BELLA MALIM
EQUUS
25 September–7 October 2023, 10.00–17.00
Private View: Tuesday 26 September, 18.30–20.30
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As the exhibition draws near, I find myself feeling both excited and nervous, as I've poured so much of myself into these paintings. Being a painter is my passion, and I invest an immense amount of energy and time into my work, making me feel somewhat vulnerable as the public's response awaits. Yet, I recognize that art, like life, is subjective, and not everyone may resonate with my creations, and that's okay. What truly matters to me is how viewers engage with my artwork. My hope is that they have a positive and uplifting experience when they encounter my paintings. I long to see smiles upon their faces as they witness the playful horses and feel the energy and joy infused within each stroke.
If I can successfully convey even a fraction of the horses' characters, it would be a tremendous achievement for me. I want the audience to share in the joy and vibrancy of the paintings, to feel a connection with the horses and appreciate the emotions I've poured into each piece. Ultimately, I yearn for my artwork to evoke positive emotions and leave a lasting impact on those who encounter it, even if just a brief moment of connection. I suppose that I don’ thave any loftier ideals other than the meeting of my two joys. Painting and horses. It has been a really wonderful process for me. I have absolutely loved coming to the easel. It was an incredibly positive experience and I hope that that is evident.
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At the age of 21, Bella joined the Foundation program at Heatherley’s, which was followed by a Portrait Diploma. She was then accepted into City and Guilds where she stayed for two years. During this time, Bella gained a deep appreciation from the structured and traditional approach at Heatherley's, which emphasised drawing from models and honing fundamental skills. At City and Guilds, all tutors are practising artists, and Bella gained a real understanding of the industry as well as practice during her time there. These techniques have provided Bella with a strong foundation to explore and experiment in her artistic endeavours.
Bella's journey, marked by resilience and growth, is tethered to her enduring equine connection—an anchor amidst life's complexities. Her artistic resurgence, spanning approximately three years, marked a return to basics. Drawing from a lifetime of observation, and guided by a consistent limited colour palette, Bella's scenes possess a coherent harmony. Academic knowledge from an Equine Massage course informs her dynamic depictions of equine anatomy and motion.
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Please email thegallery@greenandstone.com with the NUMBER and TITLE of the artwork(s) you would like to enquire about.
