The literal meaning of the word ‘east’ is incredibly romantic and descends from the old English, ēast, (auest) which itself comes from the Germanic ‘austra’: "East, toward the sunrise", again from Indo-European aus- ‘to shine’ or ‘dawn’.

‘Toward the Sunrise’ is a generic phrase that encapsulates the latest incredible exhibition based on eastern influenced art, vibrant colour and delicacy of craft.

Even since the time of the Silk Road which linked the east to the west through trade routes for nearly 2,000 years, there has been a delicate and subtle cross culture from the Far East, through India and back to Europe.

For this idiosyncratic take on the east and visual arts, Grierson Galleries is including a number of representative artists.

Jeremy Bear has travelled extensively across Japan and recently Mongolia. He has used his inspiration to depict the young Geisha in their vibrant silk colours. Jeremy likes painting people in their own habitat and that is reflected in the calm and elegant pose of the Geisha.

Baljit Balrow-Venning was raised with an Indian seamstress mother, who “engulfed her family in rich uncompromising colour, through textiles, flavours and music”, all inherited by her migration from India in the 1960s. Her art reflects the rich colour, smells and memory that are part of her Indian culture and background.

Grierson Galleries has exhibited the acclaimed Nepalese artist NB Gurung since its inception. Gurung expresses himself in wild watercolour and the tormented Nepalese weather and deep insightful portraits.

Alongside these artists are pictures reflecting eastern animals from wildlife painter Nick O’Neill, also Chinese and Vietnamese pieces.

Toward the Sunrise is a diverse exhibition that crosses the east-west boundary and displays the rich and unique tangible textures of the East.

All are welcome to the Open Art Viewing on Saturday 21 February 3–6pm
Come along!