Georgina Gratrix at SMAC

WORDS: Cara Coetzee

What do you get when you mix a girl, a paintbrush, bold colour, paint, and an interest in everything from animals to grunge to pop to rainbows to Chanel? Why, Georgina Gratrix of course…

This young Cape Town-based artist is making some pretty profuse waves in the local art scene, although she is by no means a newcomer. With previous shows all over the world – from Amsterdam to Berlin to London and Los Angeles – this month marks the third solo exhibition of the immensely talented Gratrix.

Educated at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, Georgina is a multi-disciplinary artist. Painting, however, is her primary modus operandi and what will no doubt make her deservedly rich and famous one day. At present, the majority of her work centres around portraiture – friends, family and celebrities all feature – but also prominent are animals, flowers and text. Gratrix’s work is by no means orthodox, run-of-the-mill stuff. Faces are distorted, eyes are manifold, and the paint thick and textured to the point that you almost want to eat it.

That she chooses to work with paint when, until recently, critics have been extremely disdainful of the form is an indication of the way in which she thinks and approaches her work. The current exhibition at SMAC gallery in Stellenbosch is a showcase of over 50 works, all created in the last year or so.

Despite her varied references, what holds Gratrix’s diverse oeuvre together is her unrelenting investigation into the limits of representation.

The show is on at SMAC until the 24^th May. Whether you live in Stellenbosch or not, this is one to see. Judging from the number of works already sold on the opening night, Gratrix is a name to watch.

We managed to speak to Georgina and ask her a few questions about her work and other things.

What is your first memory of painting?

I think it must have been in Class Two or perhaps Standard One. We had to paint a picture of what we did on the weekend. Apparently I went rowing in the rain with octopi. Or that’s what it looks like. My mom has that hanging in her kitchen.

How do you come up with new material? What are your prime inspirations?

I draw. I have a notebook that is my daily planner and sketch book in one.

If you could meet one artist or designer, who would it be?

Ed Young.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Somewhere nice where you can still smoke.

How do you perceive the current state of art and design in South Africa?

I think the National Gallery needs a coffee shop.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

Probably a mom. I’m from Durban.

More info: www.smacgallery.com