Being a thoroughbred Cape Townian, I was exposed to the frequent press that Vladimir Tretchikoff received through the 60’ to 80’s period. The awareness that we had a controversial artist living in our midst somehow made its impression upon me.

I always liked his work – despite having very little understanding and appreciation for art in my youth and early adulthood, his vivid imagery and sharp colours, always managed to capture my attention. I guess I was one of those ‘people out there’ towards whom he was directing his work.

It almost seemed unfair that he was labelled “King of Kitsch” when he was taking his work to the people, by having exhibitions in the most unusual public places, such a department stores – locally and abroad.

Well at a time when kitsch is no longer a swear word and when all that was previously considered kitsch has become trendy, being labelled “King of Kitsch” could actually have a positive spin for Tretchikoff as an artist, as opposed to the unnecessary undermining effect of the past.

When news of the exhibition hit my ears, I was determined to make my way to the Iziko National Art Gallery in the Cape Town Gardens. I wanted to experience the man as well as his original pieces.  I had an urge to de-mystify the artist.

I was not disappointed at all – his vivid imagery and colours still did it for me.  Together with a brief encounter with the exhibition curator, Andrew Lamprecht and the many newspaper clippings, my appreciation for his work was re-kindled.  With one exception – that of the image series he painted to portray his take on the Ten Commandments – they did not do it for me. But viewed in the context of 90 odd images, it is but a minor.

To top it all, I actually discovered via a blog article written by his granddaughter, Natasha of the Tretchikoff Trust, that he embraced the same life philosophy as I do. To quote: “Life is about finding something you love doing so much that you don’t even notice time passing. SIMPLY DO WHAT YOU LOVE NO MATTER WHAT”.

Check out this excellent clip VISI compiled of the Exhibition.

 

His life’s journey as a local and international artist bore testimony to this philosophy. Despite all the challenges and opposition the People’s Artist experienced, he continued to do what he loved, making money while doing it and going on to become a legend of his time.

I would urge you not to miss out on the opportunity that we have been afforded through this Tretchikoff Exhibition – go for your own reasons, but go!

TRETCHIKOFF: THE PEOPLE’S PAINTER
OPENS 26 MAY – 25 SEPTEMBER 2011

IZIKO South African National Gallery
Rooms 4,5,6 and the Liberman Room

 

For more Images and Info check out the following:

Tretchikoff Foundation Website

IZIKO National Gallery Facebook Page

 

Related articles

• Tretchikoff at the Iziko Gallery (minutesofmayhem.wordpress.com)