The celebration of art and artists of the Karoo will remain a key element that is likely to attract visitors from all corners of the globe to Barrydale’s Karoo Art Hotel.
As much was confirmed this week when owners Rick and Sue Melvill announced that the official opening of local artist Nigel Hewett’s exhibition ‘A Retrospective’ would take place on March 16.
“Nigel is an incredibly gifted artist who has the ability to capture the raw natural beauty and inspirational landscapes of the Karoo. It is an honour to have his wonderful work in our hotel,” Sue said.
More than 120 of his creations are on display throughout the newly renovated establishment for the next three months – and obviously these works are all for sale.
Rick noted that while the hotel is fully operational – the themed rooms, Art Bar, classic Karoo Kitchen and Artisan Bakery are already a huge hit with locals and visitors alike – the final phase of the project will see the reopening of the Belanti Hall.
“We are already planning our grand opening that will take place as soon as the Belanti is restored to its previous glory,” Rick noted.
“In the meantime the epic parties that take place in our bar and on our stoep will have to suffice,” he quipped.
Karoo inspired art by a local legend
Nigel Hewett notably draws a lot of inspiration from his love for people (women in particular) while his Mediterranean travels are also part of a recurring theme.
However, it is the way he depicts the contrast between the lush greenery and water rich Tradouw Pass on the one side and the the reality of life (and the people) in the generally dry Karoo dorpie to the other, that highlights just how in touch he is with his surroundings.
Nigel recently celebrated his 80th birthday and with age he also developed Parkinsons. This forced him to adapt his technique and the result is – a whole new dimension to his craft.
As a survivor of six marriages he simply refused to let an illness get the better of him and to this day he tries his best to keep on doing what he loves.
