The Cornishman - 17th January 2002

Kurts Show for VSO

The rarefied world of fine art shows in London galleries is far removed from the impoverished villages of southern and central Africa, but one of the UK’s foremost artists - Kurt Jackson of St Just - bridges the divide this month with a solo exhibition.

The new show marks his commitment to the development charity VSO, who will benefit from the sale of his paintings.

Kurt’s interest in VSO dates back to his time spent painting in Africa in the early 1980‘s. On his travels he became aware of the increasing problems of HIV and Aids and has now been inspired by VSO’s approach to tacking the issue.

Making people aware of the dangers of infection is essential and Kurt has been working with young people in Zambia, inspiring and encouraging them to produce artwork that can be used in education and awareness raising programmes.

Kurt hopes the exhibition from January 22 to February 9 at Messum’s Gallery, 8 Cork Street, London - will draw attention to the role of VSO in Africa and raise some much needed funds for its work.

He said: “Twenty years age HIV and AIDS were just spectres on the horizon, now they are devastating entire communities. Knowing this I felt compelled to help, to give my art a practical application. I am pleased to be able to offer my skills to help VSO in their crucial work and plan to visit Africa again in the future, to work more closely with local communities.”

Taking nature as his inspiration, Kurt uses watercolour, oil, acrylic and collage to work, usually in situ, to capture landscapes that hold special significance for him.

This collection of more than 100 pieces have been created over the past year and record time spent in Spain, France, Greece and the Isles of Scilly as well as west Cornwall.

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