ARTIST INFORMATION

Michelle May

Michelle May is a South African born and raised fine artist, currently residing in London, UK. Having won numerous awards as a child painter, she left home at 18, struggling with her individuality and unique outlook on life for many years. Her work is largely figurative, conveying an intimate and delicate femininity, often shrouded in shades of sadness, strength, and forlorn beauty, all in honesty and reason. Darkness is portrayed, but counterbalanced by light, and that eternal struggle to exist in the light.

Studying at art school in the heart of Johannesburg, the school's head of fine art foresaw Michelle's talent would make her a take her far as an artist. "Continue to paint as you do now and you'll become a highly respected artist with a great future" were his words. Michelle is busy today in the hope of honouring his prophecy.

In a 6 week period of 2005, through one south London gallery, Michelle sold an entire series of paintings as a completely unknown artist. Since this time, Michelle stopped painting. She went through some life changing events which stifled her willingness to exhibit, and it was only in March 2008, is she exhibiting work once again.

She is back, although most of you will not even realise she was gone. This time on a grander scale, alive with a sense of purpose and direction. Aside from commissioned paintings, Michelle paints her close friends, the people she knows intimately, and depending on the subject, gives each canvas a different treatment.

I remember when I first saw one of her paintings, a black & white mixed media painting of a somewhat mysterious woman. Spiralling lines, the woman's face hardly revealed, an air of mystery… the execution flawless and intensely feminine, it was as if a wind had picked up this beautiful creature, surrounding her and lifted her onto the canvas. Emotive works indeed.


Private Commissions (2001 – 2008)
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea (2005)
Pond Gallery, Clapham (2005)
Clapham - Private 3 day exhibition (Nov 2004)
Fine Art Gallery - Randburg SA (2000)
Award for Best Design & Drawing - Student of the Year - National School of Arts (1996)
 

View art from Michelle May