Their children have flown the coop and as that era of their life comes to an end, Port Elizabeth couple Kevin and Michal Abraham will, somewhat reluctantly, sell off a portion of their sizeable art collection consisting of works by a number of popular Eastern Cape artists.
The couple have invited art lovers to an exhibition and sale of their private art collection, starting on Tuesday and on until November 17.
Their Off The Wall exhibition and silent auction will open at 6pm at Art on Target in Target Kloof, Essexvale.
The Abrahams have an extensive collection of work by Eastern Cape artists, including Greg Kerr, Derrick Erasmus, Alida Bothma, Theresa Hardman, Edgar Pretorius, BA Moolman, Lynnley Watson, Karen Flood, Zeraldo Ross, Lisa Ledwick, Shirley Pittaway, Debra Ward Able and many more.
Now that they are downscaling, they hope their art will bring as much pleasure to others as it has to them.
“We’ve lived in our big home for many years, and our walls were filled with art that added light, life, colour and reference to our journey as a family,” Kevin, 60, said.
“The kids have flown the nest. A smaller home beckons, adventure awaits, and the art simply cannot come with [us].
“So welcome to Off the Wall, an eclectic exhibition and sale of the Abraham family’s pictures and paintings, highlighting our passion for that very special bunch of creatives – Eastern Cape artists,” Kevin said.
Businessman and musician Kevin – most recently seen in the show Folkify! – said a portion of the proceeds would be donated to the Union of Jewish Women.
“You can utilise our ‘silent bid’ for many of the items on display or go for broke at an open auction for some of the investment works,” Kevin said.
“A very wise lady told us that when you sell art that you have loved, you really are passing on that love as a legacy to the person who next chooses it,” he said.
“We believe that art helped make our home come alive, and we want to pass that on.”
The couple said they had lived in their home for 28 years, and their walls were filled with art.
Of the decision to sell, Michal, 55, said: “It was not an easy one, we have invested emotionally in these artworks.
“We are going to miss the atmosphere of their home.”
She said that for many years the paintings and pictures had brought pleasure and comfort. “Nothing lasts forever. “For years, we have been collecting the artworks as a way to support local artists and uplift the young students who aspire to be great in the art industry.
“The exhibition coincides with my husband’s birthday and it is quite symbolic that we sell off our artworks and start over.”
Kevin said: “I want to show my wife the world and visit all the countries in Africa.
“My favourite is a painting by artist Greg Kerr – ‘Lobola Bull’ [a bride price].
“The story behind it was magnificent.
“A man wanted to marry a woman and the girl’s father demanded lobola and the artist took the father’s portrait and painted a bull on it,” he said.
Exhibition hours are 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday.