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OUR GOAL

We aim to provide exhibitions of mostly smaller-scale artworks that are ‘car boot friendly’, and by gifted South African artists who don’t have gallery representation.


We have access to phenomenal ceramists, painters, sculptors and artists working in various media who are either selling from home or in the odd small gallery out of town, or via their websites. This venue gives them the opportunity to exhibit, network and access a larger data base than their own. A rising tide lifts all ships, and I hope to be a rising tide in my own small way.


The focus is on both figurative art as well as contemporary abstract art, and we also stock a range of ceramics and antique pieces from South Africa and all over the world.


As an Asian art collector and restorer (I remount old Japanese and Chinese scrolls and also practice a modern form of kintsugi – ceramic repair with gold lacquer), I will also periodically exhibit items from my own vast collection such as antique Asian textiles, kimono and obi, as well as Japanese and Asian ceramics.


We will have a feature artist every two to three months, whose work will be exhibited alongside existing stock. This concept is one I encountered in Bangkok, and it is also gaining traction in the USA, where old and new art and decorative items, furniture and even vintage Persian carpets are displayed in a more home-like setting, making the space much more inviting than the standard ‘white box’ art galleries we are so familiar with.


Personally, I find the combination and juxtaposition of antique and modern pieces beautiful and exciting. It is also more in line with how people actually live. ONYX embraces the ethos of maximalism, a design trend that is hugely popular at the moment, and is a direct response to the minimalism of yesteryear. With all the uncertainty and aggression worldwide, people want their homes to be a place of refuge, with items collected on their travels, gifts from family and friends, and things they’ve purchased over years of making a home displayed and enjoyed.


ONYX also offers an interior design and decorating service, and we love all types of décor projects – from small to large. In fact, even on small projects we could actually save our clients money. We love it when a space comes together by working with our clients’ existing décor and furniture, and all we do is add a bit of a refresh.

 

ANTIQUES ARE GREEN

 

Antique and reconditioned thrifted items also form part of our stock, and we aim to get the message across that antiques and older art is good for the environment. It also makes sense resale-wise, as an antique dining table, for instance, can often be acquired for the same amount of money as a new item from a large store, but when it comes to resale value, it is the antique that will keep its value. Case in point: my personal dining table is Georgian and dates to around 1820, yet it cost less than a modern table of vastly inferior quality.  

The Timeless Allure: Why Oriental and Asian Art Elevate Eclectic Interiors

By Alan Samons

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, few styles offer as much creative freedom and personality as the eclectic interior. Characterized by its masterful blending of textures, eras, and cultures, eclectic decor celebrates individuality—and in this celebration, Oriental and Asian art find a natural, radiant home.

There is something undeniably magnetic about the elegance of an ink-wash landscape, the intricate geometry of a Chinese screen, or the serene expression of a Japanese woodblock print. These pieces don’t simply decorate a space—they whisper stories of ancient dynasties, spiritual philosophies, and artisan traditions spanning thousands of years. When placed within a diverse and layered interior, Asian art becomes the soul of the space: a point of calm, mystery, and sophistication.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Oriental and Asian art is its reverence for balance and harmony, principles deeply rooted in Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist thought. This makes it an ideal counterpoint in eclectic interiors, which can sometimes verge on chaotic if not carefully curated. A Ming dynasty-style vase with its clean lines and delicate blue-and-white glaze, or a Thai bronze Buddha statue exuding stillness, can bring an anchoring serenity to a room filled with bold contemporary art, mid-century furniture, or maximalist prints.

Moreover, Asian art introduces texture and craftsmanship in ways that are both subtle and luxurious. Hand-painted silk scrolls, lacquered screens, and carved teak panels speak to a time when artistry meant patience and precision. These tactile elements add depth and richness to an eclectic space, inviting the eye to linger and the mind to wander.

Culturally, incorporating Oriental and Asian art also signals a worldly sensibility—a respect for traditions beyond the Western canon. It reflects a homeowner who is not just a collector of things, but of experiences, ideas, and stories. When done thoughtfully, this fusion avoids pastiche and instead becomes a celebration of global creativity.

Perhaps most striking of all is the art’s chameleon-like ability to adapt. A vibrant Tibetan thangka can add spiritual vibrancy to a bohemian living room, while minimalist Japanese calligraphy sings in a Scandinavian-inspired space. A bold Chinese dragon motif, when juxtaposed with industrial lighting or Art Deco mirrors, creates a dialogue between power and poise, old and new.

In essence, Oriental and Asian art doesn’t clash in an eclectic interior—it completes it. These pieces don’t demand the spotlight, yet they quietly transform the room, offering a sense of rootedness amidst the aesthetic free-spiritedness.

So, whether you're a seasoned design aficionado or simply someone looking to infuse your space with meaning and beauty, consider the timeless elegance of Asian art. In a world increasingly defined by the fast and the fleeting, these pieces offer a quiet, contemplative charm—one that resonates deeply in the curated chaos of eclectic design.