'Foxtrot around the Piano'

'Foxtrot around the Piano' an exhibition of new paintings by Gabriel Heimler and Anna Proc

July 5 - 25 at The Kiwi Art House Gallery, 288 Cuba St

Gabriel Heimler is a French born artist who enjoyed a successful 20 year career in Berlin before moving toWellington in 2010 with his partner Anna Proc. In Berlin he was known for his mural on the Berlin Wall, 'The Wall Jumper' now part of the East Side Gallery' a parade of murals on the last remaining section of the wall, all painted after its fall in 1989. In Wellington together with Anna Proc he painted in 2010 a counterpoint mural, 'The Mover' on the Museum Hotel, linking Wellington and Berlin.

'Foxtrot around the Piano' is Heimler and Proc's third exhibition with the Kiwi Art House Gallery since their move toWellington. Gabriel paints in a 'concrete narrative' style that clearly tells a story but often with unclear or more than one interpretation. His figures seem to glide through the scenes in a trance, but their story is told in large expressive eyes and hands. Both a Heimler trademark.

In 'Foxtrot around the Piano' dancing couples are shown in four different perspectives around a grand piano. In each painting the evening has progressed and the dancers livelier and less inhibited. This dance of life is observed by the pianist, a central character who sometimes appears a participant, sometimes an amused onlooker. As with most of Gabriel Heimler's paintings there are stories here for the viewer to find for themselves. Artistic influences are inscribed on the pianist's scoresheet on 'Piano 1' a diptych and the centerepiece painting; Michael Smithers, Rita Angus and the German artists Klaus Fussman and Otto Dix.

Kiwi Art House Gallery
288 Cuba St
Wellington

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