Thanks to Ilze-Mari Van Zyl for publishing this article on www.capetownetc.com La Galleria’s latest exhibition offers a unique lens into the world through the eyes of McGregor resident Dani. Going beyond conventional norms, Dani skillfully manipulates exposures and embraces unconventional development processes, resulting in a refreshing perspective on reality in his latest exhibition, Inner Garden. What sparked Dani's photographic journey was the local poetry festival, and now, McGregor's gardens serve as his canvas. Diverging from traditional landscape photography, Dani employs experimental techniques both in the field and the digital darkroom. The resulting images gracefully border the realms of representation and abstraction. Nature retains its essence yet appears subtly distorted, while forms are suggested but remain charmingly indistinct. ‘These final artworks represent a willingness to experiment, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, and unveiling new visions of reality,’ says Dani. Born and raised in Italy, Dani moved to South Africa in 2011 to leave the fast-paced European lifestyle and business world behind. Mcgregor’s tranquil setting allowed his passion for photography, once a pastime, to organically evolve into something deeper. On show every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 to 2:30 pm | Weekdays by appointment Location: La Galleria, 7 Bree Street, Mcgregor View the collection online at: https://www.danisphotos.com/inner-garden

Photographs at the Edge of Reality and Imagination Dani presents his latest collection of images at this innovative exhibition. Captured within the verdant gardens of McGregor, these photographs push the boundaries of what the camera lens can see. Venturing beyond traditional landscape photography, Dani explored experimental techniques in both the field and the digital darkroom. By manipulating exposures, and embracing an unorthodox developing process, He has created images that straddle the line between representation and abstraction. Nature is visible yet distorted, forms are suggested yet indistinct. Walking through these gardens, Dani saw not just beauty but possibility. Each flower, tree, and shimmering reflection presented an opportunity to challenge convention and see the world anew. These final artworks are the tangible results of a willingness to experiment, to transform the mundane into the extraordinary, and to reveal new visions of reality. On show from 5 pm on Friday 01 Dec 2023 at La Galleria in Mcgregor. View the collection online at: https://www.danisphotos.com/inner-garden

a group exhibition featuring five local artists and their unique interpretations of life in the village of McGregor. Opening October 7th and running through October 29th, “Coalescence” includes works by Joni-Leigh Doran, Richard Joshua, James de Knoop, Mark Chipps, and Dani’s Photos that explore how the village’s natural surroundings, architecture, and community come together to form McGregor’s distinct character. Each artist has interpreted their village in a distinct way, from Doran’s delicate and colorful oil paintings to Joshua’s portraits oil on mixed media. De Knoop, network canals are part of his ongoing studies of light and shadow, while Chipps, a professional photographer, has focused on the natural beauty surrounding McGregor and its people. Dani’s Photos rounds out the group with a curated collection of superimposed images. Though each artist has a unique style and subject matter, their works are tied together by a shared appreciation for the village they call home. "Coalescence" is a celebration of McGregor’s natural surroundings, architecture, and community coming together to create a place unlike any other. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of what makes this village so special through the eyes of these five local artists. Group Exhibition featuring: Joni-Leigh Doran Richard Joshua James de Knoop Mark Chipps Dani’s Photos On exhibition at La Galleria from 07 Oct to 29 Oct 2023

At La Galleria, we are very excited to present a new artist, photographer Mark Chipps. Mark’s photographs capture the majesty and diversity of the world, from the everyday moments to the extraordinary. His photos are vibrant and captivating, displaying a unique vision of the world. Mark will be part of the upcoming group exhibition at La Galleria ‘ Coalescence’ Oct 2023 https://www.danisphotos.com/events/coalescence Have a look at Mark’s creations on our website: https://www.danisphotos.com/danis-friends-prints?Artist=Mark+Chipps Mark’s bio at: https://www.danisphotos.com/artists#mark-chipps

By viewing the ‘Tra Terra e Mare’ series, we gain a glimpse into the natural wonders of South Africa’s hidden gems. Through Dani’s lens, we can experience the vibrant colors of the landscapes, the subtle hues of the sea, and the changing light during sunsets and sunrises. With every photograph, we are transported to a new and captivating world. The photographs in Tra Terra e Mare tell a story of the wild and diverse beauty of South Africa. See the Series ~See personally at La Galleria or online✨ Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 - 14:30 or by appointment with pleasure. 7 Bree St, McGregor, South Africa.

