I recall  my mother once saying that the Ballet was a painting translated into dance. The stage presentation does employ the same underlying formula as a painted image when you consider the balance in still poses and lifts, repetition of the company's movements, juxtaposition of focal point principals to the background corps, and the passion of participants in bringing the composition to life. Remembering the comparison I was better able to appreciate Cedric Baxter's reversal of the arts as he deftly translates the dance into excellent paintings.

Baxter researched the history of Ballet, its stories and traditions, then raided his wife's dressmaking studio for colourful fabric scraps. The collaged fabric is not employed as decoration added to the image, it is a primary aspect of the surface. The texture of paint and cloth provides structural support for the overall composition. The result is a weaving together of fabric, paint, colour, movement, and music to hold the eye like a mantra holds the mind.

In these exhibits we discover happy revellers and star-crossed lovers, clowns and spies, excitement and peace, as well as a whole new approach to Salome's dance. It's quite acrobatic! The one constant to be found in all these various themes is how Baxter treats the human form. Each is robust yet delicate, full of life yet dreamy, and always drawn with a sense of joy, as the artist exaggerates within the realm of reality.

Of all the excellent images I felt the red and black portrait of Astarte: The Goddess deserves to be honoured as she is the epitome of exotic female strength and splendour. And I couldn't resist Le Sacre du Printemps: The Chosen Maiden, who is partially clothed yet seems so demure standing in a floral fabric portal. Then I was amazed to see the corps de ballet floating horizontally across the picture plane, like flock of white feathers gliding on the wind, in Giselle: A Flight of Wills .

Mother was right ~ as usual. Baxter's magical images adeptly celebrate two visually exciting art forms.  Do see this exhibition of well presented paintings and fall into your own imagination.