Art lovers in Gqeberha are once again invited to experience an extraordinary showcase of contemporary South African art at the annual Creative Block exhibition, which returns to the friendly city’s iconic GFI Art Gallery from 4 December 2025 to 30 January 2026. This Creative Block Exhibition Returns to Gqeberha with Eastern Cape Artists in Focu in partnership between Spier Arts Trust (SAT) and GFI celebrates South African artistry in all its diversity.
This year, there are seven Eastern Cape-based participating artists that have been included in the show. Among the contributors are Butterworth-based Lungisa Matubatuba, who reflects on life in contemporary South Africa, drawing from his Sotho heritage; East London’s Natasha Bezuidenhout, who is a lecturer at the University of Fort Hare and a multidisciplinary artist recognised for her ceramics, drawing and painting; and Gqeberha’s own Simon Venter, who works with AI and Biblical themes. Other participants who currently live and work in the region include Christo Booth, Dorothy Barnes, Kathy Botha and Llise Dodd.
Alongside these seven are 10 other artists included in the show, who were born in the Eastern Cape, but who now live and work elsewhere in South Africa. Originally hailing from East London, are Mbali Tshabalala, Mbulelo Lokota and Zandri Oosthyusen; from Mthatha, are Ludumo Maqabuka and Mongezi Ncombo; from Gqeberha, comes Ilené Bothma; and from further afield, are Dathini Mzayiya (Queenstown), Joanne Reen (Nieu Bethesda), Zolani Siphungela (Lusikisiki), and Ziyanda Majozi (Nqamakwe).
Collectively, their works offer a glimpse into the creative pulse of the province and set the tone for what promises to be a stimulating and diverse exhibition.
‘It’s always a privilege to include artists from this region in our annual Creative Block exhibition at GFI Gallery. These artists bring their own stories to add a distinctly local voice to the national conversation about living in contemporary South Africa,’ says SAT’s CEO Mirna Wessels.
In addition to the regional participants, the exhibition features works created by a varied range of Southern African talents. For this year’s show there are contributions from more than 60 artists working across a range of mediums, from paint and mosaic to mixed media and sculpture. The result is a melange of styles and artistic approaches, offering something for everyone.
Says GFI Art Gallery manager, Anna Stewart:
‘The GFI Art Gallery is proud to once again host this celebration of artistry and innovation. We’re especially thrilled to spotlight the talent coming out of the Eastern Cape – artists whose work continues to resonate both in our city and nationally – and we welcome work by other artists from further afield.’
The Spier Creative Block programme gives artists the freedom to transform blank, standard-sized blocks into striking, original works. Each completed block is carefully reviewed by SAT’s curators, with selected pieces purchased for resale, creating an important source of sustainable income for participating artists.
For collectors, the project offers an accessible way to start or expand an art collection. Each block is a one-of-a-kind piece, yet the real delight lies in how they can be grouped together, forming powerful visual reflection on the diversity of South African expression. Each piece captures a unique perspective, offering art lovers a chance to start or add to their existing collection of South African creativity this festive season.
All the details:
Title: Creative Block Exhibition
When: 4 December to 30 January
Where: GFI Art Gallery, 30 Park Drive, Gqeberha Central, 6001, Eastern Cape
Opening hours: Weekdays: 10am – 4pm; Saturdays: 10am – 1pm; closed on Sundays, public holidays and religious holidays.
Instagram: @gfiartgallery
Facebook: GFI Art Gallery
For more on the GFI Art Gallery, visit: https://gfiartgallery.com/
More information on SAT is available within the HUB website. Please visit: https://houseunionblock.co.za/
