By Nangamso Mabindla
3 March 2008

AN exhibition exploring the colours of life is on at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery in East London.

Transkei born artist Mcebisi Gabula has used the beautiful surroundings of his hometown, Lusikisiki, to show the various aspects that make life colourful. "Lusikisiki is one of the most beautiful places in the Eastern Cape," says the artist. "And in my exhibition, I have used lilies, sunflowers and waterfalls to depict the many colours of life."

Any retrospective of the area would be incomplete without works detailing the Magwa Tea Plantation, and Gabula has used oil on canvas to depict Xhosa women during harvesting at the plantation.

"It's one of the places most visited by tourists in our area, and in my work I always try to showcase the Magwa Tea Plantation."

Gabula's art is strongly influenced by the impressionist and post-impressionist periods of European art. Artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse and Gauguin are a major influence on his work.

"In my art, I always use real objects; but I try to take it beyond what people can see. That is what I want to achieve with an exhibition like the one I have at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery."

The Many Colours of Life exhibition is not only about the artist working in oils on canvas; Gabula has also brought craft done by the youngsters he teaches as part of his Litha Arts Creations.

"I started this project in 2003 and I train youngsters in working on textile; I have brought some of the work with me as part of this exhibition. I also intend taking the exhibition to the annual Grahamstown National Arts Festival," he says.

The exhibition opened on Thursday, 28 February and closes on Monday, 17 March. For more information about this and upcoming exhibitions, contact the Ann Bryant Art Gallery in East London on 043 722 044.