’Tis the season to be jolly, pack your bags and tour the world or visit family and, judging by the number of art exhibitions that open weekly in Nelson Mandela Bay, ’tis definitely the season to be artsy.
Now, my favourite readers, before you decide that your gossip gal has traded the wild party life for the quiet calm side of the arts, worry not.
I’m saving my energy to party it all away in the month of “Dezemba”. What other way to mingle than admire the works of the Bay’s talented artists!
So, last Thursday, Skinnerbek visited Galerie Noko where artists Ludwe Mgolombane and Khehle Chepape Makgato launched their solo exhibitions, a rare occasion for the Bay.
First things first, I’m sure those of you who aren’t sure of where the gallery is, will know when I say it’s opposite Adult World in Russell Road. I knew you would ...
The exhibition opening attracted the usual crowd you always bump into at art showcases, with the likes of Xolisa Ngubelanga, Banele Njadayi and Siyabonga Ngaki there to support their colleagues. Skinners also spotted NMU lecturer Amanda Snyman among the crowd.
By the way, might someone perhaps outline the expected dress code for such occasions because I’ve come across some individuals – I will not name them – who make it a point to pull out suits and dress to the nines, leaving the rest of us feeling underdressed.
Anywho, ArtEC gallery in Bird Street opened the Intsingiselo: The Meaning group exhibition which featured works by more than 20 artists from the Bay.
You would expect a crowd to show up, considering the number of artists showcasing, though Skinners was disappointed to see that some of the participating artists were not there.
Perhaps the other art lovers were at Heidi Saayman Hattingh’s Site: Engaging the archive exhibition which launched at the NMU Bird Street Gallery just down the road.
Party hard, go wild, but don’t let Skinnerbek catch you!