Two locals exhibit artworks at White River Gallery
Two local artists are displaying their exquisite works at the White River Gallery. According to the gallery director the exhibition intertwines the narratives of both artists' works.
The exhibition of ‘The Unseen’, by two emerging Lowveld artists, Cyril Chiburre and Simon Attwood, opened at the White River Gallery on September 14.
Gallery director Dana MacFarlane said the exhibition weaves the narratives of these two young artists into a presentation of drawings, prints, paintings and mixed media works.
While nature and natural surroundings play an important role in their subject matter, there is a reference to the hidden, the forgotten and the overlooked in both artists’ works.
“The notion of the unseen compels us to delve beyond the visible to unveil a deeper reality. Chiburre’s work introduces the human element, investigating the intersection of man and nature and the complex relationships that result from it. There is a consideration compelling the audience to contemplate the unspoken impact of humanity on nature.
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“The work is underpinned by a proficiency in mark-making, through the vigorous use of charcoal by Chiburre and the intricate chiselling of marks in Attwood’s lithographs and linocuts. Many of Chiburre’s drawings are executed in charcoal produced by Attwood himself, derived from wood in the area. Both artists embody the artistic talent that is synonymous with the Lowveld. Both artists live and work in White River,” MacFarlane said.
Chiburre said: “The series ‘Introspection’ consists of paintings on zinc sheets and charcoal drawings on paper. Because it smudges easily, charcoal is regarded as one of the hardest mediums to work with. Since I delve deeply into delicate issues, I believe that charcoal is a sensitive media that complements my notion. Shutter Island and Requiem for a Dream are referenced in the cinematic work ‘Introspection’. I react to these two films, because they address questions of selfhood and society.”
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While Attwood said: “Using a chisel to carve out blank space is exciting, because it breaks beyond the limitations of a normal pencil mark on paper and creates a rhythm that cannot otherwise be achieved. My artworks are an extension of adventures into the hills of Mpumalanga, where rock shelters and trees bear witness to the flow of time. I focus on easily overlooked elements of my local environment for subject matter; creatures that hide from sight, faded rock paintings, undescribed plant species and remote mountaintops. For this body of work, I have focused on using trees and small easily missed creatures to embed stories and ideas in my work.”
Numerous locals attended the art exhibition’s opening and enjoyed the beauty of the various pieces.
The exhibition runs from 10:00 to 16:00 on Mondays to Fridays until October 6, and from 10:00 to 14:00 on weekends and public holidays.
