Wild
Treasures with Bird's Nests, Twigs, Leaves and Flowers is the title of Diamond Bozas’s exhibition
soon to open at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.
Diamond
Bozas is a prolific artist who has garnered international acclaim for his
talents in painting despite having lived most of his life in a small town in Zululand.
The Tatham Art Gallery, one of South Africa's most prestigious art museums, is
proud to host a retrospective exhibition and book launch celebrating the work
of this unique artist, who recently turned 90.
After
successfully graduating from Chelsea School of Art (London) in the 1950's,
Bozas had several paintings accepted at the Royal Academy in London. Turning
his back on offers from galleries and agents in the UK, he instead returned to
support his family's bakery business in Zululand. After leaving the bakery, 20
years later, he took up painting again and has been prolific ever since.
Despite
citing Chardin, Cezanne and Rubens amongst his major influences, his work is
distinctly African. Sugar farms, thorn trees, cabbages and pumpkins fill his
canvases, reflecting a fascination and respect for the indigenous flora and
landscapes of Zululand.
"No
other artist has portrayed Zululand’s indigenous vegetation, its historic sites
and its cane farming operations as he has," says Brendan Bell, Director at
the Tatham. "This exhibition celebrates a remarkable life, a remarkable
man, and a remarkable body of art work!"
The
exhibition will open on August 4 at the Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg,
and will remain on show until the end of the year. There will be a Walkabout of the exhibition on August 25 at 11h00.
The
exhibition is open to the public free on weekdays from 08h00 to 17h00. The Tatham Art
Gallery is situated
opposite the Town Hall in Chief
Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg. More information
on 033 392 2801 or visit http://www.tatham.org.za/
Posts
