SOUTH AFRICAN
GALLERY GUIDE
October
SOUTH AFRICAN
GALLERY GUIDE Conrad Botes: Origin (Detail) Acrylic on canvas 2011 at Stevenson Gallery
Tommy Motswai new lithographs
Blue Bulls Welcome to Soweto, hand-printed lithograph, 56 x 76 cm. Edition 30.
The Artists’ Press
Box 1236, White River, 1240 7HO 013 751 3225 PDUN#DUWLVWVSUHVV FR ]D ZZZ DUWSULQWVD FRP
Art Times Tommy Sept 2011 advert.indd 1
Windmill Centre Main Street, Clarens Tel/Fax: 058 256 1620
E-mail: manager@bhm.dorea.co.za
* Glass * Bronze * Ceramics * Old Masters * Contemporary *
Johan Smith
UNISA
Space Art Gallery
Elbe Van Rooyen
www.johansmith.co.za Windmill Centre Main Street, Clarens Tel/Fax: 058 256 1757 E-mail: manager@bloudonki.co.za
* Contemporary Art * Steel Sculptures * Handmade Glass * * Functional Art * Photography * Ceramics *
Anton Gericke
Hanlie Kotze
www.bloudonki.co.za
UNISA Main Campus, Kgorong Building, Ground Floor, Preller Street, Pretoria, 0003 Email: ukun1@unisa.ac.za, Tel: (012) 441-5683
19/09/2011 12:20 PM
FREE STATE, GAUTENG, MPUMALANGA | GALLERY GUIDE
Free State
Gauteng
Bloemfontein
Johannesburg
Oliewenhuis Art Museum 13 October – 30 October, Hanneke Benade: Reservoir. The well-known artist Hanneke Benade will exhibit a body of recent works specifically created for the Reservoir at Oliewenhuis Art Museum. Until 30 October, “The White Monday Disaster” (Main Building) A series of exquisite woodcut prints created by Cecil Skotnes. Until 9 October, “Freshford House Museum Photographic competition and exhibition” Free State Heritage in Pictures (Reservoir) Until 6 November, “Zak Benjamin: Retrospective” (Main Building) 16 Harry Smith Str, Bloemfontein. T.051 447 9609 karen.marais@nasmus.co.za www.nasmus.co.za
Alice Art Upcoming exhibitions: 8&9 October Giorgio Trobec, 15&16 October Bert van Wyk, 22&23 October Simon Addy, 29 & 30 October Frans Groenewald. 217 Drive Str, Ruimsig. T. 083 331 8466/ 083 377 1470 aliceart@global.co.za www.aliceart.co.za
Clarens Art & Wine Gallery on Main The Gallery houses an exquisite collection of art by well-known artists like Gregoire Boonzaier, J.H. Pierneef, Pieter van der Westhuizen, Erik Laubscher, Jan Vermeiren, Marjorie Wallace, Eben van der Merwe, Conrad Theys, Hennie Niemann, Hannetjie de Clercq, ceramics by Laura Du Toit, sculpture by Fana Malherbe & Jean Doyle, glass by David Reade & Shirley Cloete and numerous others. 279 Main Str, Clarens T. 058 256 1298 or Anton Grobbelaar. C. 082 341 8161 anton@artandwine.co.za www.artandwine.co.za Blou Donki Art Gallery A vibrant contemporary art gallery, housing a wide variety of contemporary artworks, functional art, steel sculptures, bronzes, handmade glass and specializing in photography. Windmill Centre, Main Str, Clarens T. 058 256 1757 manager@bloudonki.co.za www.bloudonki.co.za Johan Smith Art Gallery The gallery permanently exhibits a wide variety of classical and selected contemporary art works featuring Johan Smith, Elbè van Rooyen, Elga Rabe, Graham Carter, Nicole Pletts, Gregoire Boonzaier, Otto Klar, and various others. Specializing in ceramics, the gallery supports artists such as Hennie Meyer, Karen Sinovich, and Heather Mills, among others. Collectable bronzes, and handmade glass by David Reade, also available. Windmill Centre, Main Str, Clarens T. 058 256 1620 manager@bhm.dorea.co.za www.johansmith.co.za
Send your event listings to: Tracey at subs@arttimes.co.za
SA ART TIMES. October 2011
