THE Hout Street Gallery in Paarl celebrates its 35th birthday today with the opening of its Summer Salon.
This annual exhibition features an extensive range of paintings, ceramics and sculptures by more than 30 well-known and newer artists as well as ‘old Masters’. Established by David and Gail Zetler in 1975 as the first commercial gallery in the town, the Gallery specialises in South African paintings and fine art.
“We are delighted to have a number of portraits by Gregoire Boonzaaier as part of the exhibition. Boonzaaier employed either charcoal or graphite which exemplify his line. His neighbours, his favourite fishermen and gardeners were often subjects for his works,” says David Zetler.
“Cape Impressionist Kobus Louw, whom the Gallery has exhibited for 30 years, will be showing his Cape Scenes in oil, which have become highly sought-after and a trademark of his oeuvre, while the acclaimed Selwin Pekeur will be exhibiting several smaller paintings of township life.
A selection of rising local artists will also be presenting their work.
“Paarl artist Jeffrey Appollis has acquired a dedicated following and will exhibit a selection of his landscapes, as will fellow Paarl artist Kervin Cupido. A newer artist, Cara van der Westhuizen, a lecturer at UCT, will also be showing her work.
“Jennifer Dorrington is a master at painting on wood, and several new icons will be shown. These have an old-world charm and feeling.
“Henk Serfontein extends his collection of ‘night scenes’ which are atmospheric and masterful. He is probably one of the few artists who paint this type of work,” says Zetler.
The exhibition will be opened tonight by acclaimed ceramist Ralph Johnson who has exhibited his work and studied locally and internationally. For a full list of exhibiting artists visit www.houtstreetgallery.co.za. The exhibition runs until the end of January.
