Lady Skollie showcases her art ‘Groot GAT’ exhibition at Norval Foundation

by Staff Bona

Dedicated to showcasing African art, the Norval Foundation once again engages with local talent to provide a thrilling exhibition for art lovers.

From 22 May until 15 September 2024, the exhibition ‘GROOT GAT’ by Lady Skollie born as Laura Windvogel will be showcased at the Norval Foundation.

Marking her prestigious 2022 win of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Visual Art, this homecoming serves as an exciting showcase of the artists’ work and practice.

‘GROOT GAT’ not only refers to Boesman’s Gat, a freshwater cave in Kimberley but also addresses the significant historical gap within the Cape Coloured communities. This cave, once a sacred well and fishing site for indigenous people, was later seized by colonisers. Lady Skollie intertwines this history with her personal narrative.
Born in Cape Town, Lady Skollie experienced firsthand the complexities of the new South Africa within the Cape Coloured community. Embracing her adopted persona, Lady Skollie, skilfully blends the ragamuffin essence traditionally associated with her community with the aristocratic connotations of ‘Lady’. This fusion creates a unique lens through which she explores and confronts societal narratives.
In ‘GROOT GAT’, Lady Skollie crafts a fantastical realm filled with bold and vibrant figures reminiscent of ancient cave drawings. These figures, untouched by time and colonialism, serve as both homage and critique, inviting viewers to contemplate the obscured layers of history and identity.

Lady Skollie’s work acts as mirrors, reflecting the complexities of belongings, oppression and forgotten histories. Rather than shying away from these challenging themes, she fearlessly invites viewers to engage in dialogue and introspection.

Through her art, she sparks conversation about origins, trajectories and self-identity, urging us to grapple with the intricacies of our identities and histories.

Lady Skollie’s bold and unapologetic approach invites viewers to journey beyond the surface, delving into the depths of heritage and memory.

In a world rife with erasure and silencing, her work stands as a beacon of resilience and defiance.As visitors traverse the exhibition space, they are confronted with Lady Skollie’s poignant exploration of the past, present and future. Each stroke of her brush, each vibrant hue, serves as a reminder of the richness and complexity of the human experience.

In the heart of Cape Town, amid the echoes of history and the vibrant pulse of contemporary culture, Lady Skollie’s ‘GROOT GAT’ exhibition beckons. It is not merely a display of artistic prowess but a profound meditation on identity, heritage and the power of reclaiming one’s narrative.

As visitors immerse themselves in the vivid tapestry of Lady Skollie’s creations, they are reminded of the indomitable spirit of human resilience and the boundless potential of art to illuminate, provoke and inspire.

Visit the Norval Foundation to view ‘GROOT GAT’ by Lady Skollie on display from 22 May to 15 September 2024. Beyond ‘GROOT GAT’, visitors have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of exhibitions showcasing the works of African artists, offering a multifaceted perspective on contemporary art from the continent.

Wander through the tranquil Sculpture Garden, where art seamlessly intertwines with nature, providing moments of reflection and inspiration.

Completed by Capetownetc

First published by Cape Town etc

Also see: Thebe Magugu thankful for support at opening of Magugu House