Nuanced portraits of wildlife at Cradle Contemporary Art Fair

Principal exhibitor at the inaugural Cradle Contemporary Art Fair and resident artist of the soon-to-be-opened Cradle Art Gallery is John Moore, whose work can be viewed in private collections, various commercial banks and galleries in South Africa and abroad.

Schooled at St John’s College in Johannesburg, Moore’s childhood was marked by long explorations of South Africa, particularly the Kruger National Park, where he frequently went on holiday with his grandparents.

It was there he was taught to love and appreciate wildlife in all its forms, and to enjoy not only the wonder of the Big Five, but also the complexity and detail of “the little things”.

Moore remembers sitting at waterholes for hours on end with his binoculars and nature books.

He studied birds, trees and insects and over the years, his appreciation of detail was firmly fixed in his growing imagination.

We asked Moore about his life, his work and his forthcoming exhibition at the Cradle Contemporary Art Fair.

“I look at all aspects of my life to create inspiration in my work, from daily activities, walking in nature, movies, reading, trance experiences.

“Nothing is exempt from my continual scrutiny.

“Once an idea has surfaced, I then journal it for future reference.”

“I am regarded as a multimedium artist, namely, I work in any medium I feel is best to express my work.

“I am a printmaker and use these mediums often to express ideas, namely woodcuts, linocuts, etchings, perspex plates. However, I don’t just use the printmaking mediums, I also use charcoal and pastels to create large-scale work. My next show predominantly has large charcoal and pastel images, supported by ceramics and smaller etchings. I use whatever is needed to best express my ideas.”

“I will be exhibiting some wellknown pastel, woodcut, linocut and lithographic images.

“Although these works have been exhibited before, they have a high level of complexity and detail which people appreciate. All work will be framed and for sale with proceeds going to the African Digital Education Trust (ADET).”

To celebrate the inaugural art fair and new art gallery, the Cradle Boutique Hotel is organising a host of events at the venue over four days for art lovers, food and wine connoisseurs, music fans and families. These include:

The official opening of Cradle Contemporary Art Gallery on November 30. There will be a cocktail party with performances from the ADET choir and dancers.

Craft beer pairing dinner on Friday, December 1.

Four-course wine pairing dinner on December 2.

Picnic and live music from the Cameron Bruce Band on December 2.

Gourmet December 3.

Phone 087-353-9599 e-mail gm@thecradle.co.za chesa nyama on or