Roche Gallery opened its doors on September 16 to the exhibition called “People in Rye” by Marina Kim, who owns the gallery. It can be viewed until September 26 at 93, High Street between 10.00 am-5.30pm.
Tim and Marina Roche arrived in the town 21 years ago with a baby and a dream of opening an art gallery. Now the babies are grown up and their dream is a reality. Sadly, Tim passed away a few months ago. Marina continued the dream making the successful gallery her home and she feels that it is a special place. She said: “The town has a unique history, is vibrant and filled with interesting and creative people. It is a microcosm of life teaming with business and community spirit.”
Marina is a wonderful portrait artist and has the uncanny skill of making the people in her portraits recognisable. So visitors will know some of the sitters and see them meandering around Rye.
For the last two decades, Marina has painted a portrait of Rye without realising it. “Every individual I have met, every person I have had the privilege to paint here, has had a profound influence in my art. The citizens here make this town so special. This exhibition is a chance to gather my thoughts and thank the people who have inspired me and supported the business through the years. The inhabitants are a diverse community of traders, occasional crooks, wealthy retired people and paupers, creatives and fishermen, farmers and city dwellers looking for a country escape.”
Marina appreciates, as a foreigner, the live sessions, conversing with the sitters, the best way to learn first hand about their history, culture and values. She is a descendant from Korean families who settled in Russia’s far east. They were forcibly transported to Central Asia during Stalin’s time, where Marina spent her early life.
A graduate of the prestigious Republic Art College in Uzbekistan, she opened her own gallery in Tashkent before moving to London. In 2001 she held her first major exhibition “Beyond the Great Silk Road” in Mayfair. Soon after, now married, she moved to Rye and opened Roche Gallery in 2002, now celebrating its 20th year in 2022. Marina works in oils, watercolours, tempera, pencil and ink using a variety of techniques.
The general opening hours are fluid but Marina is happy for people to phone to make an appointment and she is always glad to show people round. She also takes commissions. For further information please go to rochegallery.com or phone 01797 222 259.
Image Credits: Marina Kim , Heidi Foster , Stuart Harland .
Such a talented and versatile artist and so charming with it. The exhibition is awesome!