The artwork "Great Hippo Catching the Sun," a vibrant mixed-media painting by South African artist Ann Gadd, masterfully incorporates African symbols into its depiction of a hippopotamus. The title conjures a vivid image of the scene, reflecting the artist's ability to infuse cultural elements with colourful brilliance. 

Ann Gadd's artistic progression is evident, as she has shifted from a complex expressionistic style in the past to a more recent, naive, yet subtly surreal approach. Her transition from exuberant brushstrokes to a more refined, textured technique exemplifies this transformation. While her approach has become simpler, her keen sense of color endures, now enriched by her experience.

Gadd's playful humour occasionally surfaces in her art, as seen in the "Ambitious Sheep" series. As a prominent contemporary artist, she has exhibited her local and international work, showcasing her capacity to blend diverse themes and styles. Ann Gadd's artwork continues to captivate audiences, solidifying her presence as a celebrated figure in the contemporary art realm.