(One of the works on show)
Currently
running at the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is an exhibition titled Andrew Roberts Love Letters.
“My love
letters are a study in “African Minimalism” and reflect my efforts to learn the
language of the African cultural aesthetic,” explains Roberts. “In the past I
have had moments when I have been able to see the pure beauty of a particular
piece of traditional African art (what is called “craft”). In the whole,
however, I am almost blind to the true nature of African Crafts. In an attempt
to remedy this blindness I have begun to copy the work of the great Zulu
Masters.
“I have
developed a modern technique which involves staining the canvas with repeated
washes of natural dyes in order to get the colour of the paint to speak,” he
continues. “I then lay down a template of dots which I formulate using
mathematical calculations. I finally apply the paint to the canvas using the
traditional aboriginal style of stick painting. The work is time consuming and
tedious. The works are letters of love and respect to a beautiful culture and
by executing them I am learning to see.”
The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is situated at
120 Florida Road. For further information phone 031 303 8133, fax 031 303 8136,
email: joy@elizabethgordon.co.za or visit www.elizabethgordon.co.za
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