Friday 29th July, 7-9pm).
Local acclaimed Killyleagh artist Deepa Mann-Kler has produced ten paintings depicting different times during the former Manchester United star’s career.
Called, Dancing Shoes: George Best Art Exhibition, the pieces will be shown alongside the musical show, Dancing Shoes in Belfast and will tour alongside it to Dublin, Manchester and Derry.
The paintings range from action shots on the field of play in the legendary number seven shirt to close-up portraits of the footballer.
Fittingly, the works will be seen first at the famous Windsor Park ground where Best wore the green shirt of Northern Ireland. Following the public launch of the exhibition in the stadium’s viewing lounge, the paintings will go on view at the Grand Opera House from the 4th – 31st August.
[caption id="attachment_26287" align="alignleft" width="450" caption="Deepa Mann Kler in her Killyleagh studio with some of her paintings for the George Best 'Dancing Shoes' exhibition to be launched in the Windsor Park stadium."]
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Deepa added, “The inspiration to paint George Best came about because I am currently Artist-in-Residence with Martin Lynch’s theatre production company. And the musical show, Dancing Shoes – based on George’s life and amazing talent – is being performed this August in Belfast and then going on tour during September.
“It was a hugely challenging task to paint one of the world’s most famous footballers – but it was something I had to do. It has been a difficult project, because George Best is so well known and so greatly loved. “
Martin Lynch, creator of the Dancing Shoes musical show said, “I have never seen a show that connects with an audience quite like Dancing Shoes. Deepa’s work with us has resulted in a very successful artistic collaboration and I am sure her paintings will touch a chord with the public too.”
The George Best Foundation is supporting the art exhibition and will auction one of Deepa’s paintings to help raise funds for its work.
Deepa said, “Once I decided to paint George, the first thing I did was contact the Foundation and ask Barbara McNarry for her blessing. She has been very gracious and complimentary about the project and I am delighted to be able to support her work as well.
“What struck me during my research was the enormous number of images and information about George Best in the public arena. The one thing missing was his own voice – and that’s what gave me the idea for one of the paintings.
“In a book by Michael Parkinson, a number of passages are in George’s own words. They offer a real insight into his thoughts and feelings. I’ve painted him in a Northern Ireland shirt – because I think local people will be really touched by it.
“The IFA has been very supportive and allowed me to use Windsor Park for the launch of the show. It’s been great to bring together common interests in terms of sport, arts and culture as a common goal through this art exhibition.”
Barbara McNarry said, “I am happy to support this exhibition on George at Windsor Park and I would like to wish Deepa every success.”
All ten paintings are oils on canvas and range in size from 16 inches by 20 inches to one portrait which is four feet high. There will also be a series of three limited edition prints which will be available to order at a cost of £90 each.
Paintings range in price from £500 to £1300 and will be available to buy on the opening night and during the Dancing Shoes tour.
Canvas Galleries in South Belfast is also sponsoring the exhibition.
Bio on Deepa Mann Kler
Deepa Mann-Kler is a contemporary visual artist, living and working in Killyleagh, Co Down. She has exhibited her work across Northern Ireland, as well as in China and Germany.
This year, she has been commissioned by Union Cycliste Internationale – the governing body for road cycle racing in Europe, including the Tour de France – to paint a piece which will be presented to Swiss watch manufacturer Tissot, in recognition of their sponsorship support.
And also during 2011, she showed a number of works in the ‘Art Loves Fashion’ exhibition in House of Fraser’s The Ivory.
More of Deepa Mann-Kler’s work can be seen on her website and facebook page
http://www.deepamannkler.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Deepa-Mann-Kler/228982345424
The Dancing Shoes musical show can be seen on the following dates:
4th Aug -31st August Grand Opera House, Belfast
29th Aug – 3rd Sept Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin
5th Sept – 10th Sept The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester
12th Sep – 17th Sep Pavillion Theatre, Glasgow
19th Sep – 24th Sep Millennium Forum, Derry]]>
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