By Nangamso Mabindla
21 April 2008

AN unusual exhibition, featuring oils and bonsai, opens at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery on Thursday, 8 May.

Called Father and Son, it is the first such family exhibition at the gallery for years, with Aubrey and Gary Klinkradt displaying their individual talents to the East London art loving public.

Klinkradt senior, who was confined to a wheelchair by a serious illness, uses art as part of his rehabilitation. He focuses mainly on landscapes and seascapes, although his works include other subjects.

The gallery's Terry Flynn says that his intensive research and studying of the works of other well-known artists have helped to evolve his style of painting.

"Examples of his work are in private collections in the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and several places in South Africa," Flynn says.

His son Gary, a chartered accountant, has a different approach to his art.

"[Klinkradt junior] is in the art of bonsai. This form of art is a Japanese culture - artists dwarf trees by pruning them so that they stay small. In this art form you find mature but small trees," Flynn adds.

A mentor for other bonsai enthusiasts, Klinkradt junior is also a passionate potter and makes most of the pots used for his trees.

"I want to call on art lovers to view this exhibition by father and son. The artists have spent many hours preparing for their [it]."

Father and Son is on at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery in East London from Thursday, 8 May to Saturday, 24 May. For more information about the gallery and about this and future exhibitions, phone 043 722 4044, email annbryant@intekom.co.za or
visit the gallery at St Marks Road in Southernwood, East London.