Taylor goes solo at 83
On the eve of her 83rd birthday, Knysna artist Anna Taylor’s dream of having a solo exhibition finally came true last week, courtesy of the team at Art on Queen.
When it comes to choosing artworks to display at the gallery, owner Helena Gerber always handpicks “the very best artists”, and when she saw Anna Taylor’s work she knew they had to get her in for a solo exhibition.
“My friend Faith du Plessis introduced me to Anna’s paintings, and I immediately said we have to put something together,” Gerber said. So, Gerber and her team set the wheels in motion and in the space of only two weeks they organised
Taylor’s very first solo exhibition, with the opening on Friday 9 October.
The day was very special to Anna, who moved to Plettenberg Bay last year, as it was the day before her 83rd birthday as well as the opening day of an exhibition in London by her son, world-renowned sculptor Angus Taylor.
The day was also the anniversary of the passing of a family member. “Today will forever be a sad yet special day in our family, and for my mom to have her first solo exhibition at this age is absolutely amazing,” Angus said at the opening, speaking on behalf of his mother.
Anna does all her painting in oil, and her work predominantly portrays natural landscapes.
Speaking on the night, Anna, a woman of few words, expressed her gratitude. “Thank you to everyone who came out to see me and see my art on show, I really do appreciate it,” she said. “It means a lot to me to see my work on the walls of the gallery.”
Anna’s art will remain on show every weekday at the Art on Queen Art Gallery until 23 October, and if you are interested in a viewing, you can contact Gerber on 082 657 4122. Anna will also be hosting a palette knife workshop at Art on Queen next Thursday, 22 October, and Gerber can be contacted for further information.