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PRESS RELEASE
JACARANDA – SPLENDOUR OF PRETORIA
October is the most beautiful month in Pretoria. It is the time of spring when nature wantonly flaunts its beauty in South Africa’s capital in a way that is not equaled anywhere in the world. Of the transcendent splendour of this kaleidoscope of colours, the jacaranda trees in bloom are a sight to behold. Inspired by this annual spectacle Pretorians take so much for granted, Lucy Anastasiadis, the owner of the St. Lorient Boutique and Art Gallery inâBrooklyn, decided to offer Pretoria artists the opportunity to capture the spectacular splendour of the jacarandas on canvas.
Pretoria artist Eric Bolsmann, who is known for his paintings of jacarandas in bloom and the author of the book, Jacaranda – Pride of Pretoria, was appointed to curate an exhibition of the artists’ interpretations at the St. Lorient Boutique and Art Gallery in October this year. “I know from experience that the bell-shaped blossoms providing an almost unbearable visual sensation are difficult to paint and to capture in photographs”, says Eric. “Some claim that the infra-red light emitted by the carpet of purple hues, changing with the light of the day from lavender to Prussian blue and burgundy-tinted mauve, are to blame. Capturing the flowers quivering in the air as they change from shades of soft mauve in the early morning, to deep purple at sunset, is a challenge a true artist will readily accept”, Eric maintains.
To see the various interpretations on display is a treat of a special kind. It is an exhibition that should make the heart of a true Pretorian misses a beat and an opportunity for a visitor to the jacaranda city to acquire a souvenir of a special kind that will be cherished for many years to come.
The opening of the Jacaranda – Splendour of Pretoria exhibition is on Saturday, 1 October, at 15:00 and runs until the end of Pretoria’s most beautiful month.
For more information contact Lucy Anastasiadis at 012 460 0284 or at stlorient@iafrica.com
