RJHalls: “F**K MICKEY…. 3 – 18 September 2016
On Saturday, September 3rd, GO Gallery opens the
F**K MICKEY It’s the MINNIE unmasked exhibition
“In art Mickey was everywhere but where was Minnie?
Why was she ignored in the art world, was this sexist?
Delving deeper I realised she was black all over but with a white face. This reminded me of the Black and White Minstrels who
were popular entertainers in the 19th Century. Was this racist? Seeing Minnie now in this day and age reminds me of those supermodels who eat nothing more than lettuce leaves three times a day. This influences young children. I added cheese to some of the portraits to encourage everyone to eat more cheese!” Thus RJHalls
RJHalls decided to devote an exhibition of paintings celebrating her beauty, uniqueness and personality. He thought she deserved greater recognition. His inspiration came from the paintings of Sandro Botticelli, Frans Hals, Lucas Cranachs and many unknown artists from the past, who he might add, would probably have used Minnie as a model for their paintings if she had been around in their lifetime.
RJHalls trained as a bespoke tailor at the London School of Fashion, then worked at the BBC on shows such as, Top of the Pops, Blackadder and Dr Who.
He made outfits for Pop Stars and costumes for the Royal Shakespeare Company. After an art course at the Putney School of Art he did an Open University course in Art. He became a full time artist, showed his artworks in the UK and illustrtated several books.
Opening: Saturday, 3 September, 5 – 8 pm.
On display until: Sunday, 18 September.
Opening hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 12– 6 pm.
Sunday: 1 – 4 pm., weather permitting