Historic buildings, businesses and even art have fallen prey to criminals in Central, Gqeberha, with nothing spared from the decay of the once-historic and thriving city centre.
By Riaan Marais - 22 May 2021
SHOT OF COLOUR: The mural on the Galerie Noko building in Russel Road spreads a message of hope Image: EUGENE COETZEE
Motorists travelling down Gqeberha’s Russell Road will have been struck by a fresh burst of colour as they make their way towards the freeway or Govan Mbeki Avenue, wondering what the brilliant artwork on the once-drab building is all about.
While the triangular-shaped building has always been something of an oddity, no-one has really given it a second thought.
But now the so-called “skinny house”, which is occupied by Galerie Noko, is unmistakable for its vibrant mural depicting flowers growing through a crack in a brick wall, and finished with the uplifting slogan “We shall overcome”.
Still time to enter competition exhibition
Zamandulo Malonde Features reporter 05 March 2021
ENTRIES WELCOME: Galerie Noko director Usen Obot invites artists to enter this year s New Now Next exhibition Image: Brian Witbooi
The extended submission deadline for the 2021 New Now Next competition exhibition is looming, with visual artists having just one week left to enter.
The competition, by Gqeberha art gallery Galerie Noko, Visual Arts Network of SA and The Community Activist Atelier, will see three winners walk away with cash prizes of between R5,000 and R30,000, among other benefits. The competition aims to provide an alternative platform, cultural and artistic development opportunities as well as a showcase for exciting new talent in contemporary arts.