The art of transcendence

Gallery

KNYSNA NEWS - Charcoal artist Gary Davis has brought his creativity, as well as the timeless Old Gaol Art Gallery in Knysna back to life.

His exhibition, The Essence of Charcoal, takes visitors on a journey that transcends the physical.

Davis has been an artist for as long as he can remember, first expressing his creativity with a small collage of an owl when he was four years old. Now, 46 years later at age 50, Davis' work far surpasses the owl he pieced together all those years ago.

Having grown up in the east of Johannesburg, he was often enchanted by the world around him and, while other children his age spent time playing in the sandpits, he was far more interested in capturing his surroundings with crayons.

This continued throughout Davis' upbringing, and by the time he turned 18 he was engrossed in the medium of charcoal.

Photo gallery: Art exhibition - The Essence of charcoal

Davis moved from Port Elizabeth to Knysna 16 years ago. To make ends meet he spent much of his adult life in construction, but seven years ago he decided to become a full-time artist. Selling his work privately or through commission, he has never held a public exhibition.

That is, until now.

And with The Essence of Charcoal, Davis lays bare his soul, displaying work from various stages in his life over the past 17 years, breathing new life into the Old Gaol with the 60 pieces on display. Though hype-real, they are spiritual in essence as one can easily get lost in studying every stroke in every piece.

The combination of charcoal, chalk, and sometimes pastels for bursts of colour, comes together with breathtaking effect. From the moment one sets foot in the gallery, the brilliance of some works are arresting and the imagery lingers on your mind long after leaving.

The Essence of Charcoal exhibition will be on display at the Old Gaol from Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 16:00, until 8 January (except public holidays).

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