Each are exhibiting canvasses and various props in the form of van Reenen's sculptures and Lynch's found objects. In addition Lynch's portraits of children and van Reenen's paintings of puppies deal with the concept of vulnerability and innocence in a benign universe.
Tracy Lynch and Francois van Reenen
Headroom is a collaboration between artist Tracy Lynch and Francois van Reenen. Each
are exhibiting canvasses and various props in the form of van Reenen’s sculptures
and Lynch’s found objects. In addition Lynch’s portraits of children and van
Reenen’s paintings of puppies deal with the concept of vulnerability and innocence
in a benign universe.
Lynch’s portraits engage with wider themes, they are not about the subject as an
individual but rather they embody a general state of mind, there is a sense of
random identity in their simplified facial features. The smooth surfaces of the
faces are white washed and remote with a powdered finish, reminiscent of Geisha or
manga heroines. These surfaces are then dissolved with layers of pattern applied
cosmetically over their stylized features. These images of beauty are questionable
in a society disempowered by fear and violence.
Van Reenen’s loosely painted black and white portraits of puppies on canvasses deal
with the “cute” and helplessness of the newly born. These characters are juxtaposed
by vibrantly coloured flat cartoon characters based on his sculptural pieces. The
painted canvasses co-exist with CG animation displayed on screen. The animation
generates a fast paced energy that is locked in a dialogue with the static image on
the canvas. The sculptural pieces of toy like entities are the props that feature in
the mixed media paintings.
Opening: Saturday 28 April 2007, 5-7pm
The Premises Gallery
Braamfontein Theatre Precinct - Johannesburg
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 17