Artists We Love: Galia Gluckman

INTERVIEWED BY Malibongwe Tyilo


At first glance, Galia Gluckman’s atmospheric artworks look like they could be mosaic tiles or incredibly detailed paintings. A closer look reveals pigment ink on cotton paper, all meticulously collaged.

Although she qualified and worked as a fashion designer operating in London and New York, about a decade ago Galia made the return to fine art, a journey which has seen her exhibit solo shows in New York, Israel and Cape Town. Her work has also made it into covetable private collections such as the Rupert Collection, the M&C SAATCHI collection and the Hilton Hotel Group. In 2010 she made another return, back to South Africa. The Durban raised artist now resides in Cape Town, and will be showing new work with the Everard Read Gallery at the city’s Cape Town Art Fair in February.

What attracted you to collage? Especially a technique as meticulous as yours.

I get a charge from the physical act of cutting and pasting paper. It is a form of meditation. The definite edges achieved through cutting are part of my desired aesthetic and I enjoy the endless possibilities.

Over time, your work has moved more towards abstraction and less recognisable patterns. What motivated this move?

It has been a natural progression. It is all about self-expression for me. Over time, I have managed to let go of the confines of needing the works to represent something physical.

You’ve lived in Durban, New York, London, Tel Aviv and now Cape Town. How have your experiences in these different places affected your artistic output? 

Living in different countries has greatly influenced my mindset. Absorbing the cultures of where I was living, be it South Africa, London, Israel or New York does matter quite a bit to how I behave and how I think, and as a result, how I work. Living in Cape Town, my work has shifted from skyscraper-like forms to more organic representations of shapes that are unpredictable and have more movement. There is still an influence of New York in my work. Perhaps there is a harmony between the geometric and organic shapes.

You made the transition from fashion designer to artist a decade ago, does your understanding of design benefit your artistic practice?

The transition from fashion to fine art was inevitable. Throughout my fashion career as a lingerie designer, I would paint and draw in the evenings. I didn’t find the industry fulfilling; I found there was a lack of freedom of expression. I believe that the influence of fashion on my artworks has not been overt or straightforward. Pattern making was a definite influence, which I believe is evident in some of the works.  For example “summer scape”, where the underlying layer is made up of larger pieces that fit together like the pieces of a paper clothing pattern.

What were the biggest challenges in making that transition?

The biggest challenge was getting the work from my Long Island studio noticed and into the Manhattan galleries/art fairs. It was a whole new and extremely competitive industry.  I don’t think I was in touch with the realistic challenges, because I was so consumed with exploring and developing my technique. I decided to do what I truly loved and had faith it would work out.

What excites you about the local art scene?

There is an abundance of great artwork in Cape Town. The more established galleries have connections with overseas galleries. Locally, there is a keen culture and interest in fine art. The collectors and showgoers are equally as valuable. There is so much going on, it’s actually hard to keep up!

Your three favourite artists (local or international)?

It is so very hard to choose just three! Hundertwasser, Dylan Lewis and Nelson Makamo.

What can we expect to see from your upcoming show?

I am exhibiting with the Everard Read Gallery in Cape Town. My work for this year’s Art Fair is full of colour and it is large-scale. Through these new works, I have explored the consequences of lack of time in this digital age. I am motivated to honour time through the time consuming details.

The Cape Town Art Fair will run from 19 – 21 February 2016 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Visit capetownartfair.co.za for tickets.