Discovering the world of digital art at The Lekker Gallery
Cape Town – Art enthusiasts experienced a unique exhibition of digital art at the Ferrari Scuderia showroom located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
Named “Global Digital Art: Walter Benjamin’s Dialogue with Digital Intelligence”, the exhibition presented by the Lekker Gallery featured seven international digital artists along with one South African talent.
The event also included a talk by renowned South African wildlife photographer and conservationist Chris Fallows, whose artworks were part of the exhibition.
Fallows, famous for capturing the iconic Air Jaws image of a breaching Great White shark in False Bay in 2001, shared insights on the honor of documenting extraordinary moments in nature.
“The future of art lies in transforming static images into dynamic digital pieces,” Fallows remarked.
His digital piece titled Last One Standing on the Threat to Africa’s Wild Elephants is truly a must-see.
The Lekker Gallery exhibition also featured a digital artwork of a Ferrari 458 captured in Miami, USA, by Italian photographer Paolo Regis, launched under the title “Kinetica”.
Founded by Cape Town-native Damon Crowhurst, Lekker Gallery seeks to explore the intersection of art and digital displays.
“Traditional art has been instrumental in shaping our perception of the world, influencing our perspectives,” Crowhurst noted.
“Dynamic digital art represents the next phase in the evolution of art, allowing artists to convey their narratives and share their visions in innovative ways.
“It empowers artists to add a deeper layer of soul and resonance to their compositions.”
Crowhurst collaborates with esteemed international curator Huang Yi to introduce digital art to diverse audiences globally.
These two art pioneers have partnered with the UK-based StART Art fair to promote emerging digital artists in October 2024 during London’s Frieze Week.
After bringing the digital art exhibition to Cape Town, Crowhurst expressed aspirations of establishing Shanghai and Singapore as the next two global hubs for the Lekker Gallery in 2025.
Not just pictures on a wall
Crowhurst explained that Lekker Gallery was founded to bridge the gap between display technology and digital art curation.
“We are a collaborative team comprising technologists, advisors, and artists who curate, create, and implement digital storytelling,” Crowhurst stated.
“Our belief is that art consulting goes beyond merely filling blank walls with digital screens; it’s about making thoughtful art selections that narrate the distinct story behind each space.”
Each piece of art is showcased on a digital canvas.
“Being art, our screens can adapt from standard television dimensions of 16:9 to fully square displays or even vertical formats,” Crowhurst elaborated.
“The technology allows for an array of curated canvas shapes.”
“Depending on the nature of a digital artwork, we present it on various digital canvases to enhance the visual impact of the artist’s creation.
“When purchasing the artwork, the screen becomes an integral part of the artwork.”
Crowhurst further explained that Lekker Gallery “curates, sells, and installs artworks in private residences, shopping malls, corporate offices, and various venues.”
“Numerous clients have invested in digital displays but feel they haven’t maximized their investment.
“Partnering with the Lekker Gallery allows us to introduce inspiring works to elevate those spaces.”
How much does digital art sell for?
As with any market, prices are influenced by demand, and factors like the artist, the quality, and the exclusivity of the artwork play a significant role.
“NFTs introduced excitement into the digital art realm. However, many of these works were seldom appreciated beyond being viewed on mobile devices,” Crowhurst remarked.
“The emerging trend indicates a desire to invest in meaningful art that is displayed in homes, akin to how traditional art is collected.”
He noted that the United States is currently leading the way in adopting digital art, while Europe is gradually embracing the moving image, and South Africa is catching up.
A piece by Refik Anadol can fetch over US $100,000, yet there exists a wealth of remarkable moving artworks available within the $2,000 to $10,000 range.
The circulation of individual artworks greatly influences their value.
“Naturally, the more exclusive a piece and the higher the profile of the artist, the greater its worth,” Crowhurst explained.
“Most of our clients acquire pieces because they resonate with them on a deeper level, or they complement the aesthetic of a specific space they have in mind.”
Alex Stewart from Stewart & Partners, an architecture studio in Cape Town CBD that co-sponsored the exhibition, commented: “In recent years, we’ve observed an increasing desire for TVs to serve a function beyond being a blank wall feature when turned off, especially in beautifully curated living spaces.
“Incorporating digital art into the home adds value that we anticipate will continue to grow.
“Especially since one is no longer restricted to a standard television format.”
What is the future of art?
Crowhurst emphasizes that digital art should not be conflated with NFTs, which have their specific role. Instead, he asserts that the moving digital image signifies the next stage in the evolution of digital art.
He envisions clients subscribing to digital art platforms in a manner akin to subscription models for music or podcast streaming services.
In fact, several solutions such as Blackdove and Niio are already emerging in this sector.
“There will always be a space for traditional art, and we hope future generations continue to learn about the legacy of great artists, but art has consistently pushed creative boundaries,” Crowhurst remarked.
“Digital art represents the next frontier for how artists perceive themselves and the world around them.”
