Running until September 24 at the Henry George Gallery (45, 6th Street, Parkhurst) is After The Winter, an exhibition of new works that tap into the hope and beauty that prevails, despite the struggle and discontent felt in recent months by many living in South Africa.

Three of the exciting quintet of artists hail from KwaZulu-Natal: Buhle Wonder Mbambo, Jane Digby and Pascale Chandler. The other two, Andrew Orapeleng Ntshabele and Thando Makhosini Ngwenya, are from Johannesburg. All are producing quality work that appeals to a wide audience and is affordable for anyone looking to start or build, their South African art collection.

Curator, Darryl Gray says: “Buhle Wonder Mbambo is at an exciting point in his career having just exhibited at the African Art Centre [in Florida Road, Durban] and in a collaborative exhibition at the KZNSA (Kwazulu Natal Society of the Arts) Gallery, along with William Kentridge and other top contemporary South African Artists.

“His work is true, dynamic and powerful and he has an exciting future ahead of him.”

Pascale Chandler established an independent painting studio offering tuition in painting in 1986. She has had six solo shows and has curated and been art consultant and cultural worker for the KZNSA (she acted as its President in 2006) and other institutions since 1997.

She was also a regional ABSA Atelier Judge in 2006, and has had work on Volkskas Atelier (1994); Momentum Art in Pretoria (1993) and the Natal Biennale (1991).

Jane Digby works closely with Pascale and has been painting for 16 years. Her works sells well due to its vibrancy and her sensitive depiction of subject matter.

Passionate about portraiture, this collection forms part of her series A Palette of Possibilities in which she takes the use of colour, texture and light to new heights. Digby’s spontaneous brush strokes and powerful use of colour are striking; her paintings portray an intimacy between the artist, the subject and the viewer.

The Henry George Gallery has hand-picked Thando Ngwenya for this exhibition – a very young, unknown and self-taught artist who bravely walked through the gallery’s front door and presented his work produced on a shoe-string.

Gray says: “Almost journalistic in their depiction of everyday street life, his paintings are never without a sense of lightness, playfulness and comradery. And the very act of Thando making this work, is his way out of the constant struggle of his life. It’s his way to live his extraordinary dream and rise above his current situation.

“He’s grown from strength to strength, and the gallery continues to nurture his talent and to create a market for his work which is selling well due to its distinct style and thematic relevance.”

Andrew Ntshabele’s paintings capture the decay and waste of the city, but also convey a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Their beauty lies in the portrayal of ordinary beauty that’s intrinsic to everyday life. It’s remarkable how he takes things that are run down – like litter in a dirty city – and use it as the inspiration for a fine art oil painting. This is quite a statement in itself,” Gray says.

Entrance is free, secure on-street parking. Visit henrygeorge.co.za or email mandy@henrygeorge.co.za for information.