NEWS

VEDANT NANACKCHAND

The front cover of this issue shows a superwood cut relief print image by Vedant Nanackchand that appears in the Images of Human Rights portfolio. It interprets clause 26 of the South African Bill of Rights - Access to Courts:

"Everyone has the right to have any dispute that can be resolved by law, decided in a fair, public hearing in a court, or where appropriate, another independent and impartial forum".

ACCUSED

In Vedant Nanackchand's image, the accused is surrounded by symbols of different judicial systems. Reflecting the South African context, where some dis-putes are still solved according to traditional law, the temple facade and finger print representing the western court are complemented by symbols of African and Oriental culture.

The forum of five elders looming above is inspired by traditional law in India and refers to the clause's second part.

GRAPHIC

Vedant Nanackchand, born in Durban in 1955, is a graphic artist who studied at the University of Durban-Westville and Middlesex Polytechnic in London.

He is now a lecturer in printmaking and acting head of the department of fine art and history of art at the UDW. His works have been included in numerous exhibitions in South Africa and overseas.

The Images of Human Rights portfolio is on sale at the BAT Shop at the BAT Centre at a cost of R10 000. The portfolio contains 29 images.

NEW GALLERY

Three artists who found themselves studying together under Peter van Blommestein last year in May decided that they wanted to go one step further and open an art gallery.

In creating Studio 145 at 145 Northway, Rika Lanigan, Lesley Grant and Bill Elliot also wanted to provide a home for the North Coast Art Group which has been without a venue for some time.

"It's fun painting with others, provides companionship and it's challenging," says Lesley Grant who is now starting oil painting workshops at Studio 145 for those people who want to paint with others of the same bent.

Studio 145 was a private home which the three artists have taken on lease. An old photograph taken soon around 1935 shows no development between the house and the sea!

CHOCOLATE

The interior of Studio 145 is now painted two shades of chocolate brown, and the ambience is charming and informal with three exhibition areas - all available for hiring for exhibition purposes (prices quoted are per week).

The main Gallery 1 measures 90 sq m (R500), with Gallery 2 occupying 20 sq m. (R250). The tiny 12 sq m Gallery 3 is suitable for exhibitions of ten or so works - perfect for first-timers (R200).

A 30% commission will be charged on any works sold by the exhibitor and all invitations and catering will be paid for by the exhibitor at any opening he or she may wish to arrange.

The idea is also to invite local clubs and societies to use the Studio as a venue for events or meetings.

For more information, phone 83-2966 or fax 561-1711.

END OF VENUES

With the supper theatre venue, The Limelight, closing in Umhlanga Rocks, Supper Stage's future looking bleak with a possible closure in September and the successful El Guappo in Westville under new management, attention for this popu-lar type of entertainment will focus on the Playhouse Cellar and Themi Venturas's 214 St Thomas Road venue soon to host The War Years.

The main reasons for the demise of The Limelight are apparently high overheads and a fall-off of audiences.

At one time, Durban had five venues: the Cellar, Winston's, the Billboard, CafŠ Paris Paris and O'Hagan's (now the Supper Stage). Then two fell prey to management problems and the building that housed CafŠ Paris Paris was demolished.

The Cellar and the Supper Stage survived for several years until there was an upswing in supper theatre again. It's sad that we seem to be going down the same old road!

FASHION FUSION

Fashion Fusion

is a new upbeat local magazine programme that starts on M-Net on March 21 at 19h30. Presented by former model Nadine Bainbridge, this new show "cuts across the African continent, fusing the hottest trends in fashion, hair, make-up and accessories with the latest interior designs, decora-tors, restaurants and musicians.

Fashion Fusion

expects to expose current and controversial issues in the South African and African fashion world.

EASTER AFFAIR

The Beachwise Easter Affair which takes place from March 27 to 31 on the Durban beachfront will host nightly rock concerts featuring Durban's hottest contemporary bands.