(“Singing Queens” by
Ezequiel Mabote)
The Blue Caterpillar Art Gallery at Butterflies for Africa in Pietermaritzburg is hosting an
exhibition of woodcut prints by local artist Ezequiel Mabote who continues to
attract both local and international buyers.
On show are three framed pastel drawings and a wide selection of woodcut
prints. These unique woodcut ‘prints’ take many years of experience and skill
to master and each one is signed and numbered according to the number of works
produced from one woodcut ‘block’. His choice of colour, design and subject
matter is unique to each woodcut print artist.
(“Rhino Journey” by
Ezequiel Mabote)
The plight of the rhino has also been highlighted in Mabote’s latest
woodcut prints making them ideal for corporate gifts. He is a self-taught
artist originally from Mozambique and first got his inspiration as a child from
older boys who did woodcarving and fabric design in the neighbourhood. He
learnt the basics of art at school but was forced to abandon these studies in
order to find work to support his family.
Later in life he got the opportunity to study fine art at the Nucleo de
Arte in Maputo where he developed his skills in woodcut printing. The high
degree of quality and professionalism in his work is testament to his talent
and dedication to art. Mabote’s work has been exhibited in a number of
galleries worldwide, including several exhibitions in New York and Chicago.
The exhibition will run until the end of April and is available to view
online at www.artsales.co.za
The Blue Caterpillar Art Gallery is situated at Butterflies for Africa at 37 Willowton Road in
Pietermaritzburg. For more information contact Jeni Cramer 033 387 1356 or
visit www.butterflies.co.za for details of the gallery’s business hours.