Simon Gower

Simon Gower is a self-taught visual artist whose work is rooted in transformation, healing, and personal evolution. After a dynamic career as a bush pilot, Gower began painting in 2015, channeling his life experiences into a deeply personal and expressive artistic practice. Originally from the Eastern Cape, his life’s journey has taken him across diverse landscapes, each one leaving an imprint on his creative voice. His work serves as both a visual diary and a symbolic map of inner exploration.

Central to Gower’s practice is storytelling through symbolism and abstracted figures. His latest body of work marks a powerful return to dedicated art-making after a significant hiatus - a personal rebirth. The process of developing this unique visual language and medium took months of experimentation and refinement, culminating in a series that is both intimate and universal.

At the heart of these works lies a compelling narrative: the dance between a man and a woman, a love story inspired by a real and transformative relationship in Gower’s life. Through his stylized characters, he captures moments of connection - play, tenderness, conflict, healing. The figures embrace, wrestle, teach, and nourish one another, revealing the raw and beautiful complexity of human relationships.

More than autobiographical, these interactions are symbolic of the universal dynamics between masculine and feminine energies. The recurring motifs of a bird and a snake enrich the narrative—the bird representing thought and the snake embodying the ego. These elements create an emotional and psychological tension that underpins the work, inviting viewers to reflect on their own inner dualities and relationships.

Simon Gower’s art is an invitation into vulnerability and reflection. It stands as a testament to the power of love, memory, and emotional growth, with each canvas offering a layered exploration of the human condition. His work continues to evolve, anchored by the themes of rebirth and connection that define both his life and artistic journey.

In Cape Town, Simon Gower is represented by The Artists Gallery.