6-7 October, 11am - 6pm
13-14 October 11am - 6pm
1 Arcadian Place
London SW18 5JF
FREE
Elżbieta Smoleńska is a former BBC World Service journalist and now devotes her time to travel photography. She is also an avid collector of ethnic art and jewellery.
Her current London exhibition is organised by Wandsworth Art Council. This year she will be presenting photographs from Nepal and Laos.
The Nepalese collection consists of two series of photographs: portraits of sadhus - holy men – and intricate details of the interiors of Kathmandu temples. The artefacts brought from Nepal complement the atmosphere captured in the photographs. The home gallery evokes some of the ambience of a temple with garlands of prayer flags and beautifully painted Thangkas and bronze bells. There will also be a chance to see Himalayan ethnic jewellery and a collection of printing blocks used for textiles and prayer flags.
Among the photographs taken in Laos are images of elegant wooden sculptures of Buddhas from Luang Prabang temples and portraits of hill tribes. Exquisite fabrics, dresses and Hmong tribal jewellery - broaches, head adornments and necklaces - are an integral part of the exhibition.
Elżbieta Smoleńska will also be presenting a series of her own collage work and screen prints inspired by Nepalese art.
A selection of Ethiopian photographs and the ethnic art collection shown in the previous year’s Artists’ Open House will also be displayed. This Ethiopian art and photographic collection was the subject of several programmes on Polish radio and magazine articles.
For more information please visit: wandsworthart.com/open_houses/elzbieta_smolenska