Pub serves up art

Two local artists showcased their various artwork pieces at Off the Grid’s first-ever art exhibition.

May 19, 2021

Khomotso Makgabutlane 1 minute read

Rachel and Kristen Strydom enjoy the various art pieces on exhibition in Paulshof. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Two local artists were the stars of the evening at the launch of the first-ever art exhibition at Off the Grid in Paulshof on 30 April.

Graphic designer Bren Govender and Claudia Raff, who works in advertising, were overwhelmed by the number of people at the exhibition that ran from 30 April to 2 May. Both Raff and Govender have been involved in art from a young age, with Govender pursuing painting and Raff practising the art of mosaic.

Bren Govender stands next to one of her favourite paintings to create.

Before art, Govender and Raff started working together in the business world a few years ago, and found they had a similar approach to what they do. Since then, their friendship grew as they saw a number of factors within their work, in busininess and in art, that were similar.

Claudia Raff with one of her mosaic pieces on exhibition in Paulshof. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Both said they have a number of goals in their growing art career. Govender said she hopes people see her through her art pieces. “I’ve always had other things going on, but now I’m ready to say something based on things that are relevant now [more] than they were 20 years ago. I have more life experience now and the journey I’ve lived, I’d like to show the world,” she said.

Paintings created by Bren Govender. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Raff, who was exhibiting her art for the first time, said she wants to continue surprising people with her work.

Claudia Raff and Bren Govender with a painting done by Govender at the art exhibition in Paulshof. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane Founder of the gym Thinkwell Moyo was pleased to see a number of women from the gym also take part in the competition even when it was open for everyone. “I think the competition went well, and it was good to see a good turnout even with a few complaints of it being short notice. <br />”Rock Solid Gym conducted its first fitness and weightlifting competition for the first t

Co-owner of Off the Grid pub, Albert Gumbo said the pub’s philosophy is to help emerging artists, singers and comedians grow. He believes there is a lot of support for the arts. “I met Claudia [Raff] and her mother when she was admiring a piece of mosaic artwork near the pub. Her mother told me her daughter is an artist. After looking through the various pieces she had done, on her phone, I asked if she’s like to exhibit her work here. She had never exhibited before, so we gave her a chance,” he said.

A fish mosaic art piece created by Claudia Raff.

Gumbo added that musicians perform at the pub every Sunday, and comedians perform every second Tuesday – there is also a possibility that exhibitions will be held either bi-annually or every quarter.