"Bijouterie means jewels The clutter of an artist's studio is testament to the days and night of dedication that is spent in a creative haze. And a collection of over 20 brilliant paintings, the result of this dedication, forms the basis of an exhibition which was completed and ready to hang six months ago, but was put on hold while the artist, Ricardo Alves-Ferreira of Dalyston, recovered from open heart surgery. Now the time is right to show the works in a celebration of a life renewed.
There are exhibitions and then there are experiences, and "Bijouterie" promises to be an experience of the senses when it opens in The Hunt Gallery at Archies on the Creek on Saturday, November 5 (2011).
Ricardo Alves-Ferreira has created a stunning display that promises to be a step forward from his previous exhibitions in this area. These new pieces are the result of inspiration gained by the artist with commissioned sand works overseas, especially Turkey and Dubai. "Bijouterie means jewels in French" said Ricardo. "I chose that name because it reflects what has inspired my work. When in Turkey everywhere I looked I saw very elaborately adorned pieces of pottery, jewellery, crockery and other things that were excessively decorated and appealed to me. They had a beauty that was unusual, romantic and whimsical. Then when I was working in Dubai there it was again, this array of shiny things, jewels, plates, Aladdin's lamps and bowls of beaten metal. But there I had one more dazzling thing that caught my eye. It was the most gorgeous Persian gypsy woman I have ever seen and I was mesmerised. I had to paint her and she will be the centre piece of this new exhibition. Bijouterie showcases the most romantic and precious interpretations of my time abroad and fuelled by the themes I carved in sand at the time, (1001 Arabian nights and dreaming of Dubai), I tried to add the glitter and brilliance of that bewitching time in these places with the materials I have chosen to use: sequins, pearls, diamantes etc. I would encourage everyone to come see them, whether you like them or not, I want to reach out and create a response by the sharing of these works. Bijouterie opens on Saturday November 5 at 2pm." Enjoy a glass of bubbly with Ricardo and be hypnotised by his art. The exhibition continues until November 27 and is open from 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday. For inquiries phone Archies on the Creek 5678 7787." - Sentinel Times, 2011