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About

 

Of Eurasian heritage, I was born and raised in London but have since spent some time abroad. I entered the École des Beaux Arts in Aix-en-Provence with the intention of obtaining a solid ‘métier’ in architectural draftsmanship.  However, the life drawing classes held far more appeal than technical drawing and it is perhaps no wonder that over the course of three years spent in this sun-drenched land of Cézanne, I gradually turned towards fine art. 

​I have a bit of a journalistic inclination, and this is reflected in some of my paintings.  I seek connections to the world outside of my own immediate sphere of experience. Time spent living in Japan and France and journeys within Europe, Asia and South Africa have been particularly inspirational. Oil paint has tended to be the medium I use for  compositions of figures. During the Covid lockdown, however, I concentrated on watercolour. Surroundings closer to home, the environment of my garden and the woods where I walk my dog became my main subject matter and continue to do so in my quotidian paintings.

Recently, I took time out to study a course called, ‘Global History: Empires, States and Cultures’. As it happens, it was all about ‘connections’. I found myself gravitating towards modules dealing with the 19th century worldwide communications revolution, Mediterranean relationships and Africa. This motivated me to create a thematic page on this website that collects the paintings I have made over time with an African theme. I wrote a dissertation about the last reigning King of Zululand who visited Queen Victoria in 1882. His life and fate proved to be a thought-provoking vehicle through which to analyse the contentious subject of colonialism, empire, post-colonialism and may even translate into some new work.  

            

However, as an artist, whatever the initial motivation for a painting or drawing, the process of creation and the medium used on the canvas or paper has to be cajoled and negotiated with and allowed to evolve and take on a life of its own beyond the initial intention. This is challenging and exciting in equal measure.

October 2024

Education

 

City & Guilds of London Art School - MA Fine Art (Painting) 

Roehampton University, London - BA French and Art History   

Ecole des Beaux Arts—Aix-en-Provence, France - Diplôme de Collaboratrice d'Architecte

Exhibiting

2021 RSSW (Royal Society of Painters in Watercolour) - 141st Open Annual Exhibition

2016 (April) 'Looking to the Stars' exhibition - The Brick Lane Gallery (curated by The Hornshaw Gallery www.thehornshawgallery.com)  

2015 Merton Arts Trail  with ‘Wild’ (Wimbledon Life Drawing Group)

2013 Merton Arts Trail (Sep 2013)—Open House                    

2011 Merton Arts Trail (Oct 2011)—Open House                    

2011 Open Studio (Spring + Autumn) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2010 Cork Street Open Exhibition — shortlisted

2010 Open Studio (Spring) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2009  Open Studio (Spring + Autumn) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2009  Artists for Human Rights Exhibition— The Garden Hall, St Mary’s Church (Wimbledon)

2009 Guildford High School Charity Auction—Guildford High School

2008 Kings College Charity Auction—Cotman Gallery, Kings College, Wimbledon

2008  Open Studio (Spring + Autumn) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2007  Open Studio (Spring + Autumn) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2005  Christies Charity Auction with The Art Movement

2004  Islington Art & Design Fair (Autumn) - Candid Arts Trust

2004  Affordable Art Fair (Spring)  with Hicks Gallery 

2004  Islington Art & Design Fair (Spring) - Candid Arts Trust

2003 Thomas Eggar Solicitors (London) – group exhibition

2003 City & Guilds MA Degree Show

2001 4Cast Ltd. London – One-woman representation throughout the company offices

2001 Ashridge Young Artists’ Exhibition (Hemel Hempstead)

2000 Dearle & Henderson October Exhibition (London)

1999 FI Young Artists’ Exhibition (Hemel Hempstead)

1997 Ashridge Young Artists’ Exhibition (Hertfordshire)

1996 Connoisseur Gallery (London) – group exhibition

1995 The Cut Gallery (London) – group exhibition

1985 Park Gallery (London) – group exhibition

1984 RA (London) Summer Exhibition

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dara Park - Fine Art Painter

Copyright 2024 Dara Park

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