First Thursday celebrates second anniversary

Fouzia Van Der Fort|Published 6 months ago

Keziah Coetzee, from Strandfontein, and Althea de Wet, formerly from Rocklands, are Kind Art, who created a blend of photography, paint, make-up and canvas.

Mitchell’s Plain celebrated its First Thursdays’ second anniversary with an open house gallery, music, discussions and food.

Reconstructed Living Labs (RLabs) House hosted its 24th monthly First Thursday at their Westridge home, 38 Silverhurst Street, on August 1.

Artists from the Cape Flats had their work exhibited in the house and in the building next door hosted discussions, music and entertainment, local vendors selling their wares and services and food trucks outside.

In discussion are RLabs House co-host Mareldia Wentzel, artists Angelo Solomon, from Grassy Park, Kayman Heard, from Pinnatti Estate, and Bradley Bailey, from Westgate.

Artist Angelo Solomon, from Grassy Park, said he decided to have his work exhibited at RLabs because “local is lekker”.

He spoke about his creative journey and that his artwork represents him embracing his “background”.

Mr Solomon said often people try to shy away from their background but without it they would not be the people they are today.

“With the chaotic backgound and the subject in the painting it all gels together and forms a beautiful piece. Your past makes you. Don’t be ashamed of it,” he said.

Artist Bradley Bailey, from Westridge, said his artwork “Grace Restored” was part of a series called Fragile that speaks to his community, society but especially had to be part of Women’s Month.

He said his pieces speaks to social ills like gender-based violence, gangsterism and drugs and that he uses art as a vehicle to raise awareness.

Audience members. Pictured at the back, from left are Zeenith Toyer, from Westridge, Monique Prince, from Westgate, her father Aubrey Prince, from Woodlands, Lennon Saal, from Westridge, and Allison Dumont, from Eerste River. In front are Madison Prince, her sister Izabel, and Courtney Prince, all from Westgate.