”Absence” – oil on canvas by Heather Gourlay-Conyngham)Unfoldings, paintings of people by Heather Gourlay-Conyngham, is running in the Main Exhibition Room of the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.
Painted within the last 20 years, the works on this show are all almost life-size depictions of people whom Gourlay-Conyngham has known personally, be they family members, friends or acquaintances. One such painting is her well-known portrait of King Goodwill Zwelithini, part of the Tatham Art Gallery Collection.
Balancing an art teaching career with raising a family, she has worked consistently on painting and drawing. While some of her works have been commissions, her main focus has been her personal art, which constitutes this exhibition.
“These paintings not only mirror my own passage through time, but also reflect my personal development as an artist,” Gourlay-Conyngham explains. “Although the specific people whom I have chosen to paint may be seen as individuals, the manner in which they are depicted is intended to communicate more universal concepts. Broadly speaking, the underlying theme of all my work is ‘the human condition’ and is informed by my understanding of Art History, a consequence of many years of teaching the subject. While the seed from which my ideas grow is intuitive and emotional, its execution is more academic, methodical and cerebral, a process that could be considered in keeping with classical tradition.”
Heather Gourlay-Conyngham will conduct a walkabout of her exhibition on July 19 from 14h30 to 15h30 during which she will discuss her journey as a painter of people. Bookings through Thulani or Pinky at 033 392 2801. There is safe parking on the Legislature side of the Gallery.
Unfoldings runs in the Tatham Art Gallery until September 7. The Tatham is situated opposite the Town Hall in Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg. More information on 033 392 2801.
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