tech
February 24, 2026
'I like my footballers wispy'
Underestimated for too long, Wylie is now wanted by galleries worldwide and her giant, wild, witty paintings – of Hollywood stars, soccer greats, black swans and flying bombs – fetch huge sums. We visit her relaxed studio in Kent
TL;DR
- Rose Wylie, at 91, is being recognized as a "rebel artist" with her first major solo exhibition at the Royal Academy.
- Her paintings, known for their bold colors and juxtapositions, are now in high demand globally.
- Wylie's work is characterized by large canvases and painted texts, often blending disparate images from pop culture, history, and nature.
- She spent 20 years raising her children before her career gained significant momentum later in life, with a breakthrough in 2010 at age 76.
- Wylie draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Roman mosaics, television, and early Renaissance art, creating "marvellous contrast" in her pieces.
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