SmithDavidson Gallery is proud to announce that South African artist Gavin Rain has been commissioned to create a new work marking the 20th anniversary of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF). The portrait, depicting Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a long-time patron of the festival, will be unveiled at the festival’s opening concert on July 26.
Known for his meticulous pointillist approach, Rain has developed a distinct visual language using concentric circles to construct vibrant, layered portraits. This new piece will consist of 1,098 individually hand-painted circles, each engraved with a message contributed by members of the SICMF community, including past performers, faculty, audience members, and supporters.
More than just a portrait, the artwork is a collaborative tribute to the legacy of Desmond Tutu and the cultural impact of the festival. By weaving personal reflections into the visual composition, Rain bridges individual voices into a collective expression of gratitude and memory.
The finished work will be on view during the festival and forms part of a broader celebration of SICMF’s two decades of musical excellence and community engagement.
