GEORGE NEWS - Doyen of the artistic community in George, Daan Roestorf, was recently loaned a book titled Van Gogh’s Ear by Bernadette Murphy recording her years in France searching for the truth about what happened that night, 23 December 1888, in the Yellow House in Arles.
Why would an artist at the height of his powers commit such a brutal act as to slice off his lower ear lobe?
Vincent is reported to have cut it off in a fit of anger and frustration after a quarrel with his house mate, Paul Gauguin, wrapped the bloody thing in a handkerchief and given it to a prostitute ... a lot of it not true. Murphy's research pinpointed the exact piece cut off, the real recipient and the circumstances which led up to Vincent's action.
However, after reading all the evidence, Roestorf decided to paint his impression of a depressed and agitated Vincent van Gogh at the time of the episode, showing the ear in question. If you too, wish to learn the truth about Van Gogh's ear you can read the shortened version accompanying the painting.
This colourful work is on exhibition in the Sayer's Art Gallery of the George Museum and art lovers and artists themselves will see that it is true to Vincent's features and in the thick impasto paint and colours favoured by the artist during his short life-time.
Roestorf has other excellent works on show and his contribution to the South Cape Association for Visual Arts (Scava), "Days of light and colour" Christmas event, is proving to be the cherry on the top.
Another colourful work which needs to be seen is "Tree of God" by Chris Spies, an artist who has a studio in Great Brak River. Highly striking, big and beautiful, this is an investment piece for the collector. Not many of us can claim to have idle cash lying in the bank but we can look, appreciate and enjoy.
We must never forget Annamarie Stone. Her four exhibited works, as usual, are highly original and executed in a style which has Annamarie's talented signature. A must to view.
The George Museum Art Gallery is an air-conditioned space, quiet and tranquil and a perfect spot to while away a few hours on a hot summer's day. There are superb works by an increasing number of regional artists who show their appreciation to the museum management by supplying the museum with a continuous flow of their paintings for the museum's different exhibitions throughout the year. Naturally many are for sale and indeed make an impressive gift for a loved one.
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