Art blends with cuisine

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - This coming Saturday, 1 December, will see the opening of an exhibition of the work of local artist Curt Martheze at Georg Restaurant in Aberdeen.

Curt has drawn pictures and made paintings from an early age, and counts himself as a traditional artist.

He grew up in Windhoek, in the days when it was a small town, and moved to Aberdeen about four years ago. His work was first hung in a public gallery in Graaff-Reinet at the Sense of Place group exhibit in 2016, and later at the same venue as part of an exhibit entitled Colour.

He has had formal training in the past from other artists, and now makes the most of the immeasurable professional and current learning environments online. He is inspired by the small town of Aberdeen and the surrounding area, with the ever-changing subject matter, and loves nothing more than to set up his easel and work in the dusty veld near the mountains.

Curt's works are enjoying increasing recognition for their vibrant luminous colours and capture of the essence of the unique landscapes and people of the Karoo. He will be showing 16 new works at the exhibition, entitled Colours of the Karoo. The opening at 15:00 will be celebrated with complimentary wine and cheese at the restaurant, and guests will have the opportunity to look at the stunning artwork and talk to the Curt, who will explain some of the intricacies of his work.

It will be exactly a year since the opening of the restaurant, and so guests at the exhibition will then flow into the one year anniversary of Georg restaurant. "This is going to be a party to remember," said owner Georg Ritschel!

For a contribution of R150, the restaurant will keep the food coming the whole night long. Drinks will be available from the bar. Ritschel is hoping that Aberdonians and many guests from outside will be there to celebrate with him and his staff.

One of Curt Martheze's paintings.