Scape: A gathering of perspectives at GFI Art Gallery.

Artwork by: GFI Art Gallery.

It was one of those windy mornings in the city of Gqeberha, where the trees seemed to hum their own melodies, and the GFI Art Gallery came alive with colour, emotion, and interpretation. A group of talented artists gathered to showcase their work under the theme “SCAPE”, each offering a deeply personal visual translation of what the theme meant to them.

Led by the Gallery Manager Anna Stewart, the informal walkabout was far more than a gallery tour - it was a conversation between art and audience. Artists stood beside their pieces, unveiling the stories, thoughts, and experiences that shaped their creations.

The diversity of the exhibition was striking. From landscapes to abstractions, and everything in between, “SCAPE” became a canvas of human experience - reflections of place, memory, and imagination. Artists such as Wandile Msipa, Charles Wildervanck, Francis Sibanda, Grettel Osorio and Nonnie Roodt shared how the theme challenged them to look beyond the obvious and engage deeply with their creative instincts.

The room was still, the audience absorbed every word. You could feel the connection - the quiet nods, the occasional claps, the smiles that spread as each story unfolded. It was a celebration not only of art but of understanding, putting faces to the works that had long spoken silently from the walls.

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One of the highlights came from Nonnie Roodt, who guided the audience through her black, poetic art pieces. “I see my work as meditation,” she said softly, “hence I love working in the evenings…” Her words lingered, as though echoing through her brushstrokes.

From Kokstad, artist Wandile Msipa presented a piece titled Estopini - meaning “at the stop.” He shared how it tells a familiar story of month-end anticipation, especially in the black community, when children eagerly await their parents’ return at the local taxi stop. It was an artwork rooted in both nostalgia and observation, bringing the everyday to life.

Meanwhile, Francis Sibanda from Zimbabwe unveiled one of the largest paintings in the whole exhibition - a masterpiece that took him four weeks to complete. His closing reflection resonated deeply, “Art is a journey.”

Indeed, that sentiment captured the spirit of the morning. Each artist’s path, each interpretation of “SCAPE” served as a reminder that art is not just seen - it is felt, heard, and lived.

For more, visit: GFI Art Gallery