The Rise of Creative Consciousness
Johannesburg – Recently, Artyli Gallery launched ‘Becoming’, a collective exhibition centered on the theme of the artists’ creative journeys alongside their artworks.
As artists evolve through diverse experiences in the world, their visual practices and thematic interests likewise shift, reflecting their transformed internal imaginative landscapes.
This exhibition makes time tangible through art, inviting audiences to connect with the artists’ evolving consciousness expressed through various visual mediums.
“The arts provide viewers with an opportunity to engage with the complex inner lives of unfamiliar individuals; this visual narrative, though courageously shared from a distance, resonates within you,” remarks Keisha Jacobs.
“Over time, a piece of art accumulates layers of meaning, ‘Becoming’ a vessel of shifting interpretations conveyed across generations, from both strangers and those in our lives.”
Artists featured in ‘Becoming’ include Raja Oshi, Hussein Salim, Patrick Seruwu, Samantha Maseko, Sibusiso Ngwazi, Steve Maphoso, Ludumo Maqabuka, and Lynette van Tonder.
Notably, the ‘Becoming’ exhibition was primarily designed to provide a welcoming platform for three emerging artists who will now be represented by Artyli Gallery.
These up-and-coming talents are Given Muronga, Kenyaa Mzee, and Mario Soares, whose artistic skills are garnering attention within the contemporary South African art scene, making their works increasingly sought after by art collectors and enthusiasts.
Given Muronga is often seen as an artistic prodigy, with his brushwork and shaded details echoing the Post-Impressionist style while expressing a profound sense of Africanness transcending urban and colonial boundaries.
For Muronga, the materials he chooses signify resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of community typically found in rural regions.
Each material for Given Muronga becomes a testament to survival, ingenuity, and the communal bonds deeply rooted in rural life.
Click this link to view the video.
For Kenya Mzee, the personal merges with the political, resonating with the thoughts of African American singer and activist Nina Simone, who stated, “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.”
Through art and archiving as a means of activism, Mzee aims to elevate photography and conceptual art, delving into the complexities of the Black queer experience while advocating for social change throughout South Africa and beyond.
Mario Soares’ art encompasses a variety of themes, with migration taking the forefront—particularly the feelings of alienation and nostalgia—reflecting a yearning for a connection to a culture outside one’s homeland.
Soares often depicts faceless African women engaged in the sale of fresh produce, emphasizing their resilience and contributions to the informal economy.
Each of Soares’ portraits conveys a sincere expression of gratitude.
Follow this link to explore the exhibition online
Artyli Gallery will wrap up its season with the exhibition ‘SALT’ in October, heralding the eagerly awaited South African festive season as 2025 draws to a close.
Stay tuned for our upcoming email campaign to learn more about the featured artists and the inspiration behind the ‘SALT’ exhibition!
We are also delighted to announce that Artyli Gallery has received the Yoco and 702 accolade for the Greatest Art Gallery in Gauteng!
Summer invites a season of renewal.
At Artyli Gallery, open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, our consultants are excited to welcome you and share the stories behind each piece.
Now is an excellent time to discover a new artwork—refresh your home, uplift your spirit, and invest in the vision of an artist whose work will continue to evolve.
Feel free to visit the gallery or browse our catalogue online.
