By Nangamso Mabindla
16 January 2008

AN exhibition of new works by artist Loyiso Nabe will open at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery in East London on Thursday, 17 January.

Born in the Butterworth township of Msobomvu in the Transkei, the 30-year-old Nabe specialises in painting; in his works he attempts to capture the simple lifestyle of squatters.

Gallery curator Leon du Preez says that Nabe explores new techniques by using materials like tin, cloth and soil, among other items.

"When you look at some of the work that will be used at the exhibition, you will notice that he tries to push oil painting beyond its limits. In one of his paintings he uses real wood and paints over [it]; he also uses sand and then paints. He uses all sorts of stuff to enhance his work," Du Preez says.

Nabe's work depicts life in squatter camps from the dangers of using unmanned electricity transformers, to the regular site of old and neglected vehicles, how debt collectors corner their victims to get their money back, and other challenges faced by people living there.

The exhibition, which opens at 6.30 pm on Thursday, 17 January, will close on Saturday, 2 February.

Du Preez says that Nabe's exhibition will kick off a very busy year at the fully booked Ann Bryant Art Gallery. "Right after Nabe's exhibition, Sam Gabula [also from the Transkei] will be back to exhibit from 28 February to 17 March."

Gabula's last exhibition at the gallery was in 2005. Hot on the heels of the Gabula exhibition comes the annual Absa L'atelier Art competition, which will feature work from the province's exciting and promising artists. The competition runs from 20 March to 29 March.

After the Absa L'atelier, one of East London's favourite artists, Eloise Mogg, will exhibit from 27 March to 13 April.

"These are just some of the exhibitions that will be on show at our gallery for the first part of the year. We have an action-packed year for art lovers in the city," Du Preez says.

For more information about these and other upcoming exhibitions, contact the Ann Bryant Art Gallery on 043 722 4044.