Choosing the right piece of art puts the finishing touch to your décor. Isabel Roos owner of Imbizo Art Gallery discusses art and colour trends.
There is no denying a beautiful piece of art can make such a difference to a decor scheme. Art is something to be enjoyed; it can make a wonderful focal point and provide the inspiration for an entire decorating scheme. I sat down with Isabel Roos owner of Imbizo Art Gallery to talk more about Art and Colour Trends.
Image: Imbizo Gallery Ballito by Anne Roselt
What does Imbizo mean?
Isabel: What does Imbizo mean?
Imbizo is the Zulu word for “meeting and coming together" and that is what I wanted the Imbizo gallery to be - a meeting place for people, where they can come and enjoy South African art, a place where they can feed their soul.
How did you get into the Art Business?
I actually studied to be a plant pathologist and was head of the department of Plant Pathology and Biotechnology at Infruitec in Stellenbosch University, but, I always had a passion for art and made a promise to myself that at the age of 40 I would open an art gallery like this (Imbizo Ballito).
My first Art and Coffee Shop, Träumerei (the German word for daydreaming) was in Stellenbosch. I enjoyed having the gallery, but wanted to get more involved in the upliftment of South African art which made me look for an opportunity to move into the wholesale art business. In 2008, the Kizo Art Gallery, the gallery where we find ourselves now, invited me to run the gallery here. After a couple of years, getting to understand this world, I decided to make the gallery my own and bought it.
That was in 2008 how has the gallery grown?
In March 2015 I opened Imbizo in Hoedspruit; we love the bush and go there every year. Then in December 2016 we opened in the Pearls Mhlanga. So together with Ballito we have three galleries in South Africa.
Image: Artist Everett Duarte - Imbizo Gallery
How many artists do you represent and how do you select artist for your gallery?
I do not have a fixed amount of artists, but I focus on selecting the top artists in South Africa and have been fortunate to nurture most of these relationships over an extended period of time. The artists are chosen based on what I believe my clientele want and the focus draws a bit more towards contemporary modern art. The art I have in the gallery is not necessarily art that I would have in my home, but it has to be art that I get excited about, as I cannot sell something I do not like. My favourite artists doing colourful works include Natasha Barnes, Sarah Deanes Jarrett, the Duarte’s, Richard Scott, Tay Dall and my husband, Nicolas Roos, whose work is showcased in my gallery.
Image: Artist Sarah Deane Jarrett - Imbizo Art Gallery
How do people go about selecting art for their home?
Different environments and styles of homes demand different art forms and colour schemes. Cool colours will work better in certain places while warm colours will be more popular in others. Modern double volume homes with lots of glass, to make the most of the views, demand a “wow" big piece of artwork as a focal point to make a statement. This is why I prefer to visit the homes where art might be represented to ensure that the art is highlighted in the correct way.
What should people look for when buying art?
It's always good to buy something of value that will also appreciate in value. But the most important thing is you must buy something you love, as you must live with it.
The Art in one's home or office must be an expression of you. When buying art it's important to find out about the piece you are buying, who painted it and where it comes from.
Image: Artist Natasha Barnes - Imbizo Art Gallery
Are there trendy Artists?
That is what I appreciate about art, it is ever evolving. Some of the artists mentioned above are doing some things that have organically grown into their voices.
I would be wary of buying things for trend’s sake. Do not try to follow any trend if you do not love it. Rather have one painting that is unique, has value and is something you love than to cover your empty spaces with art that everybody suddenly thinks is a must have. My mother always said. "What you don't have doesn't matter, but what you do have matters"…….. That is an expression of yourselves
Top South African artists compare with the best in the world. I am so proud of them their works can add value do luxury homes anywhere in the world. South African art’s demand is rising beyond its borders. They love our bold colours and the free expression.
Image: Artist Richard Scott - Imbizo Art Gallery
What are you seeing in terms of decor and colour trends?
I find that houses that have a neutral scheme benefit from a colourful art piece that adds an uplifting splash of colour. I recently took two large Natasha Barnes paintings to a home. The walls and furniture were all soft monotone colours, and the floors were a light wood. The paintings instantly uplifted the space an injected a wonderful energy, so much so, the clients ended up taking both of the paintings.
Often people will spend their entire budgets on soft furnishings which may go out of fashion, I feel people should consider investing in a painting and building their deco scheme around that. Good art will never go out of fashion and can become a family heirloom.
10 Years ago I sold a 1.5 X 1.5m Richard Scott painting for R38 000. Today the same painting is worth over R250 000. That is incredible growth which you get pleasure from every day.
But, most importantly I love to see the difference a beautiful art piece makes to the look and feel of a home, and how happy the clients are.
I have to agree with Isabel I recently bought a painting by a South African artist which I love, it brings me so much pleasure every time I see it, here's hoping the artist who painted it is the next Richard Scott.
Experience for yourself:
- Imbizo Gallery: Isabel Roos - Art Consultant | info@imbizogallery.co.za