Story
Gratine, an art entity founded by the South African creative duo Grace and Christine Masilo, based in Johannesburg, has garnered international recognition for their work in digital art and storytelling [2]. Since establishing Gratine in 2021 [2], the Masilo twins have showcased their art globally, notably featuring in Times Square in New York through ArtSpace Innovations in 2023 [8]. Their practice blends traditional portraiture with emerging digital technologies, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and digital culture [2].
Gratine is the artistic collaboration of Grace Masilo and Christine Masilo, known together as GratineTwins [2]. This self-taught creative duo operates from Johannesburg, South Africa, where they merge art, storytelling, research, and emerging technology [2]. Their multidisciplinary approach includes portrait sketch artistry and immersive narrative design, focusing on themes like transformation, identity, and memory [2]. Gratine was founded in 2021, marking their entry into the NFT and blockchain space, and they have since expanded their work to encompass various digital art forms [2]. Grace Masilo and Christine Masilo leverage symbolic visual language to build rich, research-driven worlds within their art [2]. The duo is particularly interested in how creativity can bridge cultural storytelling with future concepts of digital ownership and interactive experiences [2]. Their work has been recognized internationally, including showcases in prominent global venues [2].
Gratine's artistic output spans traditional and digital mediums, with a focus on capturing human emotions and character through diverse forms [1]. A core part of their work involves detailed Portrait Pencil Sketches, which delve into subtle emotions, character, and mood with careful attention [10]. Beyond conventional artistry, Gratine also engages with digital art, including the 'Kudu - The Crowned King' NFT project [2]. This project is described as an evolving symbolic storytelling universe that explores resilience, transformation, and collective narratives through digital art and experimental world-building [2]. In addition to visual arts, Gratine has also developed an 'Appreciate ebook' [5]. This shows their commitment to diverse forms of creative expression and storytelling [1]. The duo combines artistic expression with analytical thinking, merging art, technology, and Web3 concepts through digital storytelling and symbolism [2]. This expansive approach allows Gratine to explore contemporary themes and engage with cutting-edge digital culture [2].
Gratine has received multiple accolades and been featured in significant international showcases, highlighting their impact in the art world [2]. In 2023, Gratine's work was displayed in a Times Square Showcase through ArtSpace Innovations, curated by Holy At Gallery [8]. This showcase specifically aimed to elevate African narratives to international prominence [8]. The same year, Gratine participated in the NFT.NYC Artist Community Showcase, where their work was featured in Times Square activations as part of the annual conference [9]. Looking ahead, Gratine has been nominated for a Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival Award in the Screen-Based Digital Art category for 2025 [6]. This nomination recognizes their exploration of symbolic storytelling, digital culture, and emerging creative technologies [6]. Also in 2025, Gratine is slated for another Times Square Billboard Showcase through NFT.NYC and CollectKred, featured as part of the Community Artist Showcase [7]. These consistent appearances and nominations underscore Gratine's growing influence in both traditional and digital art spaces [2].
Gratine distinguishes itself in the contemporary art landscape as a multidisciplinary creative entity that bridges traditional artistic practices with cutting-edge digital innovation [2]. Unlike many artists who specialize in a single medium, Gratine, composed of Grace and Christine Masilo, integrates pencil sketching with Web3 concepts and NFT technology, creating a unique synthesis of art and storytelling [2]. Their work often delves into complex themes such as identity and transformation, expressed through both tangible portraits and evolving digital universes like 'Kudu - The Crowned King' [2].
This approach positions Gratine at the intersection of fine art and technological pioneering, appealing to audiences interested in both classical aesthetics and the future of digital ownership [2]. Their international showcases and awards, including multiple Times Square appearances and a Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival nomination, further solidify their standing as innovators who are actively shaping the conversation around digital art and its cultural impact [8], [6].
Gratine's work has been highlighted through various platforms and events. In 2025, GratineTwins received a nomination in the Screen-Based Digital Art category at the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival Awards, recognizing their exploration of symbolic storytelling and digital culture [6]. Gratine was featured in a Times Square Billboard Showcase in 2025 through NFT.NYC and CollectKred as part of the Community Artist Showcase [7]. A Times Square Showcase in 2023 through ArtSpace Innovations, curated by Holy At Gallery, aimed to elevate African narratives by showcasing Gratine's 'Kudu - The Crowned King' on a 20 x 50ft digital billboard [8]. Gratine was also an active participant in the global NFT ecosystem, contributing to conversations shaping the future of digital ownership as featured artists in the NFT.NYC Artist Community Showcase in 2023 [9].
FAQs
What is Gratine?
Gratine is an art entity and creative duo comprising Grace and Christine Masilo, also known as GratineTwins. They are self-taught artists based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who blend traditional portraiture with digital technologies in their work.
Who are the founders of Gratine?
Gratine was founded by the creative duo Grace Masilo and Christine Masilo, known as GratineTwins. These South African, self-taught artists are based in Johannesburg. They specialize in creating art that blends traditional storytelling with emerging technology, aiming to produce immersive experiences. Their work has garnered international recognition since 2021.
What is GratineTwins?
