VICTORIA DRYDEN
Synopsis:     
Victoria's prime medium is oil on canvas although she enjoys the excitement of mixed media. Her main influences are Fauvists, Picasso, Klee, Matisse etc., expressing a strong statement with simple line drawing, and Marc Chagall, expressing a freedom of thought and emotion with the use of strong colour. Each work is original, concealing a concem forhuman suffering, nature and religion and, often, portraying a unique sense of humour. Bold use of colour and brush in contemporary, expressionistic oils on canvas contrast with mixed media collages in more muted tones. Her work has been well received by private collectors of contemporary art and is represented in collections throughout South Africa and in England, Australia, Israel, Canada and Switzerland.
Career
1984 : Painting shown nationally- Impressionist Exhibition
1985 - Group Exhibitions - King Williams Town Round Table.
Queenstown Fine Art Society.
National Arts Festival Grahamstown.
1986 - Developed collage/etching techniques on hand-made paper.
Group exhibitions in East London, Queenstown & Grahamstown.
Painting purchased for Queenstown Art Gallery permanent collection.
"At Home" solo exhibition.
1987 - 1989 Various group exhibitions in Eastern Cape.
Work shown at Renko Gallery & Art Centre in East London and the
Landau Gallery in Johannesburg.
2nd Work purchased for Queenstown Art Gallery permanent collection
1990 - Various group exhibitions, Art Exhibition & Soir6e with Nico Eilers.
1991 – ‘Burn out’ - complete break.
1992 - Move to Bonza Bay and opening of Dendricot Studio.
Work accepted by Edrich Gallery in Stellenbosch.
1993 - Participated in several group exhibitions.
Work selected for Momentum Life Art '93 exhibition,
Five works commissioned for the Ciskei State House.
Commission for Clarendon High School.
Convened, on behalf of the 1820 Settlers Association,
and participated in an Exhibition & Soirée in East London.
Work accepted by the Kuns Kamer gallery in Stellenbosch
1994 - Work accepted and exhibited at Havelock Interiors P.E. , Vincent Art Gallery - E.L. , The Bam Gallery -  Worcester and the Monkey Puzzle in Grahamstown.Relocated to Cape Town and purchased Red Hill Pottery. Exhibitions at Graffiti Gallery Waterfront, Seaforth Fine Art Gallery, Port Elizabeth Opening.1994 -  2005 - Fine & Ceramic Art at Red Hill Pottery2000 - 2002 Member Simon's Town Art Group.Studio open on Art Route walk.Group exhibition at British Hotel Simon's Town.2003 - Exhibitions. -  McGregor Winery and Mulberry Gallery.2004 - Artist at Home -  McGregor Food & Wine Festival.2005 - Opening of Hugo House Gallery in Simon's Town. Joint exhibition with Derek Jacobs in Old Library Simon's Town.2006 - Work accepted  - Light Gallery, Simon's Town.Exhibition at McGregor Winery during Robertson Wine Festival.Artist at Home - McGregor Wine Festival.Work accepted -  Peacock Gallery (Tracey's) Franschoek.