Knysna artist in top 10 at Swiss exhibition

KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna artist Jan Raats was honoured as a top ten finalist with his latest multi-media painting, Reflections in the Boating Pond, at the international art exhibition Swiss Art Expo in Switzerland.

The exhibition, which takes place annually in the Zurich main station hall, ran from 24 to 28 August.

Raats is staying in a hotel in Chamonix and will only return to South Africa mid-September. He describes the whole experience as "a tad overwhelming, with thousands of people milling around".

A juried selection of over 100 artists are chosen for the exhibition, from which 20 semi-finalists and ten finalists' works are chosen. "The selection of work by the finalists covers a wonderful and diverse range of techniques and styles from artists all over the world," said Raats.

"My acrylic and recycled plastic water bottle butterflies on canvas, Reflections in the Boating Pond, was selected as one of the ten finalists.

"Fortunately, I had a few of the loose butterflies with me that assisted with telling interested people about the painting process and the thinking behind the painting. The exhibition is very professional with a team of support staff."

The painting will be on display at his studio, Jandreart Studio (TH 2 Thesen Harbour Town) at the end of September.

Chair of the Knysna Arts Society Helena Gerber said they are super proud of Raats. "He is an inspiration for all the artists in Knysna and surrounding areas. The sky is the limit!"

Follow the link https://www.swissartexpo.com/virtual-tour and explore the exhibition on finger tip, with a virtual tour.