New commercial gallery to assist local creatives

The Eastern Cape Design Focus launched a new commercial art gallery on January 12 called Limani, situated on Old Transkei Road.

The aim is to create an arts economy for the benefit of local artists.

Limani, meaning ‘to invest or plough so one can reap’ incorporates fashion and wearable art, visual arts and design, sculpture, paintings, digital drawings, photography, textiles, and more.

The gallery’s curator, Reggie Letsatsi , said: “We are trying to promote collecting art and spreading knowledge about what you can do with art as an investment.

“We hope the gallery also enables the discovery and promotion of artists and enables connections with galleries overseas.

“We are intending to host international exhibitions that often cannot come here given that galleries like Anne Bryant are non-profit galleries.

“Our commercial element enables us to take risks and source work from abroad.

“The value of a commercial gallery ensues that artists have a sustainable life and can actually make a living from their work.

“Our policy is that if we sell your work, we will pay you within 14 days and because we work on consignment, there is no exchange of money between us and the artists.

“Currently, the works on display at the exhibition are pieces from esteemed local artists such as Claudine Hauke who’s work inspired the theme of the opening ‘Linked, Emotions’.

“Her pieces here tonight are among my favourite because her interpretation of abstract art is incredible.

“Her process is very detailed because she incorporates tools such as a grinder into her work.

“There are so many colours, colours we have never seen in some of her pieces that make her work unique and she is among the kind of artists we hope to feature here at the gallery,” Letsatsi said.

Attendees at the exhibition, filmmaker Babini Ntloko and Lunga Feni from the Cortex Hub said: “Some of these pieces are extremely expensive but have been sold already and that affirms to local artists that there are opportunities for them to make money from their work.

“I am excited for what this new gallery means for the future of artists locally because a commercial gallery may have the resources to invest in projects in under- resourced areas where artists badly need support. There is good talent in those areas and the province.”

OPENINING EXHIBIT: Pieces on display and available for purchase at Limani Gallery on Old Transkei Road. Pictures: TAMMY FRAY

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