“I believe that making art is a compulsive act of self expression that can only be realized through the collaborative act of creating and experiencing. Creating art for me is about constantly reflecting on my place in the reality. Using art to express an emotional, intellectual and tactile value, discovering how to distill and interpret my interaction with what surrounds me and documenting that personal relationship.”

Gary Frier (b.1972, Cape Town) grew up in the then segregated northern suburb of Kuilsriver in the Western Cape. He gained his qualification as a Graphic Designer at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2004. After working in various design industries Gary moved to create art of a more personal nature.

Besides working as an independent artist Gary is currently working as a freelance artist/designer and teacher. He is also teaching/facilitating a visual art and pottery programme at the occupational therapy department at Valkenburg Psychiatric hospital.

Gary Frier’s work has a strong graphic quality. He is interested in imbuing the two-dimensional image of his chosen subject with an expressive mood and personality, be it figurative or abstract. Frier combines contemporary and historical African elements and juxtaposes masks, photography, fabric detail and colour with urban figures. His themes and subjects are inspired by socio-political themes as well as the art and craft of cultures that live or have lived close to the nature. He finds inspiration in many forms of media and says that his art is about emotive reflection of his place in the world. He has exhibited extensively at public and private institutions and galleries both locally and abroad.

He lives in the Western Cape and works predominately from his studio at his home in Kuilsriver, Cape Town.