PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Auckland since 1976

At first glance, there is a dark luridness to Tapper's Afternoon Tea, which is emphasised by the title of the painting. Afternoon Tea calls to mind a sunlit pause within the routine of a day, or perhaps feelings of whimsy and indulgence. In this work however, it serves a different purpose - to let us know that the dingy interior of this pub is in its own orbit of time and space, disconnected from daylight outside. This isn't an after work bar scene, but a working man's pitstop in the middle of the day. The insitu lens applied here is typical of the artist's work: the viewer is not in a position of authority over the scene, but sitting within it - just a table away from the two figures, watching their interaction. The man silhouetted against the window is stocky and wearing a singlet; accompanied by beer bottles, he is a study of masculinity. He appears less aggressive than earnest, leaning forward in reflection or possibly conversation with the other figure. This is Tapper's talent - he renders simple scenes with open spaces for wondering, for the viewer to create narratives in our mind. The longer one stays in this painting, the more comfortable we feel within the setting of this dim afternoon bar.