South Africa

^{Dr. Michael Durst, is one of the most exciting talents of the new generation of contemporary South African artists.  As a psychologist, Dr. Durst’s paintings are designed to create not only beauty for the beholder, but also a state of relaxation and healing.}

^{His recent solo exhibits at the prestigious “Grape, Gallery, and Gourmet” show at the Winchester Mansions Hotel and his “Postcards from the Heart” exhibit at the Table Bay Hotel, have earned him rave reviews and international recognition.}

^{Usually working with South African landscapes, seascapes and vineyards, Michael’s “postcard paintings” begin with an experience of what he calls a “magical moment” frozen in time, which are transformed  into his own unique expression.  He paints using an intensely fluid process to create his remarkably intricate and realistic scenes, which expand the sensory range of the viewer allowing a greater focus and providing more excitement than the naked eye. In this regard, the objective outer reality is subject to the interior, emotional response of the viewer.  This combination appears as high realism, yet the viewer cannot help but be enthralled to experience a vibrant impressionistic painting.  That’s why Michael refers to his style as “Realimpressionism.”}

^{Postcard Paintings use multiple components, each bringing to the final form the best of its medium, but together fashion something that is new and refreshing. Texture and colour are the primary vehicles.  By combining these vital elements with the perspective and shape of the original scene, each painting is transformed over time because of the richly layered deposit of colour, texture and new form.  Dr. Durst uses a systematic approach that achieves an intensity of colour and a rich deep surface that has both a physical and visual texture.  When he feels a balance is reached between the realism of the original scene, and the new visual texture and colour, the piece is complete.} 

^{According to Durst, “My work is similar to that of the artists during the early 1900’s who created painted images, better and more vibrant than the reality of what they saw with their eyes and brain.” Thus, Durst strives to create art that captures a wonderful moment and then shares it with others.}

^{What else is a postcard?}

^{Contact Information:}

^{503 Knightsbridge Mansions,}

^{Cell Phone: 073-789-7717  email: HeartscapeArt@aol.com}

^{Web Site: www.HeartscapePaintings.com}

^{Reviews:
ART FOR THE HEART by Hilary Benjamin, The Atlantic Sun, September, 2007}

<sup>Biography:

Date of birth: 21 May, 1945

Education:

Schooling:     Armada Area Schools, Armada, Michigan USA
Tertiary:        Oakland University, BA, Majors in Psychology, English and Art, Rochester, Michigan</sup>

                     ^{Michigan State Universiy, MA, Lansing, Michigan USA}

                     ^{Loyola University, PhD, Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, USA}

<sup>Exhibitions:

2004    Sun International Gallery, Cape Town
2005    Decoart Hermanus
2006    Afritique, Franschhoek
2008    Pride Art Exhibition, Artscape Theatre, Cape Town

Solo Exhibitions:

2007    “Postcards from the Heart” Winchester Mansions Hotel, Cape Town
2008    “Postcards from the Heart of Cape Town,” Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town</sup>

<sup>Collections:

Oakland University- Kellogg Library, permanent collection</sup>

^{Warwick Wine Estate, Stellenbosch}

^{The Restorative Medical Institute, Cape Town}

^{Rustenberg Wine Estate, Sellenbosch}

<sup>Private Collections:

In South Africa, Britain, Scotland, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Chile, Turkey and the United States.</sup>

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