Some smile, some cry

Internationally renowned South African artist Tay Dall met with the Courier at the opening of her exhibition, “An Outside Vision” at Imbizo Gallery last Thursday.

Dall, who is known in the art world as “the mother of South African abstract art”, comes across as a free spirit with an intense and vivid appreciation for life.
“My art is an expression of how I see the world. I soak it all up like a sponge,” she said.
Dall described the connection she had with each artwork, explaining how her experiences in life are internalised and expressed in a deeply personal way.
“I find it fascinating to watch people’s expressions when they look at my art. Some smile, others cry. It means different things to different people.”
Despite being well known for her abstract art, she is not confined to it, nor does she work only in the oil paint medium.
“I am constantly trying new things.”
Dall dabbles in all kinds of unique projects, with anything from glass to a massive canvas that she stretches across the floor of her studio, creating art out of whatever happens to settle on it. She calls this her “shadow”.
Throughout her career, Dall said what has meant the most to her are the amazing people she has met along the way.
Despite having her art in galleries the world over and the demand for her work, she has managed to maintain a balanced family life. She lives with her husband and their son and daughter in Hermanus, in the Western Cape.
“Art is big, but my family are what’s most important,” she said.
Dall’s presence and personality, and her art on display at the exhibition share some of the same qualities: powerful, vibrant and expressive.
You can see her work at Imbizo Gallery until October 16.