Artwork: “Red Rocks & Yellow Sand”

In the remote and arid expanses of the Karoo, where the landscape is dotted with rugged hills and sparse vegetation, lies the small town of Fraserburg. It was there that a chance encounter between the MINROM CEO Oscar van Antwerpen and two young girls walking alone on a desolate road marked the inception of both the “Be The Good” non-governmental organisation and the Minrom Art Initiative. Oscar was deeply moved by the dire circumstances of the girls and the challenges faced by the town’s youths.

Artist Bio: Lwandiso Botozo

Lwandiso Botozo, a multifaceted artist born in Cofimvaba in rural Eastern Cape, navigates the intersections of identity, history, and storytelling through his dynamic artistic practice. Raised between Stellenbosch and Khayelitsha, and later spending five years in Franschhoek at Bridgehouse boarding school, Botozo’s journey is shaped by varied experiences and influences.

Artist Bio: Kristiaan Agenbag

Kristiaan Agenbag, a young and aspiring Western Cape artist, discovered his passion for art at a young age. Initially uncertain about pursuing art as a career, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery that led him to explore various avenues of creativity.

Artist Bio: Hennie Meyer

Hennie Meyer’s ceramic artistry speaks volumes, conveying his passion and resilience through the transformative medium of clay. Rooted in the creation of multiples, Meyer’s diverse creations include jugs, mugs, vases, and teapots, each meticulously crafted to perfection.

Artist Bio: Gift Dithipi

Gift, born and raised in Potchefstroom, South Africa, is not just an artist; he is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit. Influenced by his uncle’s sketches and the soulful tunes of old-school music, Gift’s journey into the world of art began at a young age, guided by a appreciation for beauty and expression.

Artist Bio: Nkosinathi Kandeni

Born in the picturesque landscapes of the Eastern Cape, Nkosinathi Kandeni is an artist whose journey is as captivating as his creations. With an innate talent for painting and drawing, Nkosinathi’s passion for art was evident from a young age. Although life led him to work after completing his schooling, his dedication to the arts never wavered. He immersed himself in art literature, drawing inspiration from renowned artists like Guillermo Fresquet and Jose M Parramon, as well as various English watercolourists. Their influence solidified his desire to embrace art as his life’s calling.

Artist Bio: Riaan van Zyl

Riaan van Zyl, a visionary artist born in 1976, transcends the traditional boundaries of art, blending classical techniques with a modern, alchemical approach. Describing himself as more of an alchemist than an artist, van Zyl’s work is a fascinating exploration of movement and time, captured through unconventional media.

After completing his studies in Contemporary Fine Arts at UNISA and earning his Bachelor’s degree in 2000, van Zyl embarked on a professional art career that has seen him curate numerous exhibitions and showcase his work in galleries worldwide.

Artist Bio: William Onker

Born in 1977 in the Western Cape, Onker’s artistic talent was evident from a young age. Educated in Kraaifontein, he garnered every diploma during his school years. In his early 20s, his interest in the acrylic medium was ignited, leading to commissions from the surrounding community. His first official exhibition was held at the Retreat Library around 14 years ago, and his reputation grew exponentially, especially on social media platforms.

He later transitioned to oils as his preferred medium. Today, he collaborates closely with The Cape Gallery. His artworks grace walls across international borders, including the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, and France. Most of his pieces are commissioned, showcasing his expertise, especially in landscape art.

Artist Bio: Jo Roets

Capetonian Jo Roets is a distinguished sculptor, painter, and mould maker whose passion for art has been a lifelong journey. Her unique ‘light relief sculptures’ are crafted from self-drying natural stone clay, pushed to its limits to create delicate bass relief artworks. Using unconventional tools, Jo intricately scores the clay, allowing it to warp naturally, adding a unique touch to each piece.

Artist Bio: Nisty Chatha

Nisty Chatha is an artist whose work explores the concept of collective identity and the interconnectedness of human beings. His art delves into the idea that when people work together as a collective, they can make the world a better place.

In his paintings, Nisty often depicts multiple figures within a single body, representing the idea that we are not singular entities but rather part of a larger collective. These figures are on a journey to elevate themselves financially, physically, and emotionally, hiking towards the highest part of the body, the mind, which represents validation and acceptance.

Artist Bio: Michelle Oosthuizen

Michelle Oosthuizen is a talented artist whose work is deeply influenced by the human experience and the world around her. Michelle is particularly moved by the stories of children who face adversity and hardship. Her paintings often explore themes of resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit.

The inspiration for “The Boy of Manica” came from a photograph taken by a friend who works daily within the harsh realities of the African mining industry. The image of a young boy working in a gold mine, with a look of determination and courage in his eyes, deeply touched Michelle. She wanted to portray his resilience and dignity in the face of such injustice and hardship.

Artist Bio: Jonel Scholtz

Jonel Scholtz’s artistic journey is as vibrant and multifaceted as her paintings. With a background in chemistry and biochemistry, studied at the University of Johannesburg, Jonel’s approach to art is both scientific and soulful. Her artistic endeavours began in high school under the guidance of American-born artist Louise Goudemond, and since then, her work has resonated across galleries and exhibitions worldwide.

A Global Presence

From Johannesburg to New York, Jonel’s art has graced the walls of renowned galleries such as Alice Art Gallery, Lizamore and Associates, Woodstock Art Gallery, and Agora Gallery in New York.