De Soto’s seductive paintings are the realm of martyrs, satyrs, victors and visions; the dominion of beasts, beauties, magic and monsters. In many of the paintings, the artist uses her own image to explore a range of mythical identities, from Narcissus in satin robes with detached head on a pearl encrusted staff, to a blood red female centaur holding aloft a cherubic child (Blood is thicker than water).

The works are dramatic both in scale and content. There is a trio of 150 cm tondos (round canvases) inhabited by carousel horses (The Trouble with being Beautiful) and dragons (All is Forgiven). Other works, such as Sub Rosa, depicting two blindfolded figures pierced by thorns, allude to religious symbolism and crucifixion.

Votive and Lies is a world in which where pleasure is paradox, beauty is horror, and the macabre reigns supreme. It is an utterly compelling collection of works and makes for an unforgettable exhibition.

Anita De Soto has an MFA from Otago Polytechnic School of Art, where she also lectures in Life Drawing. She has been exhibiting in Dunedin since 1998 and held her first solo exhibition at the Temple Gallery in 2005. In the past 2 years, she has been the recipient of several art awards including the Parklane Art Awards (Auckland 2006), the McAlister Prize (Invercargill 2004) and the Cleveland Art Award (Dunedin 2003).

We are delighted to present Votive and Lies, DeSoto’s first Auckland exhibition.