The press release below explains this show perfectly. I do have to add a huge thanks however to three dearest people, Theo, Lynn Savery and Michelle Caithness. I could not have produced these works without Theo’s support (and that still goes for most things I do today!). Darling Lyno the chance I got to paint and draw you is icing on the cake and that cake is our beautiful friendship, the world needs more Lynos. And darling Michelle, art mentor but above all dear friend I could not have hung this exhibition without you YOU ARE THE BEST and if anyone needs some support with their art, in any respect, call Michelle as she’s the one to speak to.
Oh yes, and thank you Andreas Markos for parking your bike at Cavallero when I took the shot! It just so worked out that the bike was also from the 40s/50s so tied in with Lynn’s outfit perfectly. And yes, it also helped form another friendship between an artist and ‘that guy that rides around Fitzroy’.
Delightful
By Soula Mantalvanos
Monday 6 to Sunday 19 October 2008
A series of evocative and quirky portraits of an eccentric Melbourne-based author, Delightful is the latest exhibition by local artist, Soula Mantalvanos. Set in the cafes of inner city Melbourne, the show features as part of this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival.
The show comprises a series of portraits of writer Lynn Savery, who Soula met by chance in a Fitzroy café while Lynn was working on her book about the comfort women of Japan.
“I was captivated by her vibrant 40’s and 50’s vintage clothing. The opportunity to paint Lynn in modern day Melbourne evokes the feeling of past and present and ties in with my fascination of cafes as traditional Parisian meeting places for artists and writers. It also draws on my fascination of iconic, yet little known, local personalities and characters that make Melbourne such a vibrant and eclectic city,” says Soula.
She adds, “What is truly delightful is that one portrait evolved into a body of work and, more importantly, a friendship, both of which will continue after this show.”
The show will include the artist’s journals, drawings, paintings in fluid acrylic on wood panel and canvas, and prints.
The portraits are detailed and colourful, complimenting Lynn’s clothing and enthusiasm for life.
Soula has completed a number of solo exhibitions including “French Facades and Prints” at The Convent Gallery in Daylesford (2007-2008), “Winter Light” and “Nudes” (2006) at the Brunswick Street Gallery.
Delightful
Angela Robarts-Bird Gallery
Gasworks Arts Park
Cnr Graham & Pickles Streets, Albert Park
Mel Ref 2J H7
Monday 6 to Sunday 19 October 2008, 9am to 5pm daily
Open late Tuesday 7 to Sunday 12 October during Fringe Festival performances
Join artist and muse at the opening Tuesday 7 October at 6 to 8pm
Free entry
Inquiries t: 8606 4200 or gasworks.org.au
Artist’s website: soula.com.au
