THE ARTISTS
Lesley Charnock
A Portrait of South African Essence Capturing the spirit of her homeland with every brushstroke, Lesley Charnock is an artist whose canvases echo the vibrant hues, tender touches, and rich warmth of South Africa. From her beginnings as a children's book illustrator and art teacher, Lesley has mastered the art of communicating beauty through her work, allowing each painting to narrate the diverse tales of her homeland's landscapes and her personal encounters within it. "My art is driven by the inspiration I draw from our people and the breathtaking vistas of South Africa," Lesley shares. "I delight in playing with light and shade, employing brushstrokes that embody ease, and selecting colours that envelop you in warmth—each painting is a snippet of life in this exquisite place." Ever curious and evolving as an artist, Lesley immerses herself in the panoramic views and the lives of the people who spark her creativity, whether she finds herself amidst the hustle of city streets or the tranquil rural expanses. Lesley's art extends beyond visual representation; it captures the very pulse of South African life, beckoning viewers to delve into the unique spirit and rhythm of her beloved country.
Lisette Forsyth
Cape Town's Mixed Media Maestra Lisette Forsyth is a Cape Town artist with a flair for uncovering beauty where none is presumed to exist. "I create because I must; it is a necessity that I fulfil by endlessly exploring different mediums and subjects. My artistry is compelled by my passion for recycling, steering me towards mixed media," Lisette confesses. Born in 1968, she has an innate talent for transforming discarded materials—rusty scrap metal, old newspapers—into mesmerising artworks that capture narratives of our environment. Her journey in art is a continuous exploration of life's rich tapestry, celebrating the potency of observation and the human propensity to find allure in the overlooked. Through her work, Lisette engages in a vibrant dialogue with the world, one that is marked by the stories of repurposed canvases and an unwavering quest for creative revelation.
Sara Gaqa
The Convergence of Emotion and Exploration is what Sara Gaqa seeks to strike a chord with the universal human experience through her art, embarking on a quest that reaches for the stars or delves into the depths of the soul. Born to a German-Iranian family in 1980 and raised between two cultures, Sara developed a global perspective and a love for art from a young age. Although she initially pursued a path in science, achieving a Master's in Biology, her passion for art prevailed, leading her to a full-time career as an artist after relocating to South Africa in 2008. Africa's spiritual essence, rich cultures, and vivid palette have become the inspiration for her work, where she strives to convey a profound truth that resonates universally. Her paintings are an invitation to a personal voyage, seeking to uncover the interconnectedness of humanity. Sara's method involves a blend of oils and mixed media, striving for harmony between realism and abstraction, influenced by the indomitable African spirit.
Nicholas Kowalski
A Conversational Canvas With a foundation in Drawing and Painting and advanced studies in African Art, Nicholas Kowalski has been deeply involved in the art world, guided by the artful influence of his mother, a talented fashion designer. His artistic journey of over thirty-five years has been marked by international acclaim and the founding of the Step In Gallery and co-partnership at Tiga Art Gallery, leading up to his current venture at Kowalski Art House in Accra, Ghana. Nicholas's extensive exhibition history spans continents, from his native Africa to the global stage, featuring his diverse use of materials such as pen and ink, watercolours, oils, collages, and acrylics. His art bursts with colours that mirror life, combining conceptual depth with expressive vibrancy. Nicholas seeks to create and communicate, prompting viewers to engage in introspection and discovery through his meticulous, flat painting style. His ultimate aim is to evoke emotion and provide a haven of mental repose and delight through the universality of his art.