A new gallery, blending South African art and Asian antiques, opens in Parkhurst on June 7, under the watchful eye of artist, editor, traveller, and publisher Alan Samons.
Tucked into a cosy nook on 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, something quietly magical is about to happen. On June 7, ONYX – part gallery, part treasure-trove, part labour-of-love – opens its doors to the public, offering a curated collection of contemporary South African art, antique finds from Africa and Asia, and handcrafted decorative pieces.
At the heart of it all is Alan Samons, artist, editor, traveller, and longtime co-owner of Gay Pages, South Africa’s oldest LGBTQ+ magazine. With a background in publishing and a lifelong passion for Asian art and culture, Samons brings a unique perspective to this intimate creative space.
The gallery is named in memory of his much-loved dog, Onyx, who passed away two years ago. “I thought, what better tribute than to name my shop after her,” he said. “It just felt right.”
The concept for ONYX took shape after a visit to a vibrant gallery in Thailand, where traditional ideas of how art should be displayed were turned on their head. Inspired by that eclectic charm, Samons envisioned a space where modern local art could sit alongside timeworn scrolls, tribal artefacts, and lovingly restored ceramics.
Artworks are sourced both locally and abroad, and he often meets artists in person during his travels through Japan, India, and across South Africa. The gallery focuses on showcasing artists who are underrepresented elsewhere, creating an inclusive platform that blends the new with the timeless.
Among the featured artists are ceramicists Caroline Schulz Vieira, Coenrad Hattingh, and Nitsa Christopher, fine artist Steve Lowery, printmaker Denise York, and handweaver and jeweller Cinda Hunter. Samons’ work, spanning oil painting, Japanese-style florals, kintsugi ceramics, and sculptural jewellery, is also on display.
ONYX isn’t just about beautiful objects; it’s about storytelling and transformation. Samons restores antique Japanese scrolls, remounting them for modern interiors while preserving their heritage. He also creates intricate jewellery using precious metal, clay, and enamel, often mounted as miniature artworks in frames.
Opening day for ONYX is set for June 7, from 11:00 to 18:00 at Shop 7, 17 4th Avenue, Parkhurst. Guests are invited to pop in, enjoy a glass of wine, and explore a launch collection that ranges from the refined, to the unexpected – all priced to be: ‘Car boot friendly’, as Samons puts it.
With ONYX, Samons has created more than a gallery; it’s a living, breathing celebration of beauty, memory, and artistic connection.
To join upcoming workshops and creative events – from calligraphy, to kintsugi –email alansamons@gmail.com with your interest.
Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/news-headlines/2025/06/05/part-gallery-part-treasure-trove-opens-in-parkhurst/
