AGAC 2024 3rd Place Winner - Marguerite Smal - The Pearl of Limpopo
SKU: 85439917556

AGAC 2024 3rd Place Winner - Marguerite Smal - The Pearl of Limpopo

Sale price$17550.00 Regular price$19500.00
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AGAC 2024 3rd Place Winner - Marguerite Smal - The Pearl of LimpopoArtist Name: Marguerite Smal Title: The Pearl of Limpopo Size: 1000. 00mm x 1000. 00mm Medium Oil paint on Canvas Framed: Unframed Price: R39,000 Artist Bio: Marguerite Smal is a self taught South African artist whose work is deeply rooted in the exploration of identity, societal roles, and the natural world. Born and raised in Pretoria, Marguerite's passion for art was ignited during her high school years under the guidance of her art teacher, Mr.

Artist Name: Marguerite Smal
Title: The Pearl of Limpopo
Size: 1000.00mm x 1000.00mm
Medium Oil paint on Canvas
Framed: Unframed
Price: R39,000
Artist Bio:

Marguerite Smal is a self-taught South African artist whose work is deeply rooted in the exploration of identity, societal roles, and the natural world. Born and raised in Pretoria, Marguerite's passion for art was ignited during her high school years under the guidance of her art teacher, Mr. Marcus Coetser. His influence left a lasting impact on her creative development, shaping her approach to both technique and storytelling.

In 2020, Marguerite made a bold shift, leaving behind her successful career as a software developer to pursue her true calling as an artist. She started a small leather workshop, which allowed her to channel her creativity into various artistic endeavours, from handmade leather goods to intricate visual art. This decision marked a significant turning point in her life, enabling her to dedicate herself fully to her art and explore new creative horizons.

Living on a farm in Hennopsrivier, Gauteng, Marguerite finds constant inspiration in the natural beauty around her. Her environment, combined with a deep admiration for the strength and resilience of South African women, serves as the foundation for much of her work. She is particularly drawn to the stories of women who navigate the complexities of modern life while staying connected to their cultural and traditional roots.

Marguerite's preferred mediums are oil paint, charcoal, and aquarelle pencils, which allow her to create rich textures and depth in her work. Whether using the boldness of oil paint to convey emotion or the soft subtleties of charcoal and pastels to bring out intricate details, she selects her medium based on the subject and the story she aims to tell. Each medium offers a different way to explore light, shadow, and texture, helping her to vividly portray the characteristics and stories of her subjects.

Her recent works focus on the internal conflict faced by young women torn between traditional expectations and the pressures of contemporary society. Her art explores the dual roles that women are often expected to play — as nurturers and providers, highlighting the emotional and cultural challenges they encounter. These themes resonate strongly in South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape, where women are frequently expected to balance family, career, and heritage.

Through her artwork, Marguerite captures the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of women, offering a nuanced portrayal of the challenges they face in an ever-evolving world.

Inspiration My work titled The Pearl of Limpopo, as Inspired by the work of Franz Xaver Winterhalter, drew inspiration from all the diverse, strong women in South Africa. The woman depicted in the work, Named Calfonia, is a leather worker. She is from Limpopo, but like many other people she had to leave her village behind to work in Johannesburg. This work emphasizes the modern cultural dilemma of being torn between your traditional roots, and a modern, economic society. In the work of art Calfonia is wearing a traditional skirt, but the lace fan in her hand is of complete European origin. Her beads are in a traditional style, but it’s made of pearls. This is a visual metaphor for how time has blurred the lines between what was traditionally acceptable at home, and modern cultural influences. Women in South Africa has Faught for so many years for equality. Yet, they still face so much invisible scrutiny. Either from their peers, elders or in the workplace. With this work of art, the artist wishes to tell every single woman, young and old to keep being assertive when your rights are on the line, never stop fighting for equality, and never stop being exactly who it is you want to be as a woman.
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SKU: 85439917556

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ginnygingin
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Pretty, but very practical.
Size: Full, Color: Mint Green
The color was exactly what I expected from the photo. It arrived in an unbelievably small package, but expanded quickly once I opened the bag. I waited the recommended 24 hours to be sure it was done. I am pleased that the length is a perfect fit, and I like that it comes up to the back of my neck when I'm sitting in bed. It is a bit softer than I originally imagined, but not so soft that I feel like I'm sinking through it. It's very pleasantly supportive. The fabric is like a soft ribbed corduroy with piping along the outer seam. It looks nice. Both ends have a pocket that is barely noticeable, but is the perfect size to keep your phone close by. I'm temporarily homebound and spending a lot of time sitting in bed, so I'm very glad I invested in this pillow for comfort and convenience. If you ever have trouble with pillows working their way under the edge of the headboard, and into the dusty space between the headboard and the wall, consider this problem solved.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2026
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Grace Mannino
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Measure your bed and space, I did and ordered the perfect fit!
Size: Queen, Color: Navy
Love this wedge pillow. I bought it for our boat stateroom bed. It fits perfectly as beds on a boat are always odd sizes. It is very comfortable allows me to sit up in bed to read. Also keeps our bed pillows from sliding back. Good quality, color and size.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026
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Kate L.
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 4
The good & the bad
Size: Queen, Color: Dark Grey
I’ve got mixed feelings bc a for this pillow. Pros: correct width for my queen bed, was comfortable to lean against when sitting up in bed, fabric seems nice, was well packaged (the vacuum seal bag can be reused. Cons: I’m skeptical that the pillow will fluff out further after 2-3 days. The cover can’t be removed - button holes are too small (which means you shouldn’t see the cover stretch to the side exposing the hole like other pillows warned of, so that’s good) so I can’t easily remove the cover to wash. Fabric shows wrinkles a lot. Not as structured as I was hoping based on the listing. I’ve got a plan for how to fix my complaints - add some seat cushion foam inside the white inner liner. I’ll have to cut the buttons off and run the string that was connecting the buttons on either side of the pillow through the foam. Then secure the string to the inner liner to keep the pinched look. Put the cover back on, then add the buttons back with a safety pin to hook them to the inner liner. I think even with these mods, the item will be worth it price wise - other items seemed to be $50-$125 so the additional $35 and effort I’ll put into addressing this will still keep it more cost effective and filled out than the more expensive models available.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2025
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Kindle Reader
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Cozy, Cute, and Practical!
Size: Twin/Twin XL, Color: Light Pink
I got this pillow for my daughter to use when she heads off to college this fall, and she absolutely loves it! The light pink color is soft and calming, just what she wanted to match her dorm decor. It’s plush, supportive, and super comfortable, whether she's sitting up to read, study, or just relax. The removable, washable cover is a big plus, and the side pockets are so convenient for stashing her phone or glasses. While the pillow works great on its own, we still plan to get a detachable headboard to complement it for added support. Overall, this is a stylish and functional addition to her dorm setup, and we’re both really happy with the quality. Highly recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2025
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Jace K.
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Thick, Supportive, and Cozy for Reading or Nursing
Size: Full, Color: Olive Green
This wedge pillow has been a great fit on my daughter’s bed. It’s super soft and cozy, and at the same time offers great support for sitting up in bed. The pillow is nice and thick, so you don’t sink into it — perfect for reading, studying, or lounging without needing multiple regular pillows. I tried it out myself and was surprised at how well it also works as support while nursing an infant. It props you up at just the right angle and feels stable without shifting around. The removable, washable cover is a big plus, and the olive green color is subtle yet stylish. I’m impressed enough that I’ll either be purchasing one for myself soon or adding it to my Christmas list.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2025

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