Deur Liesel le Roux

The award-winning poet Isobel Dixon treated and charmed Oudtshoornites to a reading of her poems at the opening of an art exhibition in town on Thursday evening. Dixon, who is working as a literary agent to several South African authors in London, won both the Sanlam Prize and Olive Schreiner Prize for her first poetry collection Weather Eye.

Her latest selection, A Fold in the Map, charts two different voyages: the tracing of the dislocation of leaving one’s native country, and a searching exploration of grief at a father’s final journey.

Dozens of candles created the perfect background for Dixon’s soothing words and delightful persona. The theme of the exhibition, Let There be Light, has its roots in the Eskom electricity crisis. On display were several stunning ceramic candle holders and lamps by world renowned artist Thijs Nel who resides in Oudtshoorn. as well as other sculptures and art works by local artists. The Oudtshoorn gallery, ArtKaroo, belongs to Dixon’s sister, Janet, a local medical doctor and artist.

According to Janet the exhibition strives to bring warmth and hope to people in times of economic and political stress. “Let’s return to the simple things and find happiness therein.” The exhibition runs until 12 July.