South Africa

Abstract and untitled, but so pretty

February 23, 2006 Edition 1

Miranthe Staden-Garbett

Exhibition: Andre Naudé

Venue: Fried Contemporary

Date: 11 March 2006

There's not much to write home about here, I'm afraid.

Andre Naudé is renowned as one of Pretoria's accomplished abstract artists, so with reputation preceding, one arrives, expectations in tow. They were not met, not even halfway.

The prolific Naudé has begun the year with a bang - all 30 paintings were churn- ed out last month. He is still skilful with paint, a masterful manipulator of sensual colour and brushstroke. The paintings are aesthetically pleasing.

Untitled #20, a study in lime-green with black trellis hearts, was particularly appealing, bright and uplifting.

This and numerous others would, at a price, prove a lovely interior adornment.

But my overwhelming impression was that Naudé is simply going through the motions.

As a diehard fan of abstract art, despite its recent fall from favour and fashion, I have experienced the emotional range and spiritual impact implicit in the genre, but keeping abstract art fresh, potent and interesting is a challenge fraught with peril.

After its meteoric ascent 50 years ago, the grand claims to its status as some kind of peak and ultimate expression, Abstract Expressionism went the way of most revolutions. It came to a grinding halt, and became an institution.

This collection holds no surprises, and is but an uninterrupted continuation of Naudé doing what he does best. If you have admired his work in the past, you shouldn't be disappointed.

Tried and tested, yes, skillful and visually strong too, but contemporary it is not, and inspiration has, I daresay, left the building.

• Front Page
• News
• South Africa
• Africa
• World
• Opinion
• Lifestyle
• Entertainment
• Sport