By John Owoo
(In Accra – Ghana)
Diverse figurative portraits that reflect a transformational narrative of mutual discovery and connection by Slovenian artist Tjaša Rener are currently on display at Gallery 1957 in Accra.
Over the past several months, Rener has benefited from portrait sittings of some creatives, which was organized by the gallery that posed a huge challenge to the artist, who is currently based in Accra.
Undeniably, the artist spent a considerable time researching some of her subjects through interactions anddoor to door studio visits that enabled her to establish a point of contact – thereby ensuring portraits that embrace a flow of energy – and actually, a quality of aliveness and presence.
Indeed, live painting by Rener has evolved into a deeply personal and transformational part of her practice as she strives to achieve a likeness of the sitter that is recognisable to those who have seen them while ensuring that the portrait is good record of their appearance.
Without doubt, Rener exhibits a successful mastery of the human anatomy, which she paints with alacrity. With human faces being asymmetrical, she proved her skills through subtle left-right differences thereby revealing her knowledge about underlying bone and tissue structure, which helps make a convincing portrait.
Working primarily on paper and non-stretched canvases while alternating between charcoal and acrylics as well as dry and oil pastels, Rener equally juggles a number of brushes, which are not cleaned during sessions.
Titled, “In Your Presence I Meet My Absence”, the collection is a body of work that theorizes the notion of homecoming as a shared and mutual pursuit, while being refreshing in both its humanity and emotional honesty.
The use of light, subject and composition are visible in Rener’s portraits – and these elements stand out clearly due to research, which obviously enabled her to convey physical and emotional messages.
The exhibition ends on Tuesday December 1, 2022.
