Creative currents meet in new exhibition at White River Gallery
Renowned Lowveld artist Annalie Odendaal’s solo exhibition, Confluence, opened at the White River Gallery showcasing a multi-disciplinary collection that reflects her evolution from art teacher to master of painting, printmaking, and ceramics.
The White River Gallery at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre hummed with creative energy on Saturday, February 28, with the opening of a solo exhibition titled Confluence by renowned Lowveld artist Annalie Odendaal.
The collection, which celebrates many years of creative and technical evolution, was curated by gallery director Dana MacFarlane.
The work showcases Odendaal’s mastery of painting, printmaking, and ceramics.
Odendaal’s creative journey started in Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape, where, under the mentorship of the late Ansie van Zyl, she discovered a love for clay.
This eventually led her to the Stellenbosch University and a BA in Fine Arts.
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Before embarking on a full-time creative career 16 years ago, Odendaal taught art, first in Harrismith, and then in White River.
“Years spent teaching children nurtured a spirit of openness and experimentation, which still drives my approach. My art is guided by allowing materials, intuition and play to shape the work,” she said.
Confluence speaks to the meeting of different artistic currents.
This was highlighted by Portuguese conceptual artist Ana Maria Nomico, a long-time friend of Odendaal, who officially opened the show. She described the exhibit as currents joining, not to erase their differences, but to move alongside one another.
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The paintings and prints feature layered surfaces, allowing the viewer to find their own narrative.
The barrel-fired ceramic vessels lend a unique physical presence to the exhibition. Odendaal said that she provides the structure, but fire completes
the piece, leaving its own quiet alchemy on the clay.
The opening drew a large crowd of locals, scholars and art enthusiasts.
The exhibition runs until April 5, from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 to 14:00 on weekends and public holidays.
A walkabout with Odendaal, including a live demonstration, will take place on Saturday, March 21 at 11:00. Entry is free.
