Multidisciplinary artist, Chris Denovan, has a solo exhibition titled Happy To See You at the State of the Art Gallery in Cape Town, from 10 – 26 September.

Denovan said: “We’ve all had an unexpected story in our lives that surrounds the COVID virus. Many, if not all of our plans for 2020 have changed. For me personally I should be on an art residency in Spain working towards a solo exhibition in Valencia. And now, in terms of that show, all that has changed is the location: being in my home town of Cape Town is a blessing as I’m surrounded by friends and family. We may not be able to connect truly but the knowledge that we’re close is a comfort.”

When it comes to his versatility to different styles of painting, Denovan said: “I love to experiment with my work and that produces many different effects and end results. One thing that remains a constant though is subject matter. I always focus on the human form and portraiture.

“Due to Covid-19 this new show on portraits has a further meaning. Coming close to people is now deemed a danger. We can’t see each other, we can’t get close. As I started to make these works in the “new normal” environment the symbolism behind painting faces took on a new meaning and became stronger. To me these portraits became live characters in my studio, people for me to interact with. They brought to mind moments and memories that I or others may have experienced before isolation. Time spent together amongst friends outside in the sun or perhaps by the sea.”