Artwork by Teesside University staff member selected for major art exhibition

An emotional and inspirational piece of artwork from a Teesside University staff member is on display as part of a major arts exhibition in London.

Errol Theunissen’s painting capturing his son in a poignant moment has been exhibited at The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, held in the Royal Academy in London from the 13 June to20 August, is the world’s largest open call exhibition which is visited by over 200,000 people. Each year, around 16,500 entries are whittled down to 4,000 and then the judges select the works to be exhibited.

Errol’s selected artwork delves into the struggles that his son, who has autism, experiences with communication. It captures a rare moment of a telephone conversation with his grandmother and the look of disdain on his face is due to the noise his brother was making which was disturbing the call.

Errol uses art to tell stories by capturing moments that people can identify with. The inspiration for his work comes from people and their interaction with each other and the world around them.

Errol Theunissen, Adviser, Welfare and Finance Team in the University’s Student and Library Services, said: “When I was shortlisted into the final round of 4000, I was happy to have got that far. I was not expecting to be one of the artists selected for the RA Summer Exhibition. So, when I received the email, I was ecstatic—It has been wonderful sharing this journey with all my workmates and the whole University, and I am thankful for all the support.”

“With my artwork, it’s important to shine a spotlight on people and experiences. It was a joy to showcase my son in this way and bring to life some of the moments he goes through on a regular basis and put it into my artwork.”

“I am really pleased that galleries are showing my work and people can see it on the wall. I have a four person show opening in London on the 15th at BSMT Space which I am really looking forward to.”

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