Tretchikoff at AHEM! gallery
The AHEM Art Collective has formally opened the doors for the Vladimir Tretchikoff Homage Exhibition.
The AHEM exhibit flourished with intrigued artists and art lovers admiring the contemporary collection.
The night thrived with the beautiful art pieces, inspiring speakers, and engaging conversation.
The night was a complete success thanks to the collaboration with the Russian Consulate General, Natasha Swift, and the Tretchikoff Foundation. The collection spotlighted 13 iconic portraits representing Tretchikoff's liberating powers of imagination.
The evening began with a beautiful introduction from the mother daughter duo, Barbara Langridge and Thea De Klerk who made everything possible. Thanks to Barbara and Thea the homage compilation of 'The People's Painter' was made available to the community.
This special exhibition commemorated 100 years since Tretchikoff's departure from Russia. Russian Consulate General R.E. Roman Ambarov, provided an inspirational introduction about the importance of the relationship between art and the people and the wonderful opportunity that Barbara and Thea bestowed upon the community by sharing this international platform.
After Consulate General Roman Ambarov's remarks, Ashraf Jamal a Cape Town cultural analyst, described the way people relate to art: "Be yourself. Don't pretend to be someone else you believe to be superior to yourself."
He spoke about taking the ownership of art by expressing individuality.
Ashraf Jamal commemorated the artist and how the exhibited art demonstrated a popular sensibility with a strong pragmatic edge. Ashraf Jamal's inspiring words compliments and represents the core values of Barbara and Thea at AHEM.
Barbara and Thea have dedicated their lives to giving back to the community by providing public access to unique works of art such as those of Vladimir Tretchikoff.
In addition to making it possible to showcase internationally known artists, they also have provided local artists an opportunity to shine and exhibit, and provided opportunities for the community to attend both international and local exhibitions.
They believe in making a difference through love for the community by providing opportunities for others. Driven by passion the values of the Tretchikoff homage exhibition and AHEM could not be more harmonized. "Express your passion. Do what you love. No matter what." - Vladimir Tretchikoff