By Nangamso Mabindla
1 March 2007

A MIX of reflective and developmental exhibitions is lined up at the East London Ann Bryant Art Gallery for March.

On show at the gallery at present is the Daily Dispatch photo exhibition on the 2006 16 Days of Activism Campaign against woman and child abuse. The photographs portray people who have been victims of violent crimes and those who want to use their experiences to make a difference in other people's lives.

Their faces tell their stories of abuse, of being hijacked, beaten or raped.

This powerful photo exhibition will be followed by Poetry Evening, during which Phillipa Yaa de Villiers will read some of her pieces. Gallery curator Leon du Preez said that De Villiers' poetry ranged from the personal to biting satire.

"It's the first time we will have poetry in our gallery. We are very excited about it and we hope people will enjoy it as well. This reading will be on Friday, 2 March."

On Thursday, 8 March East London artists and art lovers will gather at the gallery to celebrate the life of one of the city's most talented artists, Simphiwe Koko.

"We have one of his works in our permanent collections. A member of the East London Art Society for many years, Simphiwe suffered from mental illness all his life and we are going to host a memorial exhibition for him. His family will be guests at the opening," Du Preez said.

The Simphiwe Koko exhibition would close on Saturday, 24 March.

However, the biggest attraction for March was undoubtedly the 22nd annual Absa L'Atelier Art competition on 20 March. "This competition, held in conjunction with the South African National Association for Visual Art, focuses on young artists. It seeks to lift and expose them to the art world."

Begun in 1985, the competition is open to artists between the ages of 21 and 35. The top prizes give young artists the chance to gain exposure to the international art community.

Finalists get a chance to exhibit their work and the winner is flown to Paris to attend the Cité Internationale des Arts for up to six months, in addition to a cash prize of R100 000.