Dear friends and art lovers,
We are excited to invite you to the next large solo exhibition opening in Readytex Art Gallery on August 1. Taking center stage this time around, is one of our most experienced and established visual artists, Rinaldo Klas. In his new solo exhibition, titled ‘Whispers ..’, the artist reasserts his position as a strong advocate for a sustainable relationship between humans and nature. While his imagery is visually captivating, the underlying whispers of caution come through loud and clear in every composition in the collection.
In ‘Whispers ..’ Rinaldo Klas presents an impressive collection of artworks on canvas and paper, in various dimensions and media. And while the vibrant colors and bold compositions initially keep the eye riveted, the work of this artist ultimately speaks to the soul of every viewer who dares to look beyond the surface. As a true lover of nature, many of Rinaldo’s compositions exhibit an artfully connected and intertwined combination of flora, fauna and people. He thus portrays the harmonious relationship that he believes is critical to the continued survival of our earth and all of the species that grow and live on it. His work and his beliefs, as well as the characteristic features of many of the faces in his art, are also inspired by the deeply respectful and spiritual bond between the Indigenous and their natural surroundings. He fondly shares a fitting quote that he has heard in various cultural and spiritual circles locally: “Everyone born here, carries an Indigenous person with him/her”.
Other striking paintings in the collection feature the mangrove forests, a critical ecosystem that is key to, among other things, the protection of our coast and the multiple habitats that thrive within. By depicting this life-sustaining environment, Rinaldo hopes to raise awareness about the importance of this part of our country’s natural wealth, which is often ignored as we pursue those resources with a more immediate earning potential. “You can have plenty of oil or gold, but if your coast is destroyed and your land floods, those riches will ultimately mean very little. Nature always proves that she is above everything else.”
‘Whispers ..’ opens in Readytex Art Gallery on Thursday, August 1, at 7:30 pm. The exhibition will remain on display until Saturday, September 28, during the regular opening hours of the gallery, from Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm.
You and your guests are most welcome!
Rinaldo Klas