GALLERY: Dual artists exhibit in Melville

Two mix media artists opened their art exhibition on 21 August at Upstairs at Bamboo in Melville. The exhibition by Dalila de Matos and Marina Blight is called Dual Perceptions because they are two artists who have different views on their art.

Blight, a mother of two, said art is something she feels compelled to do and pointed out that she enjoyed painting landscapes as well as seascapes, which is influenced by her upbringing on a farm. The former school teacher said she had minimal instruction in art.

“My love of art is a way for me to express myself and I hope that when people see my art, they are reminded of something that will make them feel better,” she said. De Matos, who left behind a career in architecture and interior design to pursue a career in art, said her emotions drove her to paint.

She added that in the beginning art was just a hobby and she never thought of it as a career but once her personal circumstances changed, everything just fell into place. “I get moved by what I read in the papers and respond by painting about it, so I put my opinion on canvass,” she said.

Both artists have been friends since they met at a paint and pallet art class and saw that they shared a similar passion for art. “Basically we feed off each other and we share many creative moments,” De Matos said. She added that they were able to critique each other’s work as well as share ideas about their art.

They have shared a few exhibitions, the last one being in Pretoria. The pair’s work range from R400 to R17 000. Blight pointed out that they wanted to make their paintings affordable for everyone who wanted to own their pieces.

The exhibition will close on 30 August.