Christine Thomas

Gamkaskloof Riddles / Raaisels Christine Thomas

Christine Thomas is an artist with an interest in folklore and indigenous cultures. She resided in the Karoo town of Prince Albert, South Africa, for 25 years where she engaged at all levels to seek out the life stories of the local people. This included teaching art to local children, art workshops, solo art exhibitions, and recording interviews with colourful characters in the local community. Gamkaskloof is a remote valley in the Swartberg mountain range of the Western Cape, South Africa. Occupied until the late-1950s, it was the home of an isolated but bonded community. Presented in English and Afrikaans, Gamkaskloof Riddles-Raaisels shows the creative way in which the community entertained itself. The paintings bring to life again the forgotten art of riddling and depict the remnants of a vanishing cultural landscape.