In the 1990s, Peter Doig emerged as a pivotal figure in contemporary painting, gaining public recognition and critical acclaim. This period was marked by Doig's exploration of themes and techniques that would define his unique style, including the use of memory, photographic sources, and a distinct approach to landscape painting. Doig's work from this era often drew upon his personal experiences and memories, particularly those of his childhood in Canada. His landscapes from this time, including snow-filled scenes and reflective waters, oscillate between abstraction and figuration, imbued with a sense of both the ephemeral and the eternal. Paintings like "Blotter" (1993), which won the first prize at the John Moores exhibition, showcase Doig's ability to evoke complex emotional states, partially inspired by his teenage experiences with LSD, resulting in visuals that capture a "heightened, fractured, but pinpoint-clear way of seeing"​ (The Art Story)​. A significant motif in Doig's work during the 1990s was the canoe, inspired by the film "Friday the 13th." This theme was explored in paintings such as "Swamped" (1990) and "Canoe Lake" (1997), where the canoe not only symbolizes Doig's connection to Canada but also serves as a vehicle for exploring hidden depths and the unseen aspects of the human psyche. The motif resonates with themes of journeying and transition, embodying the in-betweenness of states of being and realms of existence​ (The Art Story)​. Doig's innovative use of photography and cinematic influences in his work from the 1990s allowed him to create paintings that are "filmic" in nature, imbuing his landscapes with a narrative and atmospheric quality that transcends the visual to engage with the viewer on an emotional and psychological level. His integration of these elements, along with a keen attention to the materiality of paint, contributed to a revival of interest in painting as a medium during a time when its relevance was being questioned​ (Art UK)​. Throughout the 1990s, Doig was not swayed by the prevailing artistic trends and instead pursued a path that emphasized the richness and depth of painting. His success during this period, underscored by his nomination for the Turner Prize in 1994 and the significant public and commercial recognition of his work, established Doig as a leading figure in the resurgence of figurative painting, pushing the boundaries of the medium and expanding its expressive potential​ (Christie's)​. Peter Doig's art from the 1990s represents a crucial period of exploration and development, setting the stage for his continued evolution as one of the most important and innovative painters working today.