Cover Image. Finalist Banner (2026) About my Entry POPTXT Re-conceptualised The POPTXT exhibition (2017) [1] fulfilled the requisite for my Masters exhibition and investigated the phenomenon of text messaging as a postmodern human sign and symbol of computer mediated communication. The research streams of socio-linguistic theory, semiotics, philosophy and the psychology of identity converged into the conceptual expression of text messaging in contemporary visual art. Inspired

Lucelle Pillay, Research Map (2025) Abstract: This study analyses ethnoracial identity formation from the perspective of the self (the artist) and the collective (artists, historians, curators, academics), applying a qualitative mixed methodology within this practice-led visual art research. The enquiry into ‘Indian’ South African identity is both complex and perplexing. A dialogical approach to both theory and art practice provides intellectual and intuitive responses abou

Cover Image. Lucelle at Reverse Futures (2026). Composite image About JCAF There are very few art events that would tempt me to venture outside on a weekend and brave July's icy winter spell. However, I couldn't resist the Johannesburg Contemporary Art Foundation's latest exhibition. Launched in 2020, JCAF celebrates their sixth year in the service of bringing art research and museum-quality exhibitions to the local community. This NGO is focused on conducting academic resear

Cover Image. When we Gather @ Circa (2026). (Image courtesy of Everard Read) (Graphic courtesy of Bag Factory) (Composite image: Lucelle Pillay) I recently attended the current exhibition, When we Gather at Everard Reads' Circa gallery [1] on the Keyes Art Mile. This confluence of artistic expression is on show from 4 June to 3 July 2026 and marks the 35th anniversary of Bag Factory Artists' Studios [2]. Artist and writer Winifred Mueni (2026) states, " The Bag Factory Artis

Cover Image I: The band, Plum. 2026. (left to right) Ryan Greenwood, Warren Leicher & Kevin Leicher. (Photo: Sherene Hustler Photography), (Composite graphic: Lucelle Pillay) The Original Band Cover Image I depicts the 'new' Plum, this contemporary iteration captures the seasoned band members in sleek suites and shades. They have ditched the distressed T-shirts and jeans popularised in the 90s for a nuanced sophistication of image and sound. A stark contrast of the original b

Fig 1. Lucelle Pillay, Theresa Anthoniamah Pillay. 2025. Digital Copy. (Date of photo unknown). Note: The racial descriptor 'Indian' appears in single quotations throughout this article. This reserves its use as necessary within the local socio-political framework of South Africa, yet open to dialectical deconstruction within the argument of identity. A deconstructive approach is applied to this term, but not to supplant it with a truer designation (Hall 1996:1), which may me

Fig. 1. Industrial Designer, Tyla Brassey. 2024. Image courtesy of Lucelle Bernadette Pillay. George Campbell School of Technology...

Figure 1. Lucelle viewing 'Insurgicias Botanicas'. 2017. Garrido-Lecca at JCAF. Photo courtesy of Lucelle Bernadette Pillay. I had the...

Figure 1. Jodie Pillay (Tattoo Artist). 2024. Graphic image by Lucelle Pillay (Image & Logo are subject to Copyright) Azalea Ink Tattoo...

Figure 1. The Inside Out Centre for the arts. 2024. (Image courtesy of Ballen, graphic text by Lucelle Pillay) If you've ever encountered...

Jeanette Le Roux has become a familiar face in Linden's buzzy 4th Avenue. As the owner of the popular 'Jeanetics Hairdressing', she...

Hot out of Redbrick's Kitchen is our popular, 'Spicy Veggie Breyani'. This meal is completely 'Vegan-Friendly' and very economical. If...

Figure 1. Riason Naidoo. Photographic Hall: The Indian in Drum Magazine the 1950's . 2023 (Panoramic Photo by Lucelle Bernadette Pillay) At his request, I met the charismatic artist, Nanda Soobben at the 1860 Heritage Centre in Durban. The museum houses the archives, documentation and books that relate to South African Indian history and culture. I noticed that Nanda was a familiar and well respected mentor at the centre, as he engaged with a few tutors and students at one of

Figure 1: Kevin Leicher at the Johannesburg Contemporary Art Foundation. 2023 (Photo by Lucelle Bernadette Pillay) I had the pleasure of...

Figure 1. Sarat Maharaj profile [s.a.] (Centre for arts and Media Karlsruhe 2023) © Sarat Maharaj The life and work of the art historian,...

Figure 1. Zeitz Mocaa. Entrance. Panoramic View. Photo courtesy of Lucelle Bernadette Pillay. 2023 While on holiday in the ‘Mother...

It was my absolute privilege to interview South African - born, Curator, Writer, Researcher and Philosopher, the esteemed, Professor...

Clarens The ‘weekend getaway’ for the artist is more than just some time away from the city. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse...

Cover Image. 2021.The exterior of the Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation. Image courtesy of JCAF. © Photography Graham De Lacy....