The first major solo exhibition in the Isle of Man by renowned artist Svetlana Cameron will open to the public on November 5.
The three-week exhibition at the Sayle Gallery in Douglas, sponsored by SMP Partners, will be an opportunity to see largest collection of Svetlana’s work ever gathered together in the Island.
It will showcase private and official portraits which Svetlana has created in the last three years, ranging from small, simple head studies to very large and elaborate group portraits. Most works will be borrowed from private collections especially for the event.
Russian-born Svetlana, whose studio is in Braddan, explained: ‘My upcoming exhibition is my contribution to the Island of Culture celebrations in the Isle of Man in 2014.
‘It will be a rare opportunity to see a body of my work on public display. In fact, it will be my first proper large solo exhibition – everything I did before was either a joint, group or mini solo display. The way my working process is organised makes it very difficult for me to have a solo show: I paint mainly by commission and my portraits go directly from my studio to private homes or institutions as soon as they are completed.
‘It is great for me, of course, but it makes it practically impossible for the public to see my works, I just cannot accumulate enough pieces for an exhibition. Besides, galleries are not keen to show works that they cannot offer for sale, which is totally understandable.
'That is why I am extremely grateful to the Sayle Gallery and my sponsor SMP Partners for the opportunity to have a solo show.’
The exhibition will also feature several paintings from Svetlana’s new project, which she started work on last year and plans to gradually develop in the coming years. Titled “Tynwald Day”, it is inspired by the colourful and centuries-old tradition of Manx people celebrating their national day on July 5th.
Svetlana’s work has gained international acclaim, including being selected among just a handful of portraits to be exhibited by the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in London in 2011, as well as winning awards and being shortlisted for national and international competitions.
In October 2013 she was elected as a member of the Society of Graphic Fine Art, the only British national society dedicated to promoting fine drawing skills, and earlier this year was invited to apply to join the Art Renewal Centre Living Masters’ gallery in recognition of her work’s success in prestigious annual competition the Salon.
Svetlana added: ‘I am very grateful to SMP Partners who have kindly agreed to sponsor the Sayle Gallery during the time of my exhibition. Sayle Gallery is a charity that serves the Island community by providing artists with an exhibition space in the prestigious location and by giving the public an opportunity to view work by local artists.
‘In the current economic climate it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Gallery to survive without support of private sponsors, and we cannot thank SMP Partners enough for their generosity.’
SMP Partners Managing Director Mark Denton added: ‘SMP Partners is a keen supporter of the arts and committed to helping to enhance the cultural scene in the Isle of Man. We are pleased to sponsor this rare opportunity to enjoy such an outstanding collection of artwork.
‘Svetlana is a hugely talented artist, and the best way to appreciate her ability is to view her work for yourself.’
The exhibition at the Sayle Gallery opens to the public from November 5 to 30.
