Video

GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - Local artist Marita Bezuidenhout, alias Sophia Seegers, is back in George after her very successful solo exhibition Echoes of South Africa in June at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, US.

Bezuidenhout's unique glow-in-the-dark elephant paintings, and the series of small guinea fowl and zebra paintings for which she uses make-up as medium, attracted welcome attention. 

"I use a special medium that glows when exposed to light. Gallerygoers loved the elephant paintings so much that I was commissioned with six more while in America!" said Bezuidenhout.

A total of 40% of her works were sold before the gallery opening night on 13 June, during which a further 20% paintings were sold. 

Bezuidenhout received 15 commissioned works, from cats to a Volvo truck - all of which she finished during her stay in America. 

The University of North Carolina bought three protea paintings and they now take pride of place in their reception hall.

Marita Bezuidenhout's unique glow-in-the-dark elephant paintings were well received. She had to produce more during her stay in America, after being commissioned during the opening of her exhibition.
Great honour

Bezuidenhout is one of 12 artists from over the world chosen to exhibit their work - each for a full month - at the Popp Martin Student Union (PMSU) art gallery. 

On Bezuidenhout's request, the work of the South African photographer Jessica Franco, who currently lives in Charlotte, were also on display. When in South Africa, Franco captures breathtaking landscapes with her camera.

Bezuidenhout transported 60 paintings for the exhibition, among them five large paintings (1,4m x 1,2m) of the late president Nelson Mandela, which elicited great interest. "We made the decision not to sell any of the series separately and rather keep it for a later exhibition. My ultimate wish is that the five Mandelas can stay South African property and bring prestige to a statehouse or hotel," said Bezuidenhout.

Video supplied:

Bezuidenhout's wish is that the series of five Mandela paintings can stay South African property and bring prestige to a statehouse or hotel.

The other works exhibited are of local wildlife, children, proteas and African women. 

The paintings had to be rolled up for transportation, and reframed in the US. Bezuidenhout and her husband, Peter, made the most of the opportunity and went on a five-day ship cruise to the Cococay Islands in the Bahamas.

They even saw Donald Trump at a Nascar racing event.

"I honestly felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to represent South Africa in America!" said artist Marita Bezuidenhout, owner of Onelove Art Studio in Heather Park.
High praise

Bezuidenhout said her exhibition received high praise from Sarah Vojnovich, the PMSU Art Gallery lead and proposal manager, who said it was one of the best and most popular they've had to date. "I honestly felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to represent South Africa in America!" said Bezuidenhout, who was mesmerised by the setting, lighting and location of the gallery.

For the opening night, Bezuidenhout wore a traditional beaded garment over her beige evening dress. "It was admired by so many for the craftsmanship and beauty. By the end of the event I just had to share some South African love by gifting the beaded garment to Sammi, an American lady who had so much flair and really fell in love with it!"

For the opening night, Bezuidenhout wore a traditional beaded garment over her beige evening dress.

Bezuidenhout has since received an email from Vojnovich, informing her of another prominent gallery in North Carolina that showed interest in exhibiting the remaining paintings, including the five Mandelas and ostrich eggs. "They'll make their selection known towards the end of November."

Now you see me... The elephant paintings look different in day and night time. 
Trump and Princess Diana

Bezuidenhout said the seven weeks in the US were definitely a highlight in her professional career, as well as on a personal level. 

"Some interesting experiences we had was when we saw Donald Trump at a Nascar racing event. We also had dinner with undercover agents who work at the White House and even befriend the very famous and charming DC Washington police officer, Joseph Gentile - people will remember him as the spokesperson and 'face' of MPDC and the officer who got into trouble for looking at late Lady Diana's legs when she got out of her limousine.

"His spicy sense of humour was so infectious when he told us his side of the story, saying he was simply trying to detect dangerous devices under the vehicle!!

"I felt so blessed when we arrived safely in our beautiful George after having so many positive and blessed experiences. It felt like all my dreams came true. If I may humbly give advice to anyone who wants to achieve a goal, it would be to obviously do everything humanly possible to work towards it, but put God first, pray deeply, and trust God for his divine timing.

"It is a wonderful feeling to fall back into the routine of teaching my precious art students whom I missed soooo much!"

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’