Ann Gadd has been a writer and artist since the day she learnt to scrawl her first image in crayon across her bedroom wall. (An event her parents found to be less auspicious.) In 1997 she won the award for best acrylic artist at the South African Society of Artists annual event, which introduced her to galleries and convinced her to pursue her artistic career.
General
Ann is a popular contemporary artist with paintings hanging worldwide and representation in nine galleries. In her 20+ year career she has exhibited numerous times both locally and abroad.
Ann Gadd’s portfolio demonstrates a profound understanding of visual dialogue rooted in the interplay between cultural symbolism and contemporary street art aesthetics. The strength of her work lies in the vibrant collision of these seemingly disparate worlds, evoking a sense of historical continuity while engaging with modern artistic sensibilities. The use of African wildlife, specifically animals iconic to her native South Africa, anchors her work in a deep cultural context, while the graffiti-inspired marks push the narrative into the realm of the urban and the immediate. This dialogue between the playful and the profound is a hallmark of her portfolio, imbuing it with a sense of energy and immediacy. It recalls Basquiat’s ability to navigate complex narratives using the language of graffiti while at the same time echoing William Kentridge’s ongoing engagement with South African history and identity.
Eugenia Durandy, Art Advisory, Paris and Normandy
Most notably at the:
- Florence Biennale,
- Belfast,
- New Zealand,
- England (Brick Lane Gallery, London and Art @ Five, Brighton)
- Glascow Art Fair
- Edinburgh Art Fair
- as well as numerous galleries in South Africa.
Her first solo exhibition was at the AVA Gallery in Cape Town.
Series:
Her series include:
- Palindromes and Popular Icons
- The sheep ewe/you series
- Zulu Lulu
- Going to the Dogs
- Wildlife
She has become most known for her “sheep” or “ewe” series of paintings.
You’re also welcome to contact me to view work at my studio by appointment so you can chat about what you’re looking for. Commissions usually take on average three to six weeks. If you’d like to discuss a project that would be great, or add suggestions for the website fill in the form below. If you’re wanting to commission a painting let me have an idea of size and colors preferred, and I’ll let you have pricing, delivery date and shipping costs. Note: Rolled paintings are cheaper to ship.
