TWO new exhibition opened this week at artSPACE durban. Running until November 14 are The Courageous I… in the main gallery and Relocation in the midle gallery.

The Courageous I… is the result of discussions between the painting students at artWorks Studio in Salt Rock.

Says Karen Bradkte, owner of the gallery at 3 Miller Road: “ lthough there are various and different reasons why people take up painting, the common words that came up included journey, explorations, discovery, soul searching, bravery, fear, challenge, discipline, play, escape, sanctuary, intuition, individual and collective. Putting one self out there. Exposing one self. Risk taking.

“There was much discussion about what the title of this group exhibition should be, it was agreed that, although painting side by side in the studio, for most, it was an individual journey with highs and lows, fear, frustration, patience, trust and, eventually, exhilaration when the finished piece seemed to capture something.

“For each participating artist, painting is a journey of self-discovery that they have committed to. Each has a unique vision and paints to express it.

“Skills are learned and refined and each student takes what works for them and finds their own way of expressing themselves on canvas. And in deciding to exhibit their work each person is putting a bit of themselves out there.”

The participating artists are Abigail Cansdale Van Der Leek, Anne Roydon Turner, Brenda Kuhn, Britta Froehling, Charlotte Staes, Donna Ford, Estelle Hudson, Helene Marais, Ilse Viljoen, Jayne Mathias, Kay Boshoff, Linda Cousens, Lisa Twyman, Louise Dunning, Pamela Boast, Rita Carr, Sharon Erichson, and Sue Hunt.

Relocation comprises a selection of paintings and drawings by Rob Bolter and Rob Domijan, which seek to illustrate, across media and a variety of conceptual intents, each artists drive to establish a pure articulation of their works’ most essential components.

The main focus of the works on exhibition deals with exploring notions of cultural identity, displacement and alienation, removal and eviction and seeks to highlight the theme of connection or dis-connection to place due to relocation, whether voluntary, accidental or forced.

artSPACE durban is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday and from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and public holidays.

Inquiries: 031 312 0793 or http://www.artspace-durban.com

Rob Bolter’s Telepathic Driving.
PHOTO: supplied

Sue Hunt’s Sunrise over Chaka’s Rock.
PHOTO: supplied

Britta Froehling’s Soar.
PHOTO: supplied

Estelle Hudson’s Grandmother’s Wedding Gift.
PHOTO: supplied