ALDO BALDING - DIVERSITY WITHin UNITY

Solo Exhibition 21 March - 26 April

Introduction by Christopher Moller

We are thrilled to be hosting the anticipated exhibition "Diversity Within Unity" by the talented artist Aldo Balding. Our connection with Balding dates from 2007 when Jaco Claassen and I established the gallery. Over the years and several exhibitions, we have had the privilege of working closely with Balding and developing a personal friendship with both him and his wife Sarah.

What has always amazed me is the captivating storytelling narrative present in Balding's artwork. He possesses a remarkable ability to create scenarios that intrigue viewers and prompt them to unravel the mysteries within. One of the ultimate examples of this narrative prowess is Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, the "Mona Lisa." For centuries, scholars have debated the enigmatic smile of the subject, emphasising the magical and mysterious nature of body language. It is ingrained in our human nature to decipher the scenarios we encounter, whether in art or social situations. This instinct can be traced back to our primal fight-or-flight instincts from ancient times. Studies have shown that when we meet someone for the first time, we form impressions within the first seven seconds of interaction. Even more fascinating is the fact that 66% of all communication is non-verbal, while only 34% is verbal.

This reminds me of a humorous yet wise proverb, 'The one who knows much says little. An understanding person remains calm. Even fools who keep quiet are thought to be wise, if they keep their mouths shut, they are smart.' The essence of Balding's work lies in the unspoken narrative, and it is instinctive for the human brain to connect the dots and discern the underlying story. Our minds create scenarios that reflect our own perspectives, and that is the magic of Aldo Balding—he tantalises us with his intriguing scenarios.

Balding's paintings also exhibit a strong technical element, which is evident in the title "Diversity Within Unity." He skilfully combines diverse scenes, such as the vibrant interior of a nightclub or a serene street view, harmoniously by carefully selecting what to include and omit within each composition. This artistic approach can be traced back to his early days as an illustrator. While many artists create intricate and busy works that reflect the intensity of their personalities, Balding focuses on simplifying the scene and highlighting the essential elements that hold significance to him.

Colour also plays a prominent role in Balding's artwork, particularly in achieving unity of colour. Unity of colour refers to the cohesive and harmonious arrangement of colours within a painting, creating a sense of balance, harmony, and overall visual unity. Colours have the power to evoke emotions and convey meaning in a painting. When colours are unified, they create a sense of order and prevent the painting from appearing disjointed or chaotic. Balding meticulously selects and organises colours to establish a visual unity that guides the viewer's eye smoothly across the composition.

The concept of a painting being impactful from a distance while revealing intricate brushwork up close showcases the technique employed by artists to create an overall impression or effect when viewed from afar, while also highlighting the skill and craftsmanship in the brushwork when observed up close. When viewed from a distance, Balding's paintings capture attention and communicate a strong visual impact. The composition, colour palette, and overall design harmoniously come together to create a captivating image. Balding strategically arranges elements, employs various brush techniques, and plays with light and shadow to achieve a visually striking and harmonious composition. This intentional arrangement ensures that the painting is visually appealing and leaves a lasting impression when viewed from a distance, drawing the viewer into its captivating world. However, upon closer inspection, the individual brushstrokes become more apparent, showcasing Balding's mastery and attention to detail. These brushstrokes may appear loose, expressive, or even abstract, adding a unique texture that allows viewers to appreciate the artist's hand and technique. The simplicity of the brushwork up close provides an intimate experience with the artwork.

During a lunch with Aldo and Sarah in Spain last year, over a glass or two of Apéro, Aldo agreed to paint four of his largest works to date. To ensure the perfect composition, he started by painting smaller studies, meticulously examining their arrangement. Once satisfied, he recreated these works on a grand scale, utilising larger brushstrokes and canvases. The result is truly breathtaking, as the scenes are intensified, giving birth to four striking artworks. We warmly invite you to join us on this captivating and immersive journey and new chapter into the world of Aldo Balding's remarkable artwork.