Montenotte Hotel is a canvas for Jo-Anne Yelen
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ABOVE: Artist in Residence at the Montenotte Hotel, Jo-Anne Yelen, whose works will be exhibited at the hotel during the coming months.Image 2 of 2
RIGHT: Jo-Anne Yelen’s paintings depicts local scenes and villages in vibrant colours, and her aim is that viewers walk away from the work with a smile on their face. Photos: Brian LougheedThe Montenotte Hotel is hosting a special art exhibition by painter Jo-Anne Yelen. Their Artist in Residence programme aims to showcase the best of local and Irish-based artists.
The programme – now in its sixth year – is in partnership with The Gallery Kinsale and promotes artists who have made an impact on Ireland's art scene.
Originally from South Africa, Yelen moved to Ireland in the late 1970s. Jo-Anne and her family started a new life in Ireland, and it was when she was battling the challenges of moving to a new country that Yelen began to notice artworks in public places which were doing little to remedy her mood. Inspired by this, Jo-Anne started to paint.
She said: “My purpose as an artist is to uplift the viewer and evoke a positive response from their psyche. I have always held true to this fundamental, that an artist must go through to maintain their own interest and, thus, a freshness in their work.”
Her artistic talent was recognised by her mother-an art-enthusiast and painter. Jo-Anne nicknamed her artistic style as ‘Thru-ism’ due to the fact that viewers can see both the outside of the scene, and through to the inside.
Her work is instantly recognisable and depicts local scenes and villages in vibrant colours. Jo-Anne hopes that viewers will walk away from her work with a smile on their face.
Frits Potgieter, General Manager of The Montenotte, said: “Jo-Anne Yelen’s colourful work is an uplifting treat, something that mimics our offerings here at The Montenotte. We have no doubt our guests and staff will enjoy her work.”