Kaye Guthrie Adonis presents her first solo exhibition at Mossenson Galleries – tonight

COZY showcases a diverse collection of new paintings by Kaye Guthrie Adonis based on the very personal theme: ‘Be comfortable in your skin, know who you are, where you come from and where you are going’. You’re invited tonight Thursday 4th May 6 – 8pm at Mossenson Galleries, 115 Hay Street Subiaco.

Guthrie Adonis studied art in Glasgow more than three decades ago. Her Scottish / Nigerian heritage has shaped her life. Guthrie Adonis readily acknowledges that she has always looked different. Her Scottish accent and Afro hair combination continue to surprise whomever she meets and wherever she goes. This has been both a blessing and a curse in equal measure as she is always judged but rarely forgotten.

From a young age, Guthrie Adonis learned to accept her differences – she knew she was never going to change. Guthrie Adonis vividly remembers that after seeing Grease at the cinema she ran home and excitedly begged her mother to take her to the hair salon in order to have her black Afro re-styled to Sandy’s blonde bob. Margaret Dawson Montgomery Guthrie sat her down and told her – It’s never going to happen! Guthrie Adonis’s role model mum – Scottish white exterior (Aretha Franklin at her core) began to ready her for a life as a woman of colour.

Although outwardly strong, confident and direct, Guthrie Adonis often feels her tenderness, fragility, insecurities and sensitivities are masked beneath her boldness, quick tongue and the huge list of projects requiring immediate completion. The people closest to Guthrie Adonis would say, ‘She is a woman who is COMFORTABLE in her SKIN’. COZY

The works in the exhibition are based on the artist’s mixed heritage and life experiences. A fusion of contemporary and street styles – each work charged with energy, colour, strength and vulnerability to illustrate their bold statement. The messages in every piece give Guthrie Adonis a voice, allowing her to develop a stronger relationship with herself and her audience.

This exhibition truly does reflect the artist’s joy of being ‘COZY’ Love the skin you’re in.