In a VISI exclusive, we explore Making Space, the Nando’s Creative Exchange (NCX) exhibition at HUB Gallery, and speak to one of this year’s participating artists, Debbie Field, about the programme.
INTERVIEWED BY Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied
Nando’s Creative Exchange (NCX) is the flagship artist development programme within the Nando’s Art Initiative, delivered in partnership with Spier Arts Trust. It recognises emerging fine artists from Southern Africa who demonstrate exceptional talent, providing the support they need to take the next steps in their careers.
Now in its 14th year, the programme continues to provide artists with mentorship, materials and exhibition platforms that help turn creative potential into sustainable careers. The latest exhibition, Making Space — which runs from 6 November 2025 to 20 January 2026 at HUB Gallery — features artworks by Debbie Field, Mduduzi Twala, Sello Letswalo and Fleur De Bondt. Guided by mentor Emma Willemse, they’ve each contributed a cohesive body of work exploring identity, resilience and connection.
We spoke with artist Debbie Field to find out more about her Nando’s Creative Exchange journey.
What motivated you to join Nando’s Creative Exchange and how has it shaped you creatively and professionally?
“I was surprised and delighted to be nominated, and even more so to be chosen. I accepted this opportunity because I see it as a unique chance, firstly, to work with other artists and, secondly, to be mentored and encouraged to push myself further in my painting. On a creative level, working within this framework for a whole year has allowed me to become focused and single-minded towards my painting in a way I have not been able to before. I have the support and guidance of the group and our mentor, and a sense of being taken more seriously as a professional artist. For me, it’s largely about feeling more supported and, in that way, being able to access a certain latent bravery that I have not explored on my own.
“It remains to be seen how this new attitude will affect my career.”
How did your mentorship with Emma Willemse influence your work and approach to this exhibition?
“Emma’s approach as a mentor has been perfect for me. She finds a wonderful balance between allowing us, as artists, to accept the challenge of going deeper into our own vision and exploration, and being available to push us further and, very importantly, to help us return to a true focus. She never imposed anything but was always at our side to guide and encourage us. I appreciate her so much, and I have learnt a lot from her guidance.”
What’s one insight or lesson from the NCX journey that will stay with you?
“I don’t think there’s only one! The overriding gift I take from this time is a sense of belief in my own approach to painting. Having the support and the pressure to come up with a cohesive body of work that has taken a year to bring together affirms my long-held suspicion that continuous work begets more work and, consequently, even more inspiration. This means I feel I have generated great momentum, and I intend to keep that impulse going.”
Tell us about the body of work you’re presenting at House Union Block — what stories or ideas do you explore?
“This body of work comprises a set of large acrylic paintings on canvas, and a smaller set of small, framed paintings on board, also in acrylic. Working in a non-figurative way, I am exploring colour, as I always do, and, for this exhibition, more specifically, scale. The title of the exhibition, Making Space, is in line with the way I’m working right now — making space on the canvas surface for different colours, shapes, mark-making and a deep exploration of the materiality of the paint on the two-dimensional surface of the canvas. At the other end of the scale, I have pursued the same exploration, but in a very small format. I would like viewers to feel the expanse of space and the impact of colour and texture as a felt experience, no matter what the actual size of the work is. In other words, these paintings could open the viewer’s mind and heart to a new awareness of space.”
How has NCX helped you think differently about building a sustainable art career?
“Mainly, working in this way, I have had insights into what it means to be a full-time artist. This is something I’ve worked towards my whole life. Now that the demands of being a mother, and of teaching art, are slightly less, I feel a deep commitment to focus all my energy on deepening my painting career. I think differently about this prospect after working in the Creative Exchange, in that I feel I really can do it — and I have even greater determination and passion for this ambition.”
Has the experience opened any new doors or opportunities for you yet?
“No, not yet — but I’m sure they will come! I’m very much looking forward to the response to our exhibition, and to seeing where that will lead.“
If you could sum up your NCX experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
“I would sum up this whole experience by saying that I feel honoured, supported, educated and exhilarated about future possibilities. Of course, the biggest word is GRATITUDE. Thank you to all who have been involved, and thank you to my fellow participants. It has all been such a blessing and a gift.”
Spotlighting South African Talent
Making Space runs from 6 November 2025 – 20 January 2026 at HUB Gallery, Union House, in Cape Town. | nandoscreativity.co.za
Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.
