Carol Cassidy is our Artist of the Month

Passion and art goes hand in hand and when we look at Carol Cassidy's work - it is easy to get lost in transit. A globetrotter, Carol has exhibited in the finest museums such as the Guggenheim in New York but calls Laos her home. A weaver's paradise, Laos became her base in 1989 and singlehandly this dynamic artist changed the face of the textile industry in Vientiane at a time when it was near extinction.

In 1990 she founded Lao Textiles and through hard work and sheer determination, Lao Textiles was awarded the 2001 UNESCO Product Excellence Award.

Until today she continues to advise the UN on development programs, lectures on and teaches weaving, and generously shares her model of weaving success with weavers, artisans and audiences throughout the world.

Now, she is sharing with Malaysia - displaying new work from her Autumn Collection at the Shalini Ganendra Fine Art Private Gallery. Call 03 7958 2175 to view.

PERRIAND: AHEAD OF HER TIME

Charlotte Perriand  (1903 – 1999) ,  a pioneer of  interior architecture,  was brought to "life" again in Malaysia recently. Hosted by the Shalini Ganendra Fine Art gallery, the exhibition was very much appreciated by Malaysian art lovers. Sadly, the exhibition ended on the 20th of May 2010.

1. How did the exhibition come about?  

SGFA was invited to participate in the French Film and Arts Festival. Because of our emphasis on contemporary art and design, we thought it appropriate to introduce to audiences here the work and story of Charlotte Perriand, who has been, until now,   overshadowed by male colleagues of her time.  

2. In your opinion, what fascinates you about Charlotte's work? 

Her determination and dedication to creating functional and elegant design.

3. She lived in Japan for several years building a dogma - the "volumetry of space."  Can you explain further?   

In the simplest sense, Perriand used the design of furniture (bringing it closer to the ground), textures (such as wood design) and the structure of the interior space itself, such as openings for light, murals etc.  to create  three dimensional and planar perspectives and interaction with the space.

4. Is it possible to buy her work? Will it cost an arm and a leg?     

One of her pieces  (a set of shelves)  sold at a Sotheby's contemporary design auction for US $45,000. 

CHIN KON YIT – WATERCOLOR MAESTRO

CHIN KON YIT is one of South East Asia's most eminent watercolorists. Style Unofficial’s Editor challenges him to talk about fashion, art and life’s little annoyances.

1. Honestly Chin, what do you think about fashion?
My wardrobe staples are t-shirts and shorts. I like nothing more than a good T-shirt with interesting graphic and prints.


2. What do you usually pack in your suitcase when you’re off to an art show?
Batik shirt and smart trousers.


3. If you were a fashion designer, who would you emulate?

Karl Lagerfeld

4. Someone once told me that, fashion and art is synonymous and share they share a very passionate love affair….do you think so?

Yes.

5. When someone views your art work for the very first time, what do they tell you?
They always point out the nostalgic factor in my art, and that I must’ve put in a lot of effort and time in the fine detailing.

6. How do you stand out from other watercolourists?
Through my unique take on heritage architecture.


7. What annoys you about the art scene?
The lack of respect for intellectual property


8. Give us a little bit of a history lesson on your growing pains? Were you always interested in watercolour?
When I was a young man, I did not have the means to fund for art college, so my skills are largely self taught. I have always love painting. I could paint in other mediums, but made watercolour my main tool of expression.


9. Your style has been described as “pointillism” and that you use “delicate strokes of pen/ink…” please elaborate.
Pointillism gives my artwork a textural quality through the tonal variation of colours and brushwork.

10. Where will we see you next? When is your next showcase?
I am currently working on my next book project.

11. Who would you most like to thank for making you the person you are today?
There are many people that I would like to thank, most notably my family, late high school teacher, the gallery and my art collectors.


Catch his work from March 27 – May 2, 2010 @ G Hotel lobby, Penang. For more information contact Shalini Ganendra Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur at 03-7958 2175.


http://www.shaliniganendra.com/
stag@tm.net.my

By: The Editor