80 FULHAM ROAD, LONDON, SW3 6HR

1 - 27 March 2024

This collection of Lionel Smit's paintings and bronze sculptures opens on the 1st of March 2024.

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"Irreversible" - Lionel Smit's Journey Through Transformation and Permanence

Lionel Smit embarks on an exploration of the intersection between transformation and permanence. This collection, a convergence of vibrant and classical hues, seamlessly weaves abstract and traditional techniques to delve into the transformative nature of the human experience, with a focus on the irreversible change.

The exhibition is a doorway to contemplation, urging viewers to confront the irreversible that shape their lives. Smit captures the transitory essence of existence through a mesmerizing fusion of abstract and classical elements. From the intense closeness of face-centric canvases to the abstract backgrounds enveloping figures, each piece beckons the viewer into a journey of sensory and emotional exploration.

"Irreversible" unfolds as a showcase of portraits pulsating with the vitality of life, capturing diverse moments of unfolding existence. The paradox within Smit's work lies in the inevitable fading of the past amidst the rush of the present, coupled with an enduring intimacy that refuses to be erased. This paradox is rendered through an accumulation of both sculpting wax and layers of oil paint, intentionally creating faded or blurred areas to represent the tension between the ephemeral and the enduring. In certain instances, the paintings may evoke a sense of incompleteness, resembling a deliberate erasure or an ongoing process of layering. This observation serves as a reminder of the transient nature of time and the cumulative effects within the layers of paint.

 The colour palette, spanning vibrant reds, blues, and classical browns and blacks, emphasizes the confluence of the past, present, and future. Through the nuanced use of colour and technique, Smit invites viewers to peer into the unfolding of each painting, contemplating its various layers as a metaphor for the intricate layers of human experience.

In the captivating layers of Lionel Smit's artwork, the profound truth emerges: 'What is seen cannot be unseen.' As viewers confront irreversible moments and explore the intricate nuances within each piece, this truism takes on new meaning, weaving seamlessly into the contemplative journey the exhibition offers. In "Irreversible," Smit not only celebrates the beauty inherent in irreversible moments but also encourages viewers to find solace in the new paths that unfold before them. The exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of the known and the potent allure of the undiscovered. Guiding audiences through a journey transcending time, "Irreversible" offers profound vistas of understanding and introspection, inviting reflection on the unalterable impressions left after each encounter with the art.

Everard Read London

Established in 1913, Everard Read is the leading gallery for modern and contemporary art from South Africa. They are Africa’s oldest gallery representing South African artists with an authentic and considered practice from diverse backgrounds. Their galleries are home to world-class exhibitions of artists across a variety of media and genres, from a wide-ranging group of South African artists and artist estates. Everard Read has seven distinct galleries in four locations - Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and Franschhoek - all optimised to accommodate the breadth of their artists’ creations and envisaged as oases for the communities they serve. 

For inquiries at Everard Read London:

info@everardlondon.com
+44 (0)20 7590 9991 
80 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6HR

Opening hours:

Monday - Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 12 - 4pm