Cape Town - A new art exhibition showcases the work of talented children.
The Art Pop Art Cars exhibition at Dapper Coffee Company opens on June 2.
The exhibition, which is presented by the LDV (Leonardo Da Vinci) Contemporary Gallery runs until June 15 and entry is free.
The artists displaying their work are children who are students of the “Art from the Heart” initiative.
Orchestrated by the LDV gallery, the Art from the Heart initiative teaches young, talented art students from less fortunate backgrounds. The art education is based on teaching themes within the Modern Art and Ideas Program – such as places and spaces; art and identity; art and society; and transforming everyday objects.
All of the themes are adapted to fit with these children’s own life experiences, and presented in a way that they can identify and relate to the content. The children also receive support and guidance from other artists who share their talents with the young students.
Catherine Timotei, a French South African contemporary artist, and founder of the LDV Contemporary Gallery, is the driving force behind the art initiative, which sees these talented children coming together every Saturday for art classes at the LDV Gallery.
“The Art from the Heart initiative was conceptualised to give talented children an opportunity for a brighter future through art,” says Timotei. “Art is a universal language and the most powerful tool for communicating and effecting change. Art is the perfect means for young people to express themselves, and with the life experiences of the youth who are growing up in our communities, there is great potential to develop artistic talents.”
“We receive valuable assistance with our educational programme from the Iziko South African National Gallery, and the objective is to develop these children’s interest and enhance their skills in order to provide them with a means of expression, as well as providing education and a skill set.”
The June 2 opening day coincides with the cultural First Thursday initiative for art gallery evening tours, a well-subscribed event which attracts local and international visitors.
Wayne Bks, an Urban street artist from Mitchells Plain, renown both locally and internationally for his urban Graffiti art work, and himself living proof of how art can change lives for the better, will also be at the opening in support of Art from the Heart.
* For more information visit www.davincigallery.co.za.
You can also follow the gallery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leonardodavinciartgallery or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ leonardodavincigallery.
* The Dapper Coffee Company is on the corner of Bree and Strand Streets in central Cape Town.
IOL, adapted from a press release