Art appreciation has gone outdoors in Kalk Bay where Celebrating Life in False Bay, an exhibition by 13 artists, has appeared in the street.
The Olympia Gallery, a wall next to the Olympia Bakery, was started by resident Keri Muller.
“I am very passionate about taking art out of galleries and making it accessible to all. Galleries are incredibly intimidating spaces that most people feel unwelcome in, hence why I wanted to put art on the streets. It’s free for all and anyone can enjoy the art,” she said.
Ms Muller organised all aspects of the project, including fund-raising, building the display board, and curating and installing the exhibits.
“I love the idea of turning a derelict old wall into a thing of beauty. We have so many spaces that are under-utilised and with a bit of effort can be turned into something remarkable.“
The gallery wall would feature new exhibitions, with different themes, every few months, she said.
Celebrating Life in False Bay will run until Friday June 30, and will be followed by Cape Town Underwater, a photographic exhibition, for July, August, and September. Submissions close Wednesday May 31.
“Artists can be from anywhere in South Africa but a connection to the given theme is essential. All genres will be considered, including poems, paintings, sketches and photographs – and everything in between,” Ms Muller said.
Ms Muller received 55 submissions for the current exhibition after promoting it on social media and WhatsApp.
Mirjam McCleod, of Studio Muse, and Kenneth McClarty, from Olympia Cafe, helped to make a final selection from shortlisted works.
“We considered the theme, colours, and how the art fits together to create a cohesive exhibition,” Ms Muller said.
Ariadne Rudolph is exhibiting a print of her oil-on-canvas painting, Kalk Bay Tidal Pool.
“This is an interesting initiative by Ms Muller – bringing awareness to False Bay through the eyes of the community,“ she said. ”Being a start and also being a rotating exhibition, this may encourage more locals, young and old alike to participate.
“I feel privileged to be part of an initiative that will encourage locals to be creative and show what they have done.“
A print of Big Wave, by Gavin Thomson, famous for his comic strips, Treknet and Mama Taxi, is also displayed on the wall.
He said he felt honoured to be part of the outdoor gallery, as it was a great community initiative.
“The idea of taking art outside and making it accessible to people who might not ordinarily walk into an art gallery is fantastic. It also helps artists to have their work seen by more people, which will hopefully lead to more sales so the artist can continue to produce more art. It’s a win-win.“
Unlike a traditional gallery, any enquiries about the artists’ work on exhibition are referred directly to them. The organisers are not involved in the sale of the artwork.
Ms Muller welcomes any donations, big or small, to help pay for future installation costs.
For more information or to make a submission, email theolympiagallery@gmail.com
