Welcome to Platform Galeri

The gallery is run by artist and conservation environmentalist Jacha Potgieter, and features his latest work.

About Platform Galeri

Located in the basement of Betws-y-Coed Railway Station, the gallery houses the work of owner and award winning photographer Jacha Potgieter. Predominately the gallery showcases Jacha’s environmental art, spreading a strong conservation message. However as with many underground spaces, the Platform Galeri carries an element of the unexpected.

Opening Days and Times

  • Wednesday – Sunday 10:30 – 5:00

Please check our social media pages for holiday closures.

Meet the Artist

Jacha Potgieter

Jacha’s work is often much larger than life and features a pair of eyes looking directly back at the viewer, turning the tables on the idea of viewing art as you get a sense of the art viewing you.

One of his chief influences comes from his passion for conservation. Time spent in Borneo in 2008 and Cameroon in 2010, provided a signal spur to his work. His paintings of apes have a tenderness and power to them that is compelling.

That love of animals is a key thread to Jacha’s work, as is, he says, his relationship with the world and the people within it. Much of his oeuvre makes social comment; some is challenging to its viewers. As with the man who creates it, plenty is larger than life. Through it all, Jacha returns to the subject of conservation.

Having long had an interest in interiors and design, Jacha is the creative director behind:

Alpine Apartments – Holiday accommodation with a stylish difference.

Alpine Coffee Shop – The cafe with a conscience in Betws-y-Coed

Hangin’ Pizzeria – Enjoy fabulous pizza with the knowledge you are helping the great apes, what could be better?

Jacha is an ambassador for Ape Action Africa and chairman and director of Orangutan Appeal UK a percentage from the sales of his ape photographs goes to the two charities to help them continue their essential conservation work.

Read more about Jacha on his website jacha.co.uk

Jacha has a blog article on Africa Geographic.

Social Media

Jacha on Instagram

Contact

Please call Kate on 01690 733796 or use the form on our contact page.

We are always delighted to hear from artists as well as art-lovers!

We are also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram