Law firm Bowman Gilfillan hosted an art exhibition on 22 June at their Sandton offices to promote local artists.
Dries Maree, the hospitality manager at the firm said, “What makes this art exhibition special is that it will showcase the works of talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have not had a professional platform to showcase their talent in the past.”
He further explained that these artists are represented by the Henry George Gallery and the Gavin Project, who are dealers of artwork created by emerging artists in Africa.
Maree highlighted, “All of the pieces have been carefully selected and many provide a critique of the social construction of our communities and a commentary on the social economic challenges faced in South Africa.” The firm provided the guests with a document featuring detailed information on each artist.
One of the artists, Mlamuli Mkhwanazi said, “I examine African body figures [and] faces and their lives using different mediums and techniques including charcoal, mono prints and watercolour paint.”
Another artist, Sthenjwa Luthuli said, “My art tells stories using human figure silhouettes and motifs to create work that’s both beautiful and compelling, yet which also alludes to the complexities of the world, based on how I see it. I believe we should live our lives more spiritually connected to our ancestral ways.”
Luthuli said he was influenced by diverse ways of living in a contemporary society. “As I see it, we’re constantly challenged to adapt and survive in a society that’s also constantly changing.”
Two of Luthuli’s pieces were titled Sharing of different spirits and Where I belong.
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