Australian Artist Exhibits in Fez

Art Exhibition: "Study of the Equid" by Natalie Scholtz. An exploration through paint and pencil of horses, mules and donkeys in Fez

Natalie Scholtz is a visual artist from Western Australia. As a drawer and painter Scholtz depicts the gesture and emotion of objects in her immediate environment. Scholtz's works range between bold and colorful representation of form, to subtle suggestions of shape through sketchy line.

From the last week of January through February 2017 Natalie Scholtz was given the opportunity to paint, draw and document the work, ethics, and equids of the American Fondouk and broader Fez community. The full-time work that goes on behind the closed doors of the American Fondouk, a free animal hospital in Fez, is one of restoration and the nurturing of life. Scholtz explores the physicality of the working horses, mules and donkeys. The angular and sometimes fragmented character of the working animals from Fez tells a story of livelihood, community and culture. Scholtz enjoyed making aggressive charcoal lines that follow the strong skeletal shapes of mules and playing with sandstone colors found in both the coat of a horse and walls of the medina.

Alongside the artist residency there was space for art sessions at the local Girls' Center in Ziat. Scholtz delivered introductory skills in drawing, pattern making and color mixing to a select group of girls. The workshops aimed to encourage the arts in young people, but more importantly offered respite and a space for creative conversation with the disadvantaged youth of Fez.

The artist residency at the American Fondouk was possible due to the generous sponsorship of the American Fondouk, ALIF, and the American Language Centre in Fez.

The Study of the Equid Exhibition
Exhibition opening: Thursday, March 16 at 6:30 PM
ALIF Riad, 6 Derb Drissi, Batha, Fez Medina
Continues daily through March 26, 4-6 PM

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