The 1st Birthday celebration and opening night of Gallery Noko’s ‘Ode To Mama – Life, Love And Death’ which is a body of work inspired by his artist Usen Obot’s late mother, women and all mothers will take place on Thursday 5 November 2015 at 18h30.
Also opening on the same night will be ‘Art State’ – an exhibition featuring some of South Africas most sought after and accomplished artists – Mandy Coopers Martin, Bev Butkow, Michael Barry, Mbongeni Buthelezi, Mathias Chirombo, Johan Bloom, Arlette Franks, Daniel Mooy, Mziwoxolo, Makalima and Neville Petersen.
During the last year, the gallery has given hundreds of local artists the opportunity to exhibit their works and connect them to art dealers and buyers, both nationally as well as globally. The plans for the future is even more exciting as gallery owner and Manager, Usen Obot has a major announcement to make which will give local artists an even bigger platform and he plans to make the announcement on Thursday night as part of the gallery’s birthday celebrations.
Galerie Noko in Russell Road, Port Elizabeth, is a place where emerging contemporary artists are given the opportunity to exhibit and promote their artwork.
Managing Director of Galerie Noko Usen Obot, was born and bred in Nigeria, developed his love for art at primary school. He is following in the footsteps of his uncle and grandfather, who were hobby sculptors but never made it a business. “The objective of the gallery is to grow the industry and provide alternative voices,” Obot said.
“It is also meant to operate and maintain in the Nelson Mandela Bay, an accessible art gallery for visual arts , exhibitions and interpretations of works of art and for the development of public understanding and appreciation of art,” he said. He has been an artist for 15 years and wants to share his experience with up-and-coming artists and provide mentorship. Galerie Noko is always holding exhibitions for artists to come and network and showcase their works. Siyabonga Ngaki, Johan Bloom, Chantall Martin, Thonton Kabeya, Ntobeko Mjijwa, Ronald Muchatuta, Suzette Crafford and Lelane Forie all exhibited their work.
“The gallery calls on art lovers to purchase the amazing artworks produced by local talent and view if you need more clarity on what art is,” Obot said. Ngaki said that, as an artist, you have to participate in exhibitions to market your work, as it is not easy to sell pieces. He said lot of guidance is needed and many people have not yet been exposed to art, which is where exhibitions come in – to provide exposure and teach people about art. Artist Chantall Martin said: “As an artist you tell stories through your work.
Paintings, sculptures and all kinds of artworks contain different meanings.” Martin said an artist gets to fall in love with their work and it takes a lot to produce good pieces. She was showing off her eye-catching ceramics. Obot describes art as more of a paying hobby, as something enjoyable to do that is flexible. He said, however, that many artists end up changing their career, because they cannot sell enough of their work to make a living.
“People should support art through funding, advice and any kind of assistance that could help enrich young artists. With the public’s support, art can gain more recognition,” he added.
Artists argue that at times most of their work is sold only when tourists visit the country. Galerie Noko aims to create an integrated dialogue of cultures between international and local artists to promote art. Art lovers are welcome to view artworks from Monday to Friday with the gallery opening from 10am to 4pm, while on Saturdays it is open from 10am to 1pm.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- South African Artist MARTHINUS Releases Debut Single - 6 November 2026
- MARTHINUS Releases Heartfelt Debut ‘i miss us not trying’ - 6 November 2026
- Embroidery or Print? EMB Designs in Durban North Checks the Artwork and Runs a Sample Before a Full Staff, School or Club Order Is Stitched - 4 November 2026
- PrintAcademy 3D in Stellenbosch Trains Teachers First, Then Learners, so School 3D Printers Get Used Beyond the First Term - 4 November 2026
- From Estate Agency Posters to Museum Panels: Laminator in Kya Sand Lists Which Jobs Call for Cold or Hot Roll Wide-Format Laminating - 4 November 2026
