The Mogale City Museum recently opened their Mogale City that gives local artists the opportunity to showcase their talent.

On Friday, 4 December, artists and municipal representatives gathered for the opening of the exhibition that will run until 18 December.

One of the artists whose work is on display at the museum is Jakkie Naudé. He explained that he takes loads of photos, and uses them to compose different landscapes. He then paints the landscapes.

Jakkie, who had 11 paintings on display at the exhibition, said he had been painting since 2016, and that painting is like therapy for him; it has helped him through some difficult times.

Another exhibitor, Gerda van der Westhuizen, proudly explained that one of her artworks is hanging in a chateau in France. She had 10 artworks at the exhibition and said she tells her own stories through her artwork.

Gerda took art as a subject at school, but then focused on her children and family for many years. She has been painting full time for the past 12 years, and her paintings are on walls across the world.

Among those who addressed the attendees was the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Sports, Agriculture, Culture and Recreation, Councillor Charmaine Ntlatlane-Nzwane.

It is an honour and a privilege to be the host, and celebrate local artists and their work,” she said.

The Mogale City Local Municipality has been hosting this exhibition for the past nine years, and Charmaine said the artworks on display showed how talented the artists were. She encouraged them to share their art with people across the world and become like Leonardo Da Vinci.

Next up to address those who attended the opening was Jerry Simino, Secretary-General of the Mogale City Arts and Culture Forum.

He said although 2020 had been a hard year for everyone, it was especially tough on the artists who rely on selling their work to made a living. He encouraged the artists to sell their work and invited them to engage with the Forum on future ideas.