Artist Ada-Ruth Kellow will be showcasing her work, The Braai Master, on October 18 through a walkabout followed by a braai in Rosebank.

The braai, as a subject in Kellow’s painting, stems from a long-standing interest in the search for affiliative humour.

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She views the braai as a common denominator for finding laughter in an otherwise fractured society.

The word ‘braai’ forms a proud part of South African slang and is used by people across languages and communities. Originating from the Dutch word ‘braden’ (to roast), it developed into the Afrikaans braaivleis and eventually became the verb to braai.

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In this body of work, Ada-Ruth approaches the braai as an observer of society, uncovering many revelations. The braai is not merely a way of preparing food; it is a ritual, a culture, an identity, and a tradition.

Kellow is a figurative painter living and working in Johannesburg. After painting privately for over 30 years, she pursued formal training in Fine Art and completed her BA in Fine Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand, later graduating with distinction from the Honours programme in 2022.

Kellow’s work has been exhibited in several group shows in South Africa. In 2022, she held her first solo exhibition at Gordart Gallery. She was also selected as a top 40 finalist for the Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Award in 2024 and attended the Blue Cactus Art Residency in Barcelona.

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