Presenting a very alternative view to Western stereotypes, the humanity of these girls shines through as they are captured in ceremony, work, play, dance and laughter. Serene, scampish but ultimately childish faces are skilfully captured and linger in memory as if having met in person. Singh s life size photos, beautiful, calm and hypnotising, compel the viewer to look deep into an unfamiliar world to try and understand the reality behind these black and white pictures. From Benares to Brazil, Beatriz Milhazes dozen paintings are typical of the artist s distinct, opulent style and stepping into the gallery is to be left reeling from the explosions of abstract colour and pattern. Spirals, arabesques, spots and all things kitsch and chinz leap from canvas decorated with luxuriant gold, bright pinks and exotic turquoise.
Flowers leap from the canvas, rich and bold, almost real in their rainbow coloured impossibility.
Colour is the name of the game and a very Latin life is expressed in every bold and joyful stroke. For art critics, Milhazes paintings presents a dialogue between Brazilian imagery and western Modern painting, but in reality, are far too playful, brash and dizzying, not to enjoy purely for fun. Colours which first shock, gradually uplift and delight and make leaving the gallery on a cold, grey day in the city all the more regretful. Both exhibitions are open free to the public until 13 May 2001. Tell us what you'd like to see on this site.