The Robber Bridegroom and Other Tales

The key concept of this exhibition, The Robber Bridegroom, is a cautionary dark tale of a strong female character listening to her inner voice. Although the odds are against her, she triumphs in the end...
It is one of the lesser-known stories from the Brothers Grimm collection

Techniques used: monotype printing, solar etching, oil painting and bookbinding.

The monotype method allows Gaby to explore the immediacy of the medium and lends itself beautifully to expressing the darker side of this tale.

The tales are timeless reflections of basic human fears, beliefs, dreams and emotions. They were narrated orally over generations, until the Brothers Grimm collected and published a selection in the nineteenth century. Today, most of the tales we know from the Brothers Grimm have been sanitised for a younger audience, but the unabridged versions differ. In their traditional form, the tales’ audience was made up of young and old alike.

The Robber Bridegroom, Gaby’s latest work, will be presented in 2 hand-bound books.
The books will be displayed on purpose-built book stands.
All scenes from each book will be digitally printed and mounted, in smaller scale and of good quality, on a board for display on the walls. This will enable the visitors to the gallery to view the story in its en­tirety.

In addition, there will be framed monotype prints of selected scenes displayed on the walls and some of her earlier work on the theme.

Some artworks are for sale.

Artist's Bio

Of Polish and German descent, Gaby immigrated to Aotearoa in 1986. Since then, Ōtautahi Christchurch is her home.

Gaby’s work of interpreting the unabridged versions of the Brothers Grimm's collected tales dates back to 2015. Illustrating these stories creates a connection to her heritage, as they were a major part of her childhood and a rich tradition of storytelling. A narrative of fantasy that can teach and expand the imagination.
To date, she has worked on five original, unabridged tales, utilising solar etching, monotype, embossing, and bookbinding techniques.

Gaby is a member of the Critique Group Ōtautahi Christchurch and PCANZ (Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand), and has exhibited extensively with some of her works now held in private collections in Aotearoa and Overseas. She uses oil paints and printmaking as her vehicle of expression.

She lives in Heathcote Valley and is happy to be contacted.
Phone: 021 234 8903
Email:  g.reade@xtra.co.nz