Political Comment
Lesley Gray ( e-mail: lesleygray99@yahoo.com ) writes:
These are the paintings I submitted in July 2008 for the Threadneedle exhibition. The brief was to make a statement (political, economic or social). I hadn't intended to paint Zimbabwe but I was getting so angry with nothing being done to stop Mugabwe that I painted a collage from newspaper cuttings of what was happening in Zimbabwe from voter intimidation to starving billionnaires!
It was my first attempt at egg tempera and my first political painting. I don't know if I'd do either again. Very time consuming and not my usual style either. I usually paint much looser.
Not sure if either will be chosen but at least I got rid my anger against Mugabe. I wish others would voice their objections to what is happening in Zimbabwe. I spent my childhood in Zambia (Northern Rhodesia) and spent many happy holidays visiting friends and family in Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia). Fond memories. The destruction of this wonderful country, its economy and people by a greedy despot is unacceptable. About 3000 international artists (many professional) have submitted their work so it would be quite an achievement if any of my work is chosen. The exhibition will be at the Mall Galleries near Trafalgar Square from August to September. It is being sponsored by Threadneedle an international asset management company who offer a range of investment and hedge funds.
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