Icon Artists Display Their Artistry

by Sasha Dee

Two of the great icon artists-tutors or tutor-artists in South London are now displaying their dazzling artistry at the Morley college gallery from 14th January – 3rd February 2010.

This fabulous artwork already has been in many forms and sizes and in many media e.g. in water colour,  itching and oil.  Maggi rides high on the waves, surfing on various meanings and emotions.

The work by Michelle Baharier brings out the the larger vista of the South London architectural heritages, unique as subject, awe inspiring in its size and grandeur and surprise in the artistry.  Her use of photograph to convert it to digital into painting with the riots of painterly colours, is eye popping.

Art lovers should rush to the Morley College Gallery to see the work of Michelle Baharier because they are not likely to see them again as the unknown private collector has already bought them at a generous price and very less likely that they will be exhibited in public for a long time.

This particular exhibition was curated by Jane Hartwell of the Morley College.  She told this reviewer that the exhibition took a few years to materialize because it was the first exhibition of Tutors of Art at the Morley College.

Both Maggi Hambling and Michelle Baharier teach art at the Morley College.  Maggi is the senior most tutor.  She started way back in 1969 and continuously teaching at the Morley College ever since. And they both are involved in creating a fast growing unique organization  called Cooltan Arts Center,  now called a jewel of South London by an ex mayor of L.B.Southwark.

Maggi Hambling is the Patron goddess of the Cooltan and Michelle Baharier is the Chief Executive of the Cooltan Art.  Her tremendous energy and work in many areas of life and art are a subject of wonder.

Fifteen tutor artists displayed their superb work including Luke Jones.