‘A Trip to the Beach’ is South African artist Bruce Marais’ celebration of the moments of joy, play, reflection, and togetherness that the sea so effortlessly inspires.
New York, United States (11 December 2025) – Born in Cape Town and now living in the Big Apple, multidisciplinary artist Bruce Marais is putting on his first independent solo exhibition in the United States, at Franklin House in New York on the 18th of December.
Titled ‘A Trip to the Beach’, the exhibit features around 40 artworks ranging from small postcard pieces to large canvases. Inspired by the South African beaches and the sunlight he grew up with in Cape Town, the collection holds a mix of nostalgia, colour, and dreamlike storytelling.
“Even when I’m not thinking about it consciously, my South African upbringing shows up in my palette, my use of bold colour, and the sense of warmth and connection in the scenes. Growing up in such a vibrant, diverse place shaped the way I see and create.” shares Bruce in conversation with Good Things Guy.
Many of Marais’ paintings are of South African beaches that hold cherished memories – Clifton, Scarborough, Bakoven, Kalkbaai, Kommetjie, and Clifton 2nd (pictured below).
“My mum was a bit of a beach babe, so Cape Town’s beaches were my happiest memories of growing up, a place of freedom, family, and simple joy. The sounds, colours, and feeling of being by the ocean are deeply imprinted in me. This exhibition is my way of honouring those memories and inviting people into that same atmosphere of lightness and nostalgia.” shares Marais.
Marais studied art direction at the AAA School of Art in Cape Town. His career started in the spheres of graphic design and illustration. Then, he pivoted. The sea was calling.
With an affinity for the great blue, Bruce spent several years working as a professional chef on superyachts. Those experiences broadened his creativity and deepened his sensitivity to detail and composition.
“Life at sea sharpened my eye. Spending so much time surrounded by water, colour shifts, and endless horizons taught me to notice subtle changes in light and mood. Those quiet moments between long kitchen shifts became my inspiration. The ocean became a visual language I still draw from today. There is a strong correlation between cooking and painting for me. Instead of ingredients, I use colours, but both are artistic expressions!”
Bruce’s work has travelled internationally, exhibiting in South Africa and abroad in Morocco and Brazil. Now landing in New York for one night only, Marais says it’s a milestone in his art career.
“This exhibition feels like a significant milestone. New York has a different kind of energy, and presenting a full body of work here feels both exciting and deeply meaningful. It’s a mix of gratitude, pride, and the good kind of nerves.” he shares.
A Trip to the Beach will exhibit at Franklin House, 533 Canal Street, NYC, on 18 December 2025. Reserve a spot here.
Sources: GTG
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