Artist's debut a 'resounding success'

It turns out that mounting an art exhibition is a lot of work!

Let me say that Eboney Jade Hall's first exhibition, at Clifton School of Arts from 28-31 May, as noted in The Illawarra Flame on 26 May, was a resounding success.

Over the four days, we had about 70 visitors, half of whom came to the launch on Friday, 29 May. Of the 22 paintings Eboney exhibited, just nine were for sale (the others having already been bought) and, of those, four were definitely sold and another two reserved. I'm told that's a very good result.

Perhaps more importantly, the people who attended were overwhelmingly positive about Eboney's paintings. Those who really know their art raved about her skills and execution, her use of colour and design, and the evocative nature of her subject matter. Some questioned whether someone this talented could truly be untrained and self-taught (she really is). 

The rest of us just revelled in the beauty and emotional strength in Eboney's paintings.

Eboney herself attended (perhaps reluctantly) with two of her daughters. Intimidated at first by the number of people eager to chat with her, she gradually realised they were truly admiring of her work.

It was heart-warming to see her self-confidence grow, even as her daughters started to understand the profound effect her paintings have on everyone who sees them.

For myself, I learned a great deal. First, in what it takes to create an exhibition like this, from the organisational aspects to learning just how to hang paintings in a gallery. And then to spend time with the visitors: some who knew Eboney from Facebook, some who’d seen the Illawarra Flame article, CSA members and newsletter subscribers, artists, locals, and tourists.

Many had great stories of their own, including a pair of sisters who share a family history very similar to Eboney’s.

Other visitors included a young Malaysian woman who stayed for an hour, gazing deeply at each painting; a family with two young sons who expertly explained painting details to their parents; and an elderly gentleman with a walking frame whose carer chose this as his weekend adventure simply because the venue has a ramp (he was very moved by the paintings). We also welcomed a couple of Swedish backpackers obsessed with Australian Indigenous art. 

It has been an eye-opening experience on so many levels, and Eboney has been deeply gratified at the interest shown.

I suspect she now feels she can continue to develop her talent, recount her personal journey through her paintings, and perhaps make a living from it.