Artist Statement
In 2012, I started a series of paintings for a solo exhibition entitled “Dreams of an Enchanted World”. This exhibition was mainly inspired by bedtime stories, folklore and nursery rhymes, which I often told with much glee to my four young children. Working mostly in richly coloured oils in the style of the traditional realist and incorporating the lustre of gold-leaf, texture and some two-dimensional elements into my composition, I aimed at creating a surreal world of talking animals, heroic characters and magical trees. I find that a good story at bedtime is a great way for me to engage my imagination and at the same time build cherished memories with my children. I intend to one day bring these magical characters to life in a series of graphic novals.
These were showcased at my first solo exhibition, titled “Dreams of an Enchanted World” at the ‘Bolsmann on Brooks Fine Art Gallery’ in Pretoria from the 7th to 31st March 2012.
The Opening Event
The opening speech was delivered by Dirk Ogema, Director, Pretoria Art Museum.
