GILDING

CAB Gallery & Studio’s most recent show, Gilding and Exhibition of New Work by Thierry Lamare was another exceptional display of Lamare’s highly sought-after, descriptive compositions of the Bahamian landscape, its people and the richness of the culture. This major suite of new works bring together a selection of Thierry’s exceptional strengths as a portraitist master and painter and is a shining example of his ability to translate and express powerful emotional landscapes and intricate relationships through a delicate but deliberate use of palette and space.

What makes this show particularly exciting is his recent diversion from his signature take on portraiture with the addition of gold, copper and platinum leaf. This striking new glimmer underscores and exemplifies Lamare’s ability to expand further and have two elements working in tandem in complete artistic synergy. Lamare’s gilding debut was greatly anticipated and tremendously applauded at the opening. Guest stood in awe, looking on at the stoic faces staring back at them, illuminated with a flickering, metallic note that seemed to very much belong. Lamare says that the inspiration for the gold leaf was inspired by the film ‘Women in Gold’ which is the story of Maria Altmann taking on the Austrian Government in an attempt to recover a famous painting of her aunt, Adele Bloch Bauerpainted by Gustav Klimt that was stolen by the Nazis during WWII. After being very moved by this story and painting, Thierry decided then that he would try to include metal leaf in his work. After “a few timid attempts and four years of readying my mind” Thierry perfectly and, “Gilding”, is the result of this beautiful metallic journey.

Lamare is acclaimed for his exceptional ability to build deep, highly emotive and incredibly realistic renderings of his subject matter whether it be of a beloved muse, an architectural treasure, or the perpetual blues of our Bahamaland. His works have become landmarks for Bahamian portraiture. His apparent affinity for the seemingly unremarkable is perhaps what gives the work its magic. Having traveled throughout the country in search of inspiration he found himself drawn to life in the out islands – to its humble simplicities, the inner compulsion to know and sketch them, Lamare’s career has followed a few central characters that his audience have quickly developed a deep respect and admiration for. Lamare’s intrinsic fascination for the Bahamas is something that cannot be taught nor emulated, it’s deep and within him and is meticulously encapsulated in each and every one of his pieces.

There was a new, prominent face amongst the works – that of Kendal Hanna. Kendal, a forefather of Bahamian abstract expressionism and a beloved member of the art community, got to know Lamare during a period when Kendal was in very poor health and had been given months to live by his doctors. His condition had deteriorated to the point where he was bedridden. Thierry and his wife, Joie, were amongst a small group who visited regularly. Incredibly, defying all odds, Kendal’s condition began to improve and his desire to paint again grew. Within a few weeks to everyone’s astonishment and complete elation, Kendal was requesting canvasses and his brushes and started painting his next series from bed. Over these months Thierry and Kendal struck up quite a bond and the sketching began. Lamare recalls Kendal being immensely intrigued and flattered at the idea of being sketched. Thierry’s deep and profound fondness for his subjects, in this case, Kendal, is so apparent when studying the work. He captures the very essence of Kendal in this series of soulful, impassioned portraits. Kendal was deeply touched and honoured to be a subject of Thierry’s. Now 86 and in much better health, Kendal arrived at the show dapperly dressed and made his rounds, studying the collection with a quiet smile and the warmest eyes.

The creative space is a special one, evolving eagerly without confines. This show will always stand out in more ways than one. Congratulations to Thierry Lamare and to CAB Gallery & Studio for yet another exceptional show!

Emma Liddell