Whatshot

Being invited to Darren Aiken's Art Exhibition opening in Pretoria at Tina Skukan Art Gallery was a real honour, Darren has been a close friend and a golf partner for years and our friendship spans two decades. However I was not prepared to being invited to open his gallery earlier this month was a great privilege especially as I have been a true 'groupie' of Darren's work.

I'm the first to admit that I am neither an art critic nor an expert, but I know a good thing when I see it, I have a nose for these things, Darren's art is good, exceptionally good, because it reflects his honesty. As a 'self-taught' artist Darren does not try to prove anything; he creates functional art that is sincere. In short Darren's art represents honesty and integrity.

His integrity lies in the interpretation of our colourful cultural diversities, our personal complexities, our complicated political disposition and our understanding of compassion. Darren is a brilliant communicator, tenacious negotiator, notable inventor and a brave explorer - a genius.

Whether it's his colourful chess characters or the expressive township scenes in his "Location, Location, Location" series, Darren's art is an honest interpretation of our country's intricacies. When we look at Darren's art one cannot comprehend that Darren has not been classically trained in art.

Darren has many talents, in his previous lives he was program originator, surfer, rugby player, scratch golfer and of course the unofficial mayor of Umdloti, which is how we met many moons ago, we had such fun researching crooks in our small village, Sherlock Holms and Dr Watson style.

Darren Aiken sees things through a kaleidoscope of colours, he feels things through careful brush strokes and subtle tones, he see with his eyes and his heart simultaneously, and that is a big gift.

If you cannot make it to Tina Skukan Art Gallery In Faerie Glen in Pretoria, Darren can send you samples of his work and at a small charge can send you completed art pieces wherever you are in the world. If you can make it or are in the vicinity of Faerie Glen pop in and meet the gallery owner, Croatian-born Thea Nigrini, who opened her home to South African artists and gave them a home in which to exhibit their art.

Tina Skukan Art Gallery is nestled on the side of a rather large koppie to the east of Pretoria, the gallery is covered by a lush grove of trees, actually the plot is part of the Bronberg Nature Reserve and is blessed with abundant bird life.

Thea started the gallery some 16 years ago named it after her late mother, Tina Skukan, who was a very interesting character. Thea has been living on the plot on which the gallery is situated for more than 40 years, since her mother gave it to her when she was 20.

Thea is passionately interested in art, she studied at the University of Pretoria and wanted to practice art herself, but ultimately found it more rewarding to assist other artists by providing a conducive exhibition space.

If you want more information regarding the art or the gallery, contact Darren on 082 787 2470.

Art Enthusiast Liliana Kozakowska with Tina Skukan Art Gallery owner Thea Nigrini.

Art lovers: Zanja Voors, Marlize Rossouw, Rina Vander Nest, Darren, Pieter Louw.

Location, Location, Location Artist Darren Aiken's Art Exhibition attracts interest from afar

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