Hello There, Fellow Wanderers,
This Saturday, October 26th, Milan, the fashion and art capital of Italy, will host the much-anticipated opening of the Expometro exhibition, an event designed to merge creativity with innovation in a space that fosters global unity through art. As the only South African artist participating, I am thrilled to bring a touch of my homeland's beauty and ethos to this international platform, showcasing my black-and-white photographic piece, "Blushing Brides."
Expometro: A Global Stage for Artistic Exchange
Expometro has become a cornerstone for contemporary art, creating spaces where artists from all corners of the globe converge to share their unique perspectives. The initiative believes in democratizing art by breaking down the barriers between artists and the public, presenting art in highly visible, accessible urban spaces—this time, on the grand LED wall in Piazza San Carlo, in front of the iconic Basilica San Carlo in Milan. The juxtaposition of modern technology and classic architecture sets the perfect scene for art that speaks to both the past and the present.
At the heart of Expometro is the belief that art should be shared, not hidden within the confines of galleries. Their open-air exhibitions invite all who pass by to engage with the work, offering moments of pause, reflection, and connection. This philosophy resonates deeply with me, both as a photographer and as a creative entrepreneur behind Capegypsy. My work, whether it’s a photographic project or a Capegypsy collection, thrives on accessibility, sustainability, and the idea that beauty should be something that enhances daily life.
Shared Values: Gwen Rankin Photography, Capegypsy, and Expometro
Both Expometro and my brands—Gwen Rankin Photography and Capegypsy—champion inclusivity, connection to nature, and a commitment to creating art that reflects and respects the world around us. Expometro’s decision to feature a public digital platform aligns with my personal philosophy of breaking traditional boundaries in the art world. Like the open-air exhibitions of Expometro, Capegypsy products are made to be lived with—whether it's sustainable skincare or eco-conscious fashion, my designs embrace simplicity, nature, and a sense of wanderlust.
In my photography, I strive to create pieces that feel alive, offering a delicate dance between form and feeling, between the natural world and human emotion. Expometro’s commitment to diversity in artistic expression has drawn me in, giving me the opportunity to exhibit my work alongside creators from across the globe. I’m deeply honoured to be the only South African artist at this event, as this highlights how the universal language of art can transcend geographic borders, reminding us all of our shared human experience.
"Blushing Brides": A Tribute to South African Beauty
For this exhibition, I’ve chosen to showcase my piece titled "Blushing Brides," a black-and-white photograph that pays homage to the South African wildflower, Serruria florida, commonly known as the Blushing Bride. Found only in the Western Cape, this delicate flower symbolizes the elegance and resilience of nature, a fitting representation of the aesthetic I wanted to bring to Milan.
The decision to present the piece in black and white was intentional. Black-and-white photography strips away distractions, allowing the viewer to focus solely on the form, texture, and intricacy of the subject. In "Blushing Brides," the ethereal delicacy of the flower is highlighted, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate nature’s finest details. The monochromatic palette also mirrors the timelessness I aim for in my work, giving the flower a sense of being suspended in time, beyond trends or seasons.
Choosing this piece for Expometro was a way to introduce an international audience to the rare beauty of South Africa’s flora. But more than that, it felt like the right piece to highlight the connection between nature and art—a theme that’s at the core of everything I create. Just as Capegypsy embraces eco-conscious living through sustainable materials, my photography celebrates the raw beauty of nature in its most vulnerable state.
The Artists Involved: A Global Collective of Creativity
One of the most exciting aspects of Expometro is the diversity of artists it brings together. From emerging talent to established names in the contemporary art scene, the exhibition offers a rich tapestry of perspectives. The participating artists hail from various countries and creative disciplines, each contributing to a vibrant, global dialogue through their work.
The line-up includes painters, sculptors, digital artists, and photographers, all unified by their commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. Milan’s open-air exhibition format further democratizes the experience, offering a chance for passersby to engage with art in unexpected ways.
Why This Piece?
"Blushing Brides" holds a personal significance for me, not only because of its beauty but because of what it represents. The flower’s name alone conjures images of beginnings, love, and fleeting beauty—concepts that are deeply rooted in my approach to art. Much like the delicate bloom of the Serruria florida, moments in life are transient, and part of the beauty lies in their impermanence. My photography aims to capture these fleeting moments, preserving them while also allowing them to exist in a space where time is irrelevant.
I also chose this piece as a way to explore the relationship between human emotion and the natural world. The Blushing Bride, with its fragile appearance, belies a hidden strength—a resilience that is mirrored in nature’s ability to thrive even in harsh conditions. This is a theme I often explore in both my photography and my work with Capegypsy: the balance between fragility and strength, between vulnerability and endurance.
Looking Forward
The opening of Expometro marks an important moment not just for the artists involved, but for Milan as a cultural hub. It is an honour to contribute to an exhibition that so deeply aligns with my values as both a creator and as a South African. I hope that visitors who pause to view "Blushing Brides" will leave with a sense of calm and a deeper appreciation for the beauty that lies in the details, in nature, and in life itself.
As the exhibition unfolds, I am excited to see how audiences from all over the world engage with my work and how this shared experience will continue to inspire my journey as both a photographer and founder of Capegypsy.
Take care,
