Everard Read at Leeu Estate (Franschhoek) presents solo exhibition, Permanence, by Lionel Smit
The exhibition Permanence delves into the exploration and establishment of form, drawing inspiration from painters Lucian Freud and Frank Auerbach. These artists’ techniques of applying thick, textured layers of paint to reveal the passage of time have profoundly influenced Smit’s artistic approach. Their method of revisiting, rethinking, and reimagining form over time resonates deeply within this collection.
In Permanence, Smit examines the emergence of permanence through a meticulous process of layering and reworking. His study of form evolves slowly, capturing the essence of time’s accumulation in physical paint. The interplay between his sculptural practice and painting is evident, with the two mediums merging seamlessly. This convergence brings a new dimension to his oil paintings, where manipulating the canvas creates windows into alternate realms that occupy tangible space.
The collection embodies Smit’s dedication to the craft, his exploration of materiality, and his enduring fascination with the permanence of form and time.
Permanence runs from 7 December 2024 at Everard Read | Leeu Estates in Franschhoek. For more information about the exhibition, contact Ivana Maarschalk at Ivana@everard.co.za.
