Reflective Essay

Galleries are known to be spaces in which artists can exhibit their work to gain exposure, recognition
and gain sales from their pieces. But just like artists, galleries are different and therefore, artists
should be mindful when seeking out a gallery to exhibit their work in. During the excursion we took
to the five different galleries, I noted the ways in which they vary and the artists they cater to. I have
chosen to write on the Tina Skukan Gallery and Artist Proof Studio in this essay, however, because I
felt they contrasted greatly but both provided nice spaces for artists which are best suited for these
two galleries.

The Tina Skukan Gallery is a commercial gallery that I noted caters mainly to artists who create
traditional art and craft work. Unlike most galleries which scout out artists, they allow well-known
artists to send in a portfolio of their works and a curriculum vitae in order to determine whether
they would like to showcase the artist's works.
They hold monthly exhibitions (solo or group), each having different themes, where they allow their
selected artists to bring in works related to the theme. During this time, they allow spectatorship
and engagement by allowing the artist to hold talks, demonstrations and the viewers walkabouts. As
one walks around the gallery, labels including artworks’ prices accompany the artworks. I noted how
the Tina Skukan Gallery allows their artists to sell their works at reasonable prices and receive most
of the earning of the artworks, being that the gallery charges only 30% commission, which is much
lower than most commercial galleries. They also promote the exhibited art of the artists on their
social media pages so their works can continue to sell even after the exhibitions.
Aside from exhibitions, the Tina Skukan Gallery also offers workshops from Fine Artist, Annelis
Bowker, who works with a wide range of traditional mediums.
What I feel makes the Tina Skukan Gallery unique in comparison to other galleries, is their care and
concern of the environment and space surrounding the gallery, and not only the rooms in which the
art is held. While appreciating the art, one can relax in the tea garden and browse through art in
other forms such as books and clothing. One will also find that the works complement the rustic and
lush surroundings of the gallery. I felt it was a pleasant environment for all individuals to enjoy art in.

Artist Proof Studio functions as a studio space for printmaking artists. I feel their uniqueness comes
in how they offer education and training to artists who wish to gain printmaking knowledge in their
studio spaces. They offer a three year programme in which students learn the principles of
printmaking and how to build a professional portfolio. They have a great sense of community
allowing artists even from outside their student body to collaborate on projects with their students
and attend workshops. Their gallery space is also unique as it contrasts with the white-cube space
found in most galleries. At Artist Proof Studio, one gets a sense of the energy and a tour of the
production process in the room in which artworks are showcased. Unlike most galleries, the
artworks are made in studios which are part of their facilities.
Artist Proof Studio does their part in developing the careers of artists that work with them by
showcasing artist's work, their process and also the artist as an individual. They also partner up with
organisations to allow artists exposure. Recently they have been involved in the Turbine Art Fair,
allowed artists to enter work for Hollard to create a calendar, and are now working with a collection
of female artists for the Latitudes/ ANNA Awards.
Despite the fact that I enjoyed both galleries, I feel Artist Proof Studio succeeds more in ensuring
opportunity, growth and success for the artists that they work with. Artist Proof Studios not only
showcases the art of their artists in their space, but also have them pushed in competitions and
other spaces outside their facilities. The Tina Skukan Gallery, however, only exhibits within their
gallery. Artist Proof Studio also provides a larger social media presence. They post their artists’ works
along with the process behind their works, and showcase the artist as an individual with brief
descriptions about the art they make along with a portrait. This lets one gain context to the artist
and their work, as well as their personality. They are also very community-based, allowing for
collaboration amongst students and other artists. While the Tina Skukan Gallery does post the art of
the artists on their social media pages, they post the art alone which does not feel as engaging as
that of Artist Proof Studio. While the Tina Skukan Gallery almost uniquely allows for artists to send in
their portfolios instead of scouting them, they usually take in well-known artists. With Artist Proof
Studio, however, they are open to all types of artists; young, old, even artists who have only
achieved grade 10. While I feel that what the artist has to gain from a gallery is most important, I do
also appreciate the environment in which the Tina Skukan Gallery has created. The delicious goods,
lush greenery and other forms of art really allows one to relax and meditate on the art that is
showcased because of how well the environment compliments it.

It was interesting to notice how galleries provide different settings suitable for different artists, and
how they in turn may influence how an artist may work in future, depending on the direction one
wishes to take in their career. Overall, the gallery visits taught me that I value the environment
which would surround the art in which I am exhibiting, the people that surround the space that may
aid in my creative inspiration and the opportunities a gallery could provide for me as an artist.

References

Tina Skukan Gallery, (2023) Home. Available at: https://www.tinaskukangallery.co.za/ (Accessed: 16

March 2023)

Artist Proof Studio, (2023) Home. Available at: https://artistproofstudio.co.za/ (Accessed: 16 March
2023)
Artist Biography

Siphosethu Sanelisiwe Sikhosana was born on the 3rd of March 2004 in Pretoria, South Africa. Her
artworks explore a variety of themes, however, her work commonly speaks on her identity and the
way in which she navigates life as a black queer women. Her works are often personal and depict her
hopes, fears and thoughts. She works with a range of traditional mediums but has recently shown
more of an interest in colour pencil. Her works often contain portraiture accompanied by objects
that are symbolic of what she wishes to speak on. From a young age, Sethu had had an interest in
art, and had grown to learn of its importance to her as a source of healing, as well as in society either
the way in which it has aided in questioning conventions. Sethu knew that upon completing her
matric year, she would want to study Fine Arts to grow and develop her creative knowledge and be
able to work in a world that is continually expanding for creatives. Sethu draws inspiration from her
family as it consists of strong female figures and they have provided much support to her. The aim
and her creating art is not only to allow herself self-expression and peace, but it is also to inspire and
represent individuals who face struggles in their identities because of prejudices that society holds.

Artist Statement

In this colour pencil drawing, I chose to speak on the difficulty of placing yourself in the many boxes
society sets out in terms of sexuality and gender identity, considering that the spectrum is large and
varying. I have included two self-portraits. They are holding poses and expressions that suggest that
they feel slightly insecure. This shows how I have felt unsure of myself in terms of sexuality and
sometimes gender identity because I have tried to place a label on myself for that validation and
acceptance of others, throwing aside the security I feel in my own identity. The figures wear a blue
and pink top respectively. These colours are commonly associated with masculinity and femininity.
This represents my attraction to individuals across the gender spectrum, as well as the masculine
and feminine energy both present in me.
In the drawing, I have also drawn koi fish. They are know as symbols of harmony, balance and
duality. Here, I’ve used them to symbolise the fluidity of gender and sexuality as masculine and
feminine attraction and energy can change over the course of one's life.
Circles of different colours are present in the drawing. These depict how sexuality and gender cannot
be confined to boxes and labels. The different colours also allude to the pride flag which represents
all people in the LGBT+ community.
I have kept myself within the border to show that I still struggle with defining my own sexuality,
however, the fish are escaping the border to show that I understand my sexuality is fluid and lies
somewhere in a spectrum where it doesn’t have to be defined, especially because I am more than
my sexual orientation.