The Emergence of Creative Awareness
Johannesburg – Recently, Artyli Gallery inaugurated ‘Becoming’, a collective exhibition focused on the theme of the artists’ creative evolution alongside their artworks.
As artists undergo transformation due to the myriad of experiences they have in the world, their visual practices and thematic interests also adapt, embodying their altered internal imaginative landscapes.
This exhibition makes time palpable through art, inviting the audience to engage with the artist’s evolving consciousness, communicated through visual mediums.
“The arts offer viewers a chance to connect with the complex inner lives of unfamiliar individuals; this visual narrative, though bravely shared from afar, strikes a chord within you,” comments Keisha Jacobs.
“Over time, an artwork gathers layers of significance, ‘Becoming’ a vessel of shifting interpretations passed down through generations, both from strangers and those close to us.”
Featured artists in ‘Becoming’ are Raja Oshi, Hussein Salim, Patrick Seruwu, Samantha Maseko, Sibusiso Ngwazi, Steve Maphoso, Ludumo Maqabuka, and Lynette van Tonder.
Importantly, the ‘Becoming’ exhibition was primarily designed to create a welcoming platform for three emerging artists who will henceforth be represented by Artyli Gallery.
These burgeoning talents are Given Muronga, Kenyaa Mzee, and Mario Soares, whose artistic prowess is gaining recognition within the contemporary South African art scene, making their works highly coveted among art collectors and enthusiasts.
Given Muronga is often regarded as an artistic prodigy, with his brushwork and shaded details—echoing the Post-Impressionist movement—while expressing a deep-rooted Africanness that lies beyond urban and colonial confines.
For Muronga, his chosen materials symbolize resilience, inventiveness, and a profound sense of community often found only in rural areas.
Every material for Given Muronga becomes a symbol of survival, resourcefulness, and the sense of community deeply embedded in rural life.
Click this link to view the video.
For Kenya Mzee, the personal intertwines with the political, echoing the sentiments of African American singer and activist Nina Simone, who proclaimed, “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.”
Through art and archiving as a form of activism, Mzee works to elevate photography and conceptual art, exploring the intricacies of the Black queer experience while advocating for social change across South Africa and the continent.
Mario Soares’ artworks encompass various themes, with migration taking center stage—particularly the sensations of foreignness and nostalgia—a longing for a sense of belonging to a culture beyond one’s homeland.
Soares frequently portrays faceless African women engaged in selling fresh produce, highlighting their resilience as they contribute to the informal economy.
Each of Soares’ portraits is a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
Follow this link to explore the exhibition online
Artyli Gallery will conclude its season with the exhibition ‘SALT’ in October, ushering in the highly anticipated South African festive season as 2025 comes to a close.
Stay tuned for our upcoming email campaign to learn more about the artists featured and the inspiration behind the ‘SALT’ exhibition!
We are also thrilled to announce that Artyli Gallery has been awarded the Yoco and 702 title for the Greatest Art Gallery in Gauteng!
Summer heralds a season of renewal.
At Artyli Gallery, open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, our consultants eagerly await your visit to share the stories behind each piece.
Now is the perfect time to discover a new artwork—refresh your home, uplift your spirit, and invest in the vision of an artist whose work will evolve over time.
Feel free to drop by the gallery or view our catalogue online.
