A Collaborative exhibition between Fiona Rowett and Threads that Bind Us

No 5 on Hudson Art Gallery announced the inaugural solo exhibition of South African artist Fiona Ewan Rowett. The exhibition runs from 9 February 2019, featuring her latest collection of timeliness and sophisticated artworks.

Rowett has hosted over 30 solo exhibitions and featured as a prominent contributor to group exhibitions during her extensive career dating back to inception at the Michaelis School of Fine Art in the mid 70’s.

Her work can be seen in corporate and private collections represented by illustrious galleries throughout Johannesburg and the Western Cape.

“Over the 40 years of painting I’ve used various symbols to convey emotion or hint at an idea. It’s been interesting to see how these symbols have evolved over the years.” Says Rowett. “In this exhibition one of my favourites - the pot - is seen in the majority of works, sometimes becoming more abstract and then in some only a hint/outline can be seen. I started using the pot as a symbol of the home/security, after moving house several times in close succession. Letters are combined with the pot as so much in life revolves around conversations at meal times.”

Rowett draws from life experiences, leaning towards suggestion rather than statements or descriptions. Painting mostly in mixed media, she seeks to make her spontaneous mark using a variety of subjects, landscapes, abstracts, figures and floral studies. The art piece is a collage at times, layering, rubbing, adding and removing paint as she goes along; Applying more paint as forms emerge and disappear, until the perfect balance is reached. The challenge for her is “to capture those moments and create a visual beauty” - she says; “In my 71st year I’m more interested in conveying emotion using abstract mark-making alone and doing away with any symbol – a much more challenging and difficult task, but very rewarding when the balance is achieved.”

For more information visit: (https://no5onhudson.com/) or (021 418 2783) or (info@n05onhudson.com)

No 5 on Hudson is exhibiting a selection of eye-catching new works. Gallery owner Sandy De Bruin has hand-picked pieces by diverse local artists.

Liffey Joy is a mixed media artist born in the UK. She uses materials such as ink and salt to create monochromatic works. She focuses on materiality and makes use of multiple media. She veers towards using those with unpredictable characteristics - embracing the unknown and playing with these chemical, and sometimes alchemical, reactions.

Tanya Truscott is interested in the relationship between the visible world and the pictorial world of the flat canvas. She uses layers of oil paint to create depth. Working without a plan allows her to explore intuitive mark making and the role of colour in a non representational manner.

Laura Wenman paints landscapes, figures and still lives, but leans towards portraiture. This award-winning artist’s preferred medium is oils because of its versatility. Her style, which is impressionistic at the moment, tends to interpret her subjects, rather than produce a frozen image.

Lesley Charnock is drawn to the tonal values of bright sunlight and deep shadows. “I try to capture the vibrant colours I see with confident brush strokes and lavish use of the palette-knife,” she says. Her creations move from impressionistic to the more abstract. She is fascinated by how the temperature, value and hue of the paint changes in relation to colours around it.

Nicole Pletts has been studying art since 1997. She prefers working in oils, but also loves watercolours. A versatile artist, she paints a variety of subjects. Nicole has more recently been exploring florals to get in touch with ‘peace, gentleness and femininity’.

One of South Africa’s leading artists, Fiona Rowett’s work is characterised by rich, abstract forms which emphasise shape, texture and colour. She uses techniques of layering and scratching paint. This George-based artist’s passion lies in delving into invisible worlds to reveal ‘concealed beauty’.

Although 5 on Hudson is committed to highlighting the work of female artists, it represents both men and women. Brandon Borgelt has always had an interest in animals, collecting weird and wonderful pets. Initially dabbling in clay and photography, he became inspired to sculpt. Brandon is fascinated by the human form, and strives to capture beauty in his bronzes.

Michaelis School of Fine Art graduate Danielle Alexander draws inspiration from Neoclassism and Baroque imagery. She uses images of linen as subject matter, using the folds of the drapery to communicate tension and drama. Danielle also often works with crete stone, polyfilla and plaster to create textured paintings.

Sharleen Boaden creates impressionistic paintings from her studio in Ballito. Soft, romantic brush strokes, best expressed in florals and whimsical figures, make her creations instantly recognizable. She paints mostly with oils, but is not limited to any medium.

Artist Lyn Northam has been the recipient of many awards, including the SASA Best Watercolour and SASA Best Oil Award. Her concerns lie with the challenge of capturing shifting light and seeing colour in shadows. She is inspired by the beauty in nature and the world around her.

Former Miss South Africa, Sandy De Bruin’s passion for Fine Art leans towards oil painting, often inspired by her travels. Her focus is on the ability of artwork to make one feel various emotions, as well as to how these artworks translate into our living spaces and environments.

No 5 on Hudson is at 5 Hudson Street, De Waterkant. Opening hours are 10am – 5pm, Mondays to Fridays, and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.no5onhudson.com, call 021 418 2783, or e-mail info@no5onhudson.com.

HOME AND AWAY AT NO5 ON HUDSON

Award Winning Artists on show at No5 on Hudson