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Beckham and Kylie to star in new exhibition by UEL artist open 11 July

Thursday 6 July 2006

David Beckham may no longer captain the England football team, but he remains a national icon whose portraits take centre stage in an upcoming exhibition by East London artist, Teresa Witz, to be held at Colebrookes gallery in Islington from 11 July to 1 August.

Teresa, of Loughton, is currently working towards a PhD in Fine Art at the University of East London (UEL). Her work, which includes portraits of Beckham and other well-known contemporary figures, is largely inspired by the tradition of vanitas painting and the more recent phenomenon of celebrity icons.

Teresa said: “Vanitas painters captured sumptuous arrangements of fruits and flowers in much the same way as I portray the extravagant wealth, style and glamour that surrounds famous contemporary personalities like Kylie Minogue and David Beckham - the most iconic footballer since George Best.

“I’m also very interested in the idea of creating iconic images of unknown people. The subjects of my new series, ‘The Four Faces’, are simply anonymous women who I studied on the tube or in the gym and transformed into stylish and feminine modern icons.”

Teresa Witz – Art Exhibition will be open to the public at Colebrookes gallery, 11 July – 1 August, 5pm til late, Tues to Fridays, and 12pm til late at the weekends. For further information, contact teresa.art@virgin.net.

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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