’Exciting new voice in art world’

PAINTING the city with her story, Grade 11 Camps Bay High School pupil Lia Wells showcased her skills at the City of Cape Town’s Art in the Park Exhibition in The Company’s Garden last week.

The exhibition aimed to celebrate up-and-coming artists. Lia said she was overwhelmed with excitement when she saw her artwork on the show as it was her first exhibition.

“What inspired me about entering this programme was the desire to put my artwork out in the open, to gain exposure, learn more about myself and other artists, as well as having this small opportunity to grow through the art industry. However, I wasn’t ready for the emotion I felt when I saw my my work being showcased.”

Lia developed a passion for drawing, painting, writing and photography at an early age, as a means of expressing herself and as a source of release from the busy, demanding world in which she often found herself.

“The meaning behind my artwork varies from one to the other. However, the inspiration that went into these paintings relates to me and my ‘life story’ – what has happened in my life and what is currently happening.

“I paint myself in different forms showing how I’ve experienced, for example, pain, love, hatred and insecurity,” said Lia.

Bronwyn Harvey, her art instructor, said Lia observed her environment in a raw and true way.

“Her artistic endeavours are part of who she is and how she explores the world around her. She is a quiet observer and her insights demonstrate a maturity beyond her years.

“As a young person in a world that seems to shift in complexity every day, her work is rich with vibrant interpretations of connecting and unity.

“She is an exciting new voice in the art world,” said Harvey.

Lia believes more young people should explore the advantages of the arts as a method of expressing themselves. “Art teaches us about many different cultural and historical things. It also has many emotional, mental and social benefits.

“My paintings are my release, my safe place, my escape,” said Lia.

| SUPPLIED GRADE 11 pupil Lia Wells, who exhibited at Art in the Park and one of her works, above.