“TWSALU – A NEW BEGINNING”

An Exhibition of Botanical Art by Gillian Condy

“Retirement is a time for new opportunities” - the saying goes.

Soon after retiring from the very fulfilling post of senior botanical artist at the South African National Biodiversity Institute, which I held for nearly thirty-five years, I was offered the extraordinary opportunity of spending many weeks resident at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. 

Here was my dream of a new beginning with the opportunity and freedom to spend time exploring this new area of South Africa, with its wide range of plant species, in an unspoilt and protected wilderness.

I was able to draw and paint whatever subject I chose, and to enjoy the inspirational Research Centre which brings together a variety of people each studying different fauna and flora of the area, and all keen to share their passion and knowledge for their specialist subject and to learn from others. The energy and creativity of the Centre was a memorable experience, and I was humbled by the knowledge, the love and respect for the reserve which I saw in the team who worked there and showed me round.

This exhibition is my chance to share the beauty and intricacy of the plants I found and recorded in this amazing place which is Tswalu.

Exhibition on-line catalogue can be found on the Everard Read Circa Gallery website (Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa)