Local talent creates a buzz at KZNSA
SHOPPERS looking for beautiful gifts this festive season will find something for everyone at the BUZZART24 exhibition titled SISONKE at the KZNSA gallery in Glenwood.
BUZZART is the gallery’s annual Christmas fair where independent creatives can display and sell their work which ranges from fashion and accessories to jewellery, local art books as well as Christmas decor and stocking fillers,
The works of 51 artists are currently on display at the event which started on November 15 and will end on 12 January.
“Bringing creative ideas to life can be a solitary exercise but at some point, people want to share what they've made with the world. Through SISONKE, the KZNSA offers a platform where creatives feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable, and share their creations within a network of fellow creators and enthusiasts who value their work. There is no idea that is better than the other, no medium more important than the other - we are all in,” said Mbusi Mzobe, the gallery's PRO.
This year the gallery will cater to new and budget collectors, inviting work that sells in categories of R 5000 and less, and between R 5000 – R 10 000.
Bruce Robertson, the artist behind ‘Supta virasana - sleeping hero’ was born and raised in Durban and rediscovered his first love, painting, three years ago.
“I divide my time between my deep tissue massage practice, teaching yoga, and painting. These three disciplines intertwine and enrich one another, creating a synergy between the physical and energetic aspects of these seemingly distinct practices.
“At the heart of my work lies a deep fascination with the human form, both for its beauty and as a conduit for healing and finding peace. My work is autobiographical, as I interpret the body through my own struggles with contemporary life and my search for an inner space where movement, energy, and transformation converge,” said Robertson.
Thobi Shange, a 34-year-old said she uses her art as a profound narrative of experience, memory, and resilience to create her various works like this year's exhibition, ‘Nicki Living the Best Life’.
“Through portraiture, I celebrate the nuanced beauty of skin, light, and shadow, capturing a depth that speaks to the complexities of each figure. My art seeks to honour representation with authenticity and reverence.
“By blending realism with abstraction, I use rich, unnatural colours to evoke emotion and challenge perceptions of form. Paired with expressive swirling textures, these bold tones create a striking contrast to the textured skin, emphasizing the interplay between the physical and the imagined. This approach invites viewers to reflect on how personal and external elements come together to shape our stories.
Shange said the through the interplay of form, colour, and texture her work aims to inspire a deeper appreciation of the self as a beautifully complex, evolving journey.
The KZNSA Council (board) is composed of volunteer members who contribute to the strategic direction, governance and decision-making at the gallery.
Mzobe said their aim is to host shows that have coherent aesthetics, or challenging concepts, and the possibility of sales.
“We invite artists to take part in curated group shows and successfully utilise the gallery and develop a programme that engages with issues that currently affect us; locally and internationally.”
She said they host exhibitions, talks, events and other initiatives that stimulate community interest, offer new perspectives, and are visitor-centric.
“We encourage new audiences to visit and participate while engaging with buyers and collectors to increase their visibility,” said Mzobe.
Anyone can be a member of the gallery, for a fee, which entitles them to two exhibitions a year where they can sell their artworks.
The gallery takes a 40% cut but this does not hinder the profit for the artist as their fee is placed over and above the price asked by the artist, said Mzobe.
For more information, visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
