Interviewing Gail Dörje from The Cape Gallery
Situated in one of CBD’s favourite side streets, The Cape Gallery is one of the art galleries in Cape Town that has been around
since 1973.
I ring no. 60 Church Street’s doorbell and admire the Gregorian looking building with an old cottage at the back that dates back to Cape Town’s early developments in 1781. The door opens, and I’m immediately greeted by local art.
I am quickly invited through the gallery to a large table filled with notes, brochures and artistic scribbles. Gail Dörje sits back while I open my ShowMe Cape Town notepad.
What is the main art style exhibited in The Cape Gallery?
We create a platform for art diverse cultural backgrounds that typify the rich social fabric of the Cape society. The conservative sea, land and cityscapes in traditional media, and carefully observed images of flora & fauna and fauna are offset by the vibrant street art of the townships. We also stock fine ceramics, bronzes and graphics.
How many artists does your gallery represent?
About 15 core artists and a contemporary selection of others. Actually over 400 artists. But the question may not be how many; because of the diverse selection, there are key exponents in each range of art.
Does your gallery include national and international artists?
We aim to exhibit only South African artists. Local Art. It is very important for us to promote what we have here.
We represent mainly Capetonians and then a couple of artists who started out as Capetonians and have moved elsewhere. Much of the wildlife work comes from Mpumalanga and Zimbabwe.
What makes The Cape Gallery different to other galleries in Cape Town?
I think that we are slightly less formal and have very intimate relationships with our clients in comparison to other art galleries in Cape Town. There is an outward looking emphasis on perceptual art in the gallery – a respect for the traditional skills of painting, graphic and sculpture. We look for work that is accessible and sustainable in terms of quality. Work that appeals to the acumen of the collector.
How do you select a piece of artwork for your gallery?
It is easy to see when an artist has an emotional connection with his or her subject. There is life there!
The discipline of a Fine Art degree reigns me in too– the work must be well composed, the technique and media well used.
Do you hold any events or special exhibitions?
We have 13 exhibitions a year.
This includes the core group of artists that we represent as well as new artists joining us. Exhibitions happen in the back section of the gallery, whilst we mostly deal in the front section.
How did you get involved in The Cape Gallery?
I originally assisted Edgar Bosman who did the restoration for The South African National Gallery – IZIKO. When he passed away in 1992 I reconvened the gallery for the owner of the building and bought the gallery from him after two years in 1994. The last 20 years have been an amazing experience.
I’ve been part of two decades of art flowing through the gallery doors. I’ve rubbed shoulders with characters and famous people and personalities who buy and browse through my art gallery and it has just been such a privileged experience.
What is your favourite piece of art?
I don’t have favourites. If I do these change from day to day.
But coming from formal training I really enjoy German Expressionism.
When did you decide to work in the art industry?
I always loved art. It speaks of the human spirit. I couldn’t spell, my maths was okay and even though I felt my painting wasn’t good enough to pursue a career as a visual artist, I taught, lectured, wrote reviews and have always immersed myself in the art world.
By the way, I don’t think of it as an industry – art is not a commodity.
What is your advice to young aspiring artists?
Decide who you are. Art is identity, identity, and identity.
Say what you want to say. Art is a communication of who you are, where you’re from and things that have impacted your life. Work from what you know. There are no rules.
What do you see happening with The Cape Gallery in the future?
I see The Cape Gallery as staying small and intimate, it reflects the heritage building that houses it. I would also always aim to have wonderful local art exhibited here in The Cape Gallery.
Content | Ed Beukes