Article written for local magazine "Speckled Bean"

Essensual Art Gallery: “Petite” Exhibition



Written by Mercia Deale


Current exhibition running from June through to July 2010 called “Petite” –is a collection of 20x20cm canvases by various artists throughout the country: Heidi Kern, Paul-Jacques du Plessis, Carl Verster, Barry Keyser and Mercia Deale. July submissions will be from Frances Lozear and Cheryl Walker. The subject matter varies, pieces called “Eros” and “Psyche”, by Carl Verster explores the emotion between the characters in Greek mythology. Another called “This Kiss” is accompanied by this poem he has written:


“Where do two souls touch?” he prayed


“The skin, fingers entwined?”


“Or here?” gestures to eyes


“Here,” she smiles


“This kiss” she says “This kiss of mine”


Mercia Deale has chosen couples as a subject matter, with pieces called “Sweet whispers” and “Be the light of my emotion”. It’s a sepia range which explores the emotions of couples in a loving embrace. She says “we all have experienced the closeness, the ecstasy, the protection of a loved one in an intimate embrace. It can feed the soul and keep you going for yet another day” She has also included a colourful series of woman’s faces half hidden, capturing their sensuality and showing that sensuality does not mean nudity.


Paul-Jacques du Plessis has submitted sensual lips that almost reminds of “pop-art” and Andy Warhol. Expression and communication can be done without ever uttering a single word – just by pouting those beautiful lips!



Barry Keyser is a digital artist, combining photography, fine art, possibly some abstract and surrealism in his images, but always honouring the essence of life: the nude. On his piece “Juvilent” he says: “In this piece, I captured the essence of ecstatic joy. The woman on her throne is sitting on top of the world, in control and even more so with grace. From the solar plexus chakra busts the yellow sunflower energy that protrudes through her whole being and invokes the childlike happiness, not just in herself but also in every person that looks upon her. ”

Barry Keyser: "Juvelant" Digital Art printed on canvas

Other art is still available throughout the exhibition. Essensual Art Gallery specializes in sensual art, exploring the naked human form, celebrating organic lines, lines which produces strong emotion; emotion that is often not explored and faced in everyday life. What is our body without emotion? What defines us?


Artists that submit pieces do not do it for the purpose of selling art, but believe in conveying a strong message – one that states: This is you in all your glory, celebrate it and make peace with it! What subject has more emotion than a human being? How can a still life provoke you to rethink anything, how can a landscape stir up a long forgotten emotion? Therefore do not expect pretty pictures at Essensual Art, be prepared to fill your senses with visual education on the human form, smell the emotion, hear the colours and let it touch your heart.


Next exhibition is scheduled for September 2010 by artist Carl Verster, called “Songs on the Eve of destruction”


Located at Shop 7, Upper Level, Clarens Tourist and Information Centre, Market Street, Clarens.


Email: art@essensual.co.za


Web: www.essensual.co.za


Contact Mercia Deale: 082 210 6894

Next exhibition by Carl Verster called "Songs on the Eve of destruction"

Yes! I have finally been able to convince this very talented artist to do his first solo exhibition. It will be held during the September school holiday (not sure of the exact dates yet, but will post them later on).

He has chosen a very interesting working title called "Songs on the Eve of destruction". Not only is Carl talented with a brush, he has ways with words that can leave you mesmerized and pondering about it for days. So this leads us to his working title - I was given a brief explanation and loved it! (Though I must admit, the pictures I conjured up in my mind will definately NOT be what Carl will produce - he is very secretive about what he plans - so it will be a surprise to all of us!)

Think about his title and feel free to give your thoughts about it - what do think it's about? What word play do you see in the title, what does it mean to YOU?

As always, I am excited to see what Carl will produce. He has submitted stunning little pieces for the "Petite" exhibition and included a poem with each one:

Carl Verster: "Dreams of Eros" Oil on canvas 20x20cm

In the theatre of my mind,

On the rapid eye reflex movie screens,

Playing on the insides of my eyelids,

There you will find,

music echoing memories of a bygone time.

Watch closely now as the act unfolds,

Real-life actors in a script of years,

"If this was movie," we said.

Remember? And it was and is.

Soundtracks trigger scenes,

In this theatre of my mind.

Carl Verster: "This Kiss" Oil on canvas 20x20cm

"Where do two souls touch?" he prayed
"The skin, fingers entwined?"
"Or here?" gestures to the eyes
"Here" she smiles
"This kiss" she says "this kiss of mine"

 

 

 Carl Verster: "Eros" Oil on canvas 20x20cm

Shadows cast downwards from a half hidden moon.
Illuminating the planes of sylvan skin.
Tousled hair woven on pillow.
Fingers meshed.

Butter yellow sunbeams dancing from cloudless sky.
Gambol playfully over unmade bower.
Jumbled cloth on creased sheet.
Figures long left.

 

 

 Carl Verster: "Psyche" Oil on canvas 20x20cm 

A whisper, faint echoes,
drift through the trees
as the dusk closes in.
A pianissimo - faint tones of her wings beating,
as she makes her descent.
He, ensnared in the loving web,bound
by the chords of her souls song,
Meeting in muted clearing,
A fortissimo - immortal heart beating,
as they make their ascent.

Remember to visit Essensual Art Gallery when you are in Clarens!

Blessings 

Mercia

"Petite" Exhibition

The "Petite" exhibit is taking shape. I am still waiting for more contributions from various artists, so will update once all of them have arrived. The exhibition will run until the end of July.

Once again, I would like to thank all the artists who is taking part in this exhibition. Without you and your wonderful talent, none of this would be possible.

Heidi Kern
Carl Verster
Paul-Jacques
Frances Lozear
Stefan Hofmeyr
Barry Keyser

July submissions will be from:
Jana van Schalkwyk
Cheryl Walker
Stephan van Heerden

"Petite" Exhibit @ Essensual Art Gallery

A special thanks must go to Carl Verster - your insight to the display has worked! No more apples mixed with oranges! ;-)

So visit Essensual Art Gallery this school holiday - get away from the madness of the World Cup Soccer and come relax for a while in our village - you might even get to see some snow!

Blessings

Mercia Deale

Petite exhibition: Sepia range

"Your sweet whisper" Oil on canvas 20x20cm

These are some of my works I will submit to the "Petite" exhibition. I am very excited about the "technique" - oils manipulated to remind me of charcoal, which of course is my first love ;-)

"This heart of mine" Oil on canvas 20x20cm

This range is very close to my heart, I decided to use couples as the subject. It does not matter whether we are married, single, gay or metro sexual - we all have experienced the closeness, the ecstasy, the protection of a loved one in an intimate embrace. It can feed the soul and keep you going for yet another day. It wraps around you like a warm blanket, giving you the security you so much need. Therefore, I dedicate this range to my husband, who has stood beside me through thick and thin, reaching deep into my soul to touch the artist who so desperately wanted to be alive again. I love you!

"Sweet kisses" Oil on canvas 20x20cm

"Sweet taste of you" Oil on canvas 20x20cm