Close Brush: Tatham auction works fabulously

22 September 2015 - 02:01 By Shelley Seid

The annual Fabulous Picture Show at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg is one way to get people to see art. Organised by the Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery, which has assisted the gallery over the past 30 years, this end-of-year auction of works donated by artists has grown in bounds since first conceived seven years ago.The donors are from across the board, says Bryony Clark, assistant director of the gallery. "From keen amateurs to those with international reputations."Artists Hussein Salim and Raja Oshi fall into the latter category.The Sudanese husband and wife duo who found refuge in South Africa 11 years ago have successfully exhibited in France, England, Norway, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy.Both have happily donated an original artwork each year since the founding of the Fabulous Picture Show.Salim's symbolic, colourful oils have a ready audience. In 2011, it was his work that raised the most money for the gallery.In 2013, it was Oshi's turn to be the best-seller. Her haunting portrayals of human tragedy speak to her audience in the most visceral way. "I connect with the problems of life in my work. Maybe that's why people like it - it's the emotion."This year Salim is donating four works."This is a tough challenge. You have to give yourself as a person."..

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