Artist Moira MacMurray has undertaken a unique journey of fusing together two distinct art styles of Tretchikoff and Ardmore, resulting in truly unique works of art. MacMurray went to great lengths to respect the original integrity of these two art styles, while still managing to breathe new life into each piece.
This painting exhibition is her brainchild, in celebration of her more than 30-year-long art career, with this being her 25th solo exhibition at Gallery on 6th in Parkhurst. The gallery was open from 20 November to 4 December. In order to fully appreciate the unique style presented by MacMurray’s work, it is necessary to know more about each of these two art styles.
Ardmore ceramic art was established by Fée Halsted on Ardmore farm in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal. Ardmore studio’s journey began when ceramicist and painter Fée Halsted took on her first student, Bonnie Ntshalintshali, her housekeeper’s daughter who was disabled due to polio. MacMurray recounted details about the Halsted and Ntshalintshali’s partnership.
“When Bonnie came along, Fée picked up in her that she had this incredible ability to reproduce everyday things, but with pattern involved,” said MacMurray.
Tretchikoff was a self-taught artist who painted realistic figures, portraits, still life and animals, with subjects often inspired by his early life in China, Singapore and Indonesia, and later life in South Africa.
While Vladimir Tretchikoff’s work was immensely popular with the general public, but is often seen by art critics as the epitome of kitsch. Indeed, he was nicknamed the “King of Kitsch”. He worked in oil, water color, ink, charcoal and pencil but is best known for his reproduction prints which sold worldwide in huge numbers.
The work presented by MacMurray delicately fused together these two distinct art styles. “Tretchikoff’s use of colour compliments beautifully the unique and vibrant colours of the Ardmore ceramics embedded within the paintings,” MacMurray said.
Gallery on 6th director Ronel Wheeler said Moira has been involved in the gallery in a very prolific and positive way.
“What I’ve learned from her is that she is a true pioneer. What’s amazing about this particular exhibition is her initiative in utilising two iconic South African art forms, mixing them together and creating something that is truly remarkable and unique,” said Wheeler.
Details: Moira MacMurray 083 534 0480, moira@abagails.co.za
