophistication, indicative of a time when leisure activities were increasingly associated with notions of modernity and upward mobility.