THK Gallery presents ‘Light + Space II’, a group exhibition which serves as a reflection on an extraordinary year, drawing inspiration from the luminous, expansive quality of the Southern Summer. The exhibition offers both the space for reflection and the pause needed to recharge. ‘Light + Space II’ is a follow up on ‘Light + Space’ which was THK’s reflection of the 2023 artistic year. With this title, the gallery sought to promote the idea of ‘Wherever you are, may the bright Southern Summer light find you’. ‘Light + Space II’ showcases work by artists who were featured in the exhibition’s first installation such as Lulama Wolf and Driaan Classen as well as some new artists.
At the heart of the exhibition is the debut presentation of Ethiopian painter Natnael Ashebir, whose interior scenes are imbued with vivid colour and rich symbolism. His intimate renderings of everyday spaces speak to a deeper exploration of personal narrative, marking a compelling introduction to his work at THK Gallery. Joining him in this new chapter is Gillian Rosselli, whose paintings stand as a powerful response to the rains of Zimbabwe, following on from her presentation at the Venice Biennale this year. This new work further develops her literal and metaphoric engagement with the landscape in a conversation between environment, memory and transformation.
‘Light + Space’ also brings forward new pieces from Nina Turok Shaprio, whose screenprints delve into the complexities of family archives and collective memory. Her use of vibrant colour and sharp composition brings these personal histories to life with a striking immediacy. Driaan Claassen, whose fluid sculptures consistently challenge the material boundaries of his practice, expands on his exploration of form and texture. Lulama Wolf presents a new body of work following a successful year of international presentations with the gallery.
Turiya Magadlela’s work remains a constant in its innovative approach to materiality. Her signature technique of layering pantyhose over canvas continues to evolve, producing textured surfaces that blur the lines between object and memory, and between material and meaning. THK Gallery opened ‘Light + Space’ on the 5th of December and this exhibition will run until the 10th of January 2025.