The understanding of liminality has multiple contexts, ranging from the social and cultural to the spatial. The root word limen “is derived from the Latin word for ‘threshold,’ and literally means ‘being on a threshold”. It is the in-between stage where “the realm of conscious and unconscious speculation and questioning exists. Where tradition and ideas are intermingled, taken apart and reassembled – where memory, values, and intentions collide. This sense of liminality is represented by historical houses located in a small town called McGregor, in the Western Cape. McGregor is a place steeped in history - history in its own right, as well as part of the history of our country. Through my paintings I seek to re-establish the houses as both a physical presence and as a metaphor. The historical houses with their small windows convey a sense of discontinuity, “a shutting in and a shutting out.” Where the outside and the inside do not meet. With layering and mark-making I am blurring the perception of the occupied space, becoming both one thing and at the same time another. An in between space, a space of ambiguity, threshold, transition and, an experience of liminality, creating a homogenous space where the house and its surrounds are visually merged - a moment of ambiguity or opportunity. On exhibition at La Galleria from 20 May to 11 June 2023 Discover the exhibition's artwork Richard Joshua Artist Richard Joshua, Cape Town, South Africa (1962 - ) “I see my art as a journey of discovery, with the freedom to explore and develop my own visual language. I am fascinated and drawn to the interruption of realism, by improvising with painterly brush strokes and mark making. My aim is to create movement and emotion in a realm where colour and expression is appreciated more than true representation.” Richard is resident in the historic town of McGregor, Western Cape. It is here that he has found the perfect setting for his artistic expression. From his childhood in the townships, through his graphic design and visual art studies, to his strong connection with the native people of Arizona, he has always been immersed in visual imagery in some form or other. Portraits, commonplace buildings, landscapes and horses are the focal points of some of his most celebrated artwork. Through innovative use of brushes, squeegees, ink brayers and palette knives, Richard creates a unique style that conveys a sense of life, vibrance and captures the true essence of the subject. Richard lists Nicoli Fechen, Alex Kanevsky and Christian Hook, amongst others, as current sources of inspiration.

This series of paintings was made over the period of a year, from mid winter to mid winter. For me they are an introduction to the DNA that can be absorbed from the network of canals and sluices. The heritage of these aqua ducts goes back centuries when survival in the Karoo depended on the water that they delivered. These monuments, feats of creative engineering, are embedded into the landscape of this region. They literally sing. The paintings form a part of my ongoing studies of light and shadow, the balance of contrast, colour tone combinations and composition. Here I visually approach the philosophy of in between, the unseen destinations along the way, object and non object, gateways to other habitats and the impression/illusion that is created with paint on a flat surface. The darkest place is right next to the brightest light. On exhibition at La Galleria from 30 July to 14 August 2022 Discover the exhibition's artwork James de Knoop To publish a biography, I feel that to say something in this context is to omit something else. What I can say is that I was born in Johannesburg in 1966 and for as long as I can remember I am fascinated by the language of the arts and have been practicing as a professional painter for thirty years.

Thank you to everyone for being part of our journey! Currently on display is my 'Atman' series. Atman is a Sanskrit word, defined as an individual's inner self, spirit or soul. It is the true self as opposed to the ego. Atman is eternal and is itself the core essence of each individual. This series of images is my attempt to convey this concept. La Galleria invites you to come and enjoy the exhibition ~ in person is best of course however if you’re further afield, then do browse the full exhibition here. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch. Until next time, with Love Dani

La Galleria’s current exhibition, Cognisance, will be up until the 13th of February. It’s an exceptional body of work and collaborating with artist Joni-Leigh Doran has been such a big pleasure. If you’d like to hear the story of how this series of beautiful equine artworks came to be, then I recommend that you hop over to Lanalou Style. Here you’ll get a sneak peek into Joni-Leigh’s studio and lifestyle and hear about the inspiration that sparked the way. La Galleria invites you to come and enjoy the exhibition ~ in person is best of course however if you’re further afield, then do browse the full collection here.

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During the past months, I have felt the need to reconnect with my surroundings and nature in general. So, I went back to landscaping, seascaping, and moon hunting. I also played around with some creative ways of capturing flowers. Take a look at some creations that came out of that. Now, in addition to my framed and mounted options, you can get my images printed on CANVAS as well. There is also a new section of Large Canvas Prints dedicated to my big panoramas (up to 240cm) They have a beautiful soft, warm and modern feel, take a look. More great news from La Galleria is that I am now proudly hosting the artwork of local Artist Edna Fourie. Take a look. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch. Until next time, with Love Dani