Dual Exhibits: Moving Blue / Outside the Lines
Apr 2 – May 9, 2026
by Sylke van Niekerk / D.S. Rachul
Opening Reception
Apr 2 @ 7pm
Winkler Arts and Culture is very excited to bring two wonderful, complimentary exhibits to the gallery this April!
Moving Blue by Sylke van Niekerk explores emotion, atmosphere, and movement through layered abstract paintings. Her work pulls you into these shifting spaces of color and texture, where soft blends and bolder marks sit side by side. There’s a mix of calm and energy throughout, and the pieces feel open enough that you can bring your own interpretation to what you’re seeing and feeling.
In contrast, Outside the Lines by D.S. Rachul offers a tactile and grounded experience through finely crafted woodwork. Featuring sculptural pieces, functional art, and uniquely carved forms, Rachul’s work highlights the natural beauty and character of the wood itself. Grain, shape, and intuition are embraced, resulting in pieces that feel both organic and intentional.
Together, these two exhibitions create a dynamic offering for visitors, giving a rich and varied artistic experience.
My paintings are my visual journey, reflecting and following the guidance of my soul to bring to light what makes me feel alive. My personal life story and my love for nature are intertwined and influence each other and are subject matter in my art. I am drawn to depth, either in my life or in my art, and I want to intuitivly reveal the hidden, unspoken, unseen and deep aspects in us and the world around us by using paint as my medium.
I am working mainly with acrylic paint, and I am fascinated by playing, exploring, layering, using color, textur, patterns and organic shapes.
Often I start my paintings in a playful approach, there are layers and layers of paint, discerning where my eye goes, until I get a sense oft the painting. It is a push and pull, alternating playing and discernment.
A big accomplishment in my art journey is trusting more and more in the process of making art and taking risks.
I want to create captivating, evocative and uplifting art, that ignites your imagination and connects to your soul.
-Sylke van Niekerk
Sylke van Niekerk has always been interested in creating. Growing up in Dresden, Germany, her parents gave her the opportunity to join an art class at the age of 5. She took several art courses, also at the fine art academy in Dresden, has worked 23 years as a graphic designer and holds an University degree in wood and fibre engineering.
Big life changes, moving from Germany to Canada and living in Winkler, rural Manitoba, gave her the freedom to dive deeper into her desire to making art. Joining the Creative Visionary Program at the online Art2life academy with founder Nicholas Wilton in 2022 and 2024 enhanced her intuitive approach to create, encouraged her to take risks and experiencing the connection between art and life.
She has been part of several member shows in her area, was part of a studio tour and had her own solo show at PHAC (Pembina Hills Arts Council) in 2022, a guest show at PULSE gallery Winnipeg in 2024 and a dual show at the 210gallery in Winnipeg, August 2025.
For 2026 there are three art shows scheduled:
1. WAC Winkler Art& Culture, April 1 to May 5, 2026-02-24
2. Gallery in the park, Altona, June 5 to July 30, 2026
3. Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Community gallery, August 30 to November 22, 2026
Sylke van Niekerk got published in the Arts to Hearts Project magazine issue #6/2024, “women inside & outside”.
As an artist, she believes strongly in lifelong growing, healing and transformation. Making art is her way to communicate and express the vulnerable, yet unseen parts in our souls, by using several techniques like layering, texture and organic shapes. It deepens her confidence and love for life itself, using and exploring acrylic paint and the many opportunities that come with it.
Roam Wood Modern by D.S Rachul brings found pieces of wood back to life to to enhance the interior of your modern home. Block carved Hardwood lamps, stools, book shelves, and vases each stand apart and showcase their own unique organic flow and solidity.
-D.S. Rachul
View these and more at our gallery!