(The artists pictured at the opening)
A group
show of paintings by Michelle Irving, Alison Akal, Haley Wright, and Ilma
Matthews titled Light and Space is currently running at artSPACE durban.
The
artists state: “In this crazy, busy, daunting, space we live in, we felt it was
time to reflect on our personal space and the light we were reflecting within
it. Observing objects and people around us to consider how they were perceived
and welcomed within the space they occupy.”
Michelle
Irving studied Fine Art at the University of KZN in Pietermaritzburg and illustrated
for magazines during her studies. She then worked at Creative Stationary as a
designer, and produced a top seller in Australia. She started her own business
doing murals and commissioned oil paintings. She finally left commission work
and began to paint what she wanted to, exploring what moved her soul. Since
2011, Irving began painting with Gail Baxter and has exhibited with the North
Coast Art group at the La Lucia Mall. She has also exhibited at the Botanical
Gardens and at Spice restaurant. She selects commissions that appeal to her, in
order to allow her emotions to penetrate the painting.
Alison
Akal studied at art school and qualified as a textile designer, working in
design studios before becoming a freelance artist. She has been selling
artworks in Durban galleries since 2010. She does private commissions, working
off what the client requests and has been painting in Gail Baxter's art studio
since 2008.
Haley
Wright has always had a love for painting and has been painting since her
school days. She attended lessons with Grace Kotze, Pascale Chandler and Gail
Baxter as well as having attended various workshops by Lian Zhen (water
colourist) and Grace Kotze. She has participated in Members exhibitions at the KZNSA
Gallery and sold paintings on an online platform.
Ilma
Matthews studied art to matric, did a course with Fiona Kirkwood and still
paints at Gail Baxter’s studio. Her first art exhibitions were with SmartArt in
2008 and 2009. She then started doing commissions and painted artwork to raise
funds for different charities. She has exhibited in The Gallery in Westville
and Spice restaurant. For the last two years she has exhibited at the annual
Hilton Arts Festival and taken part in the artSPACE durban Annual Affordable
Art Show.
Light and Space runs at artSPACE durban until September 14,
2017. artSPACE durban
is situated at 3 Millar Road
(off Umgeni Road)
close to the Waste Centre. More information on 031 312 0793 or visit www.artspacedurban.co.za
or www.artspacedurban.blogspot.com
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