Stephanie Hess: Menagerie
2nd February – 3rd March 2018
Solomon Fine Art is truly delighted to host Stephanie’s much anticipated début solo exhibition with the gallery which will feature her distinctive, exquisitely patinated animals; each one characterful and brimming with whimsy, playfullnes and humour.
Stephanie Hess says of her work “the world my creatures inhabit is one of
colour, joy and play. Some animals I choose to depict in pairs as the idea of
symbiosis appeals to me, whether it be in friendship or in a predator and prey
relationship, but always shown companionably. Those creatures who are on their
own are happily immersed in their own private world”. Describing her
process she says “the patina is an
integral part of the character of each piece, and from the moment I open the
bag of clay to begin I see colour and the beautiful glow of bronze”.
Stephanie Hess was born in Singapore. After pursuing a degree in Art History at Trinity College Dublin, Hess lived widely throughout Europe and the States before settling in South Africa between 2000 and 2014. This period saw her explore ceramics and sculpture successfully under the tutelage of both national and international artists. She cites a bronze-casting course of 2003 as an exhilarating introduction to the medium.