Zalea Dold

My name is Zalea and I am originally from South Africa. I received my degree in Fine Arts and later in Education in 2002, from Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria. I have been a lecturer in Art and Design for over 20 years in South Africa and London. In 2018, my family and I immigrated to the Netherlands. It took a while to learn the language (and ride the bike), and even though I am not fluent, I will be able to hold a decent conversation with you when you visit my exhibitions!
So what do I paint?
I paint stories. Portraits and still lives, abstracts and landscapes in oil. I paint it when I hear the story in my heart.
I love creating texture and layers in my work – combining expressive brushstrokes with realistic expressions…I also love to write the stories behind my paintings. Basically, my painting and writing co-exist. Every painting or series of paintings has a story which you can read about on my website. Oh, and I LOVE to cook!
Writing taught me to paint with words, painting taught me to write in colour, and cooking taught me to use all my senses during the creative process.
I truly hope you will experience the utter joy I feel when I create, either with paint, pen or pineapples!

The story behind the series DESSOUS DELICATS

 In my journey as an artist, I've embarked on a series of paintings that delve into the profound complexities of the human experience. These works of art are a vivid reflection of my exploration into the depths of femininity, beauty, and strength, capturing the essence of womanhood in its purest form.

Each painting in this series bears witness to the unspoken narratives that often remain hidden beneath the surface, much like the delicate undergarments concealed beneath clothing. Through my expressive brushwork, I invite you to delve deeper, to peel away the layers of societal expectations and delve into the hidden treasures of the soul.

One striking element that I've harnessed is the use of a vibrant and unapologetic bright orange as the foundational layer of paint. This bold underlayer refuses to be concealed; it yearns to break through the surface, symbolizing the force within each of us that resists conformity and seeks to express our true selves.

The juxtaposition of this fiery orange against the soft, delicate tones of human flesh speaks volumes about the dichotomy we often face. It's a reflection of the courage and strength required to reveal the treasures we hold within, hidden from a world that often values surface appearances.

The hands that feature in these paintings represent the quiet rebellion within, the subtle unveiling of an authentic self hidden beneath layers of societal convention. They embody both gentleness and strength, delicacy and resilience, a testament to the multifaceted nature of the feminine spirit.

As the viewer, you're invited to explore the intricate lace-like patterns and delicate fabrics that adorn these women, a metaphor for the intricate layers of femininity and beauty that lie just beneath the surface. Like French lace, these layers are a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into crafting a woman's identity. From there the decision to name each painting in the series after a French lingerie brand.

My aim with this series is to celebrate the profound beauty of the authentic self and to inspire all, irrespective of gender, to embrace their true essence. It's a reminder that beneath the lace-like façade we often present to the world, there exists a radiant force yearning to break through—a force fueled by courage, elegance, and unyielding strength.

Through these paintings, I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery, to see beyond the surface and explore the depths of feminine complexity. It's a celebration of the vibrant forces within us, forever refusing to be concealed and forever yearning to be revealed.

Zalea's contact details:
www.zaleadold.com
info@zaleadold.com
+31(0)654173364

Atelier address:
Merwe Donk 5
4207XA Gorinchem

Participation in Open Atelier Days:
April 20, 21 and 22, 2024