GEORGE NEWS - Members of the South Cape Association for Visual Arts (Scava) during lockdown have been reproducing paintings of the Old Masters for an exhibition at the George Museum that will be opened once lockdown is lifted.
In the meantime a ‘preview’ of some of the finished works can be seen in an online exhibition on the Facebook pages of the George Museum and Scava.
"Experiencing art through reproduction is no substitute for the real viewing of the original artwork in time and space.
Seeing the Mona Lisa in the ‘flesh’ without its protective bullet proof glass, would be an experience worth paying thousands of rands for – the ultimate experience for every art lover, in fact. The next best thing is seeing a good reproduction – for free, here and up close," says Scava chairperson, Maura St. John.
She invites the public to get a preview on Facebook of dozens of fabulous reproductions of famous works of the Old Masters that will eventually be exhibited at the museum. These include works of Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Matisse, Kandinsky, El Greco, Vermeer, Modiglanis, two by Velasquez, Sorolla, Monet and Toulouse Lautrec, to name a few.
Karin Combrink's Cezanne.
"The most experienced artists are talented enough to keep true to the actual original, in colour, size and brush strokes. Other ‘modern’ artists are putting their own interpretation on the Old Masters and these will be a marvellous up-dated addition to the exhibition," says St. John.
"People spend vast sums travelling the world to see great works in the ‘flesh’. Local artists are painting very good copies, you could hardly tell the difference. Once this Covid-19 pandemic is over all viewing will be free."
This new venture will be put together at the request of Lorinda Hakimi, the manager of the George Museum. "Various members of Scava are delighted to oblige. Work from non-members is also included and every artist on the Garden Route is invited to participate. Intake dates will be announced at the appropriate time.
For more information, contact Maura St. John on 083 485 4177 or e-mail maurastj@yahoo.co.za.
Picasso's Girl with a Ponytail
Paul Cezanne Still Life with Mangoes.
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