As the last month of this year sets in, and the summer season in the African continent is officially open, the time has come for the grand annual Summer Salon at Nel. The Summer Salon 2025.26 is already open and will run through January 31, 2026, with a rotating group exhibition giving an opportunity to a wide selection of artists to showcase their art. Here are the main details about the exhibition and the lineup of participating artists.
Highlights of the Summer Salon 2025.26
The collection of art, presented at the Summer Salon 2025.26, includes a huge variety of creations by local artists, from emerging voices in South African art to well-established and internationally known names. The main highlights of this year’s exhibition, potentially of interest to knowledgeable collectors, include works by Susan Proctor and Many Libuta, among other talented artists.
Susan Proctor is a South African artist, born in Johannesburg, who works in mixed-media art. The exhibition particularly features her oversized collage "Bonsai," hand-signed by the artist.
Many Libuta is a Congolese-origin artist living and working in South Africa. The artist is heavily influenced by Surrealists, especially Salvador Dali, which has translated into his dreamlike, impactful visual language. At Nel’s Summer Salon, visitors can enjoy Libuta’s portrait/s of Bravery.
Other interesting art objects to explore at Nel Gallery include “A Drop in the Ocean” series by Andrew Munnik, a well-known contemporary surrealist artist, and Anita van Zyl’s charming 2026 still life “Nasturtium Joy.” Works by Anton Brink can also be purchased at Nel, including the 2008 canvas “Shattered Illusions,” distinguished by its powerful psychological and spiritual component, and the 2025 "Untitled," performed in the artist’s signature thick impasto technique.
What Does a Salon Mean?
The annual Summer Salon at Nel Gallery follows a unique salon-style method of art curation. Art is placed on the gallery’s walls dynamically, with additional works emerging on the walls over time and pieces bought by customers being replaced by new ones. Artworks are hanging from floor to ceiling, filling the entire walls with a versatile selection of art styles. This way, even those who visit the exhibition multiple times can enjoy fresh displays and find something new that speaks to them. This makes the exhibition universally appealing to both seasoned collectors and occasional visitors on travel in Cape Town.