Grace Kotze exhibit at Art in the Country

The Citizen

17-05-2025

EVERY brush stroke and paint drop matters for renowned Durban artist Grace Kotze who is preparing to showcase her self-curated work at the Art in the Country 2025 at Harrington House, Hilton, from May 22 to 25.
Fresh from her showcase at the Clarens Arts Festival in early May, the painter remains focused on perfecting her work which will be viewed by scores of patrons and art enthusiasts at the popular arts fair in Hilton. Kotze, who finds the 'vibrancy and activity of the city very energising and inspirational' said for her, art provides a process which forms stability and enlightenment.
Though versatile in her work, Kotze draws inspiration from everyday life and surroundings, 'painting from an emotional point of reference'. The Messages of Life and The elephant and the play dough painter said her art is on an autobiographical level, documenting both her internal and external vision.
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'As unrelated as my works may appear, they speak very directly to the process of living and loving the world which we inhabit,' said Kotze who took up art at a young age. 'At school, dyslexia limited my choices and it was a natural transition that I gravitated towards image making. I am influenced by many of the same artists but have furthered my influences with the opening up of the world through social media.'
She lists South African contemporary artist William Kentridge and Rembrandt as being among those that she looks up to within the industry that Kotze says is thriving nationally, but shrinking in Durban. 'William Kentridge is a local artist whose ambition, skill, creativity and prolific nature is absolutely inspirational,' said Kotze. 'Rembrandt was an artist whose emotional and technical virtuosity has never been rivalled, he is a constant inspiration.'
With digital age and social media dominating most industries, the painter believes there is still room for young artists to thrive and grow. 'The Durban art scene is definitely shrinking but there will always be a place for fine art,' said Kotze. Her advice to up and coming artists is, 'Work, work, work then work some more! Hone your craft and never underestimate how long that will take. Be open to criticism and grow a very thick skin.'
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Some of Kotze's pieces that will be on dispaly at Art in the Country include 'Symphony in yellow', 'The doughnuts and cat', 'Exhale' and her favourite, 'Darwin's perch'. She said, ''Darwin's perch' is my favourite as it is serious and humorous at the same time. I also like the fluidity of the paintwork and structural execution.'
Dubbed KwaZulu-Natal's premier art exhibition, the Art in the Country fair will run from May 22 to 25 at Harrington House in Hilton. Kotze will be among 62 of SA's top artists that will showcase their best work in the Midlands with live music adding to the ambience. Opening hours from Thursday to Saturday are 09:00 to 20:00 and Sunday from 09:00 until 16:00. Entry fee is R30 per person, R20 for pensioners and R10 for scholars.
For more information or to see other pieces by Kotze, visit www.gracekotze.co.za or email [e-mail].
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