See world-famous SA artist Nelson Makamo’s latest exhibition

Opening night (with Makamo) fully booked. Walk-about in planning

Internationally renowned South African artist Nelson Makamo (whose most famous patron is Oprah) is exhibiting his latest work Human Grace at Everard Read at the V&A Waterfront from  31 March till the end of April. Opening night (with Makamo) is fully booked, but there is a walk-about with the artist scheduled. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates.

BE MOVED BY PORTRAITS THAT SPEAK TO THE HEART

This new body of work was created primarily this year while on residency at Everard Read at Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, is a “deft mix of surface and interiority – the relationship between mark-making and psychology, form and heart – gives rise to devotional acts of love and records of human grace”, writes cultural theorist Ashraf Jamal.

You may have recognised Makamo’s portraits from inside the homes of Oprah Winfrey and filmmaker Ava DuVernay, but you can access them at Everard Read at the V&A Waterfront, where they’re exhibiting until 30 April.

Photo credit: Michael Hall

FIND A REFRESHING NEW NARRATIVE 

Makamo’s work is close-up to medium-shot portraits created from charcoals, inks, pastels and oils. His work redefines the simplified, oppression-dominated and Westernised story of the black character throughout history and re-angles the narrative to include the joyful, intimate moments he finds in his subjects' lives. “They stem from an integral grasp of the health of the community in which he was raised. At any point in a day, he could encounter lives wholly engrossed in a daily wonder,” writes Jamal. The work is, he says, inescapably life affirming.

Photo credit: Michael Hall

FIND OUT WHEN AND WHERE TO GO

A walk-about (when the artist takes a group of people through his work) is yet to be set, but the gallery is open Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm and on Saturdays between 9am - 1pm. Numbers will be limited so it’s best you RSVP beforehand. You can send an email, or text, via ctgallery@everard.co.za / 021 418 4527.

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Artist Jill Trappler is showcasing her solo exhibition, Water and the Moon. 

The Everard Read Gallery is one of many exquisite galleries in Cape Town. 

Celebrate more breathtaking artworks at First Thursdays. 

Stretch your boundaries and discover more new things and places around Cape Town.

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