GratineTwins is the name used to refer to the founding creative duo, Grace Masilo and Christine Masilo, who operate under the Gratine art entity. They are South African artists known for their work at the intersection of art, storytelling, and emerging technology since 2021.
Where is Gratine based?
Gratine, led by Grace and Christine Masilo, is primarily based in Johannesburg, South Africa. This creative duo operates from their local studio, engaging in art, storytelling, and developing projects that incorporate emerging technology. Their base allows them to contribute to the local art scene while reaching a global audience.
What city is Gratine from?
Gratine, founded by the MasiloTwins, originates from Johannesburg, South Africa. They maintain their primary artistic and operational base in this vibrant city. From here, their innovative work in art and technology has gained significant international recognition, allowing them to participate in global showcases like NFT.NYC in 2023.
What kind of art does Gratine create?
Gratine specializes in creating art that blends symbolic visual language with research-driven world-building, exploring themes of transformation, identity, memory, and digital culture. They are known for portrait pencil sketches and digital art projects like 'Kudu - The Crowned King'.
What products does Gratine offer?
Gratine offers various artistic products, including detailed Portrait Pencil Sketches that capture human reflections and an 'Appreciate' ebook, which is currently listed as 'coming soon'. They also develop innovative NFT projects, such as 'Kudu - The Crowned King', exploring digital art and immersive concepts through blockchain technology since 2021.
What is Kudu - The Crowned King?
'Kudu - The Crowned King' is an evolving symbolic storytelling universe created by GratineTwins. It explores resilience, transformation, and collective narrative through digital art, immersive concepts, and experimental world-building. This NFT project has been showcased internationally, including in Times Square.
Does Gratine create pencil sketches?
Yes, Gratine creates exquisite Portrait Pencil Sketches that specifically focus on capturing human reflections. Each portrait meticulously explores subtle emotion, character, and mood, with careful attention to detail and personal expression. These sketches represent a significant part of their artistic portfolio, showcased on their website.
What is the cost of Gratine's art?
The specific prices for Gratine's individual art pieces or services, such as portrait pencil sketches or NFT projects, are not explicitly provided in the available sources. Interested patrons are encouraged to contact them directly for pricing information.
When was Gratine founded?
Gratine, founded by the MasiloTwins, was officially established in 2021. Since its inception, the creative duo has actively participated in the NFT and blockchain space, showcasing their innovative work internationally. This founding date marks the beginning of their journey into blending art, storytelling, and emerging technologies.
What awards has Gratine received?
Gratine has received several recognitions, including a nomination at the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival Awards in 2025. They also had a Times Square Billboard Showcase through NFT.NYC and CollectKred in 2025, and another through ArtSpace Innovations in 2023.
Has Gratine been featured in Times Square?
Yes, Gratine's work has been featured in Times Square. They had a Times Square Showcase in 2023 through ArtSpace Innovations, curated by Holy At Gallery. Their work was also part of the Times Square Billboard Showcase in 2025 through NFT.NYC and CollectKred.
What is the Fak'ugesi Awards Nomination for Gratine?
GratineTwins received a significant nomination in the Screen-Based Digital Art category at the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival Awards in 2025. This recognition specifically acknowledges their profound exploration of symbolic storytelling, digital culture, and emerging creative technologies within their artistic practice. It highlights their impactful contributions to the digital art landscape.
How does Gratine combine art and technology?
Gratine combines art and technology by merging artistic expression with analytical thinking, integrating Web3 concepts through digital storytelling and immersive narrative design. They are particularly interested in bridging cultural storytelling with the future of digital ownership and interactive experiences.
What themes does Gratine explore in their art?
Gratine consistently explores profound themes such as transformation, identity, memory, and digital culture throughout their diverse art projects. Their work critically utilizes symbolic visual language and extensive research-driven world-building to delve deep into these complex concepts, offering unique perspectives on contemporary human experience since 2021.
How to contact Gratine?
You can easily contact Gratine via email at gratinegcp@gmail.com or by phone at +27720243949. These direct contact details are readily available on their official website's 'Contact' page, ensuring that interested parties can reach out for inquiries, collaborations, or support regarding their artistic projects.
Can I follow Gratine on social media?
Yes, you can certainly follow Gratine on various social media platforms to stay updated with their latest artistic endeavors. They maintain an active presence on Facebook as Gratine Creative Productions (@GratineTwins) and on Instagram as @gratineart. Following these accounts provides direct access to their new works and project announcements.
Who are Grace and Christine Masilo?
Grace and Christine Masilo are the co-founders of Gratine, also widely known as GratineTwins. They constitute a South African, Johannesburg-based self-taught creative duo specializing in art, storytelling, and emerging technology. They combine these disciplines to create unique digital and physical artworks, showcasing their talents since 2021.
What is the background of the Gratine founders?
Grace and Christine Masilo, the founders of Gratine, are self-taught portrait sketch artists and multidisciplinary creatives from Johannesburg, South Africa. They have been active in the NFT and blockchain space since 2021, showcasing their work internationally.
What is the Appreciate ebook?
The 'Appreciate' ebook is one of the notable products offered by Gratine, reflecting their storytelling and artistic vision. The book is currently listed as 'coming soon' on their portfolio, indicating future availability. It is expected to further explore the themes and concepts often present in the GratineTwins' work.