Art Afrique Art Afrique specialises in fine collectable African art by a wide variety of southern African artists. Shop no. U45, Legacy Mall, Cnr Maude & 5th Streets, Sandton T. 011 292 7113 art@artafrique.co.za www.artafrique.co.za Christie’s International Auctioneers. Gillian Scott Berning, Independent Consultant. T 031 207 8247 Gillian.gsb@mweb.co.za www.christies.com CIRCA on Jellicoe Until 31 October, “Horse: Multiple Views of a Singular Beast” An Exhibition of works by 60 artists curated by Ricky Burnett 2 Jellicoe Ave. T. 011 788 4805 gallery@circaonjellicoe.co.za www.circaonjellicoe.co.za David Brown Fine Art Until 3 October, “Works on Paper” by Artist Proof Studio & Blue Door Studio. Old Sandton Gallery, next to Sandton Library, Nelson Mandela Square. C. 082 777 7373 david@dbfineart.co.za www.davidbrownfineart.co.za David Krut Projects Until 23 October, “Countermeasures” by Mary Wafer. 140 Jan Smuts Ave., Parkwood, Jhb. T. 011 447 0627 taryn@davidkrut.com www.davidkrutpublishing.com Everard Read Jhb Until 31 October, “Horse: Multiple Views of a Singular Beast” An Exhibition of works by 60 artists curated by Ricky Burnett 6 Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Jhb. T. 011 788-4805 gallery@everard.co.za www.everard-read.co.za Gallery AOP 8 - 29 October, “Reading Room” drawings and prints by Jonah Sack. 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf (Milpark) T. 011 726 2234 info@artonpaper.co.za www.artonpaper.co.za Gallery MOMO Until 17 October, “Shake Your Monkey” a solo exhibition of paintings by Ransome Stanley. 20 October - 14 November, “A Means to an End” Photography by Patricia Driscoll. 52 7th Avenue, Parktown North, Jhb. T. 011 327 3247 info@gallerymomo.com www.gallerymomo.com
The Gerald A Lee Gallery cc For Genuine African Art Contact Jason - 0828514783 By private viewing in Johannesburg. Or at the Waterfront in Cape Town Goodman Gallery Projects Until 9 October, “Basic Reality” and 13-23 October, ‘Skopo” by the Cuss Collective. Arts on Main, 264 Fox Str, Jhb. T. 087 830 0880 projectspace@goodman-gallery.com www.goodman-gallery.com Grahams Fine Art Gallery The gallery houses one of the finest collections of art in South Africa, their focus is on absolute quality and are proud to offer an extensive selection of works for sale. Unit 46, Broadacres Lifestyle Centre, Cnr Cedar & Valley Rds, Broadacres, Fourways, Jhb. T. 011 465 9192 sarah@grahamsgallery.co.za www.grahamsgallery.co.za 16 Halifax Works by Michael Heyns, Leon Muller & Mimi van der Merwe can be viewed by appointment in Johannesburg at 16 Halifax Str, Bryanston. Dana MacFarlane 082 784 6695 bdmac@mweb.co.za www.16halifaxart.co.za In Toto Until 7 October, “POW: Perfect Heroes, Noble Causes and other Half Truths” by Bruce Donald. Opening 13 October at 6pm, Julia Cavalieri’s “Face of Africa” until the 17 October. Opening 27 October at 6pm, Helen Joseph and Jenny Stadler’s “TWO” until 15 November. 6 Birdhaven Centre, 66 St Andrew Str, Birdhaven. T. 011 447 6543 megan@intotogallery.co.za www.intotogallery.co.za Isis Gallery Featuring Modern African Contemporary Art and Ceramics by leading Artists: Junior Fungai, Derric van Rensburg, Errol Westoll, Brian Rolfe, Ulrich Schwanecke and Hynes Matshoba. Works can be viewed by appointment. Shop 163, The Mall of Rosebank. Contact Daniel Erasmus T. 011 447 2317 info@isisgallery.co.za www.isisgallery.co.za Johannesburg Art Gallery Until 30 October, an exhibition of selected work of the top artists from a 3 year art programme based in rural northern KZN. Artists exhibiting: Lucky Jambi, Nhlanhla Mabaso, Nokuthula Gumede & Muzi Nomandla to name a few… Until 15 January, “maNyauza: Silent Messages to my Mother” by Mbongeni Buthelezi. Until 29 January, “Pinky Promise” by Pierre Croquet de Rosemond. King George Str, Joubert Park, Jhb. T. 011 725 3130 tinym@joburg.org.za www.joburg.org.za Manor Gallery 29 September – 23 October, The 86th National Open Exhibition of the Watercolour Society of South Africa (WSSA). A wide variety of techniques are used in this very versatile medium, creating paintings in a vast array of sizes, subjects and styles. Manor Gallery, Home of the Watercolour Society of South Africa. Norscot Manor Centre, Penguin Drive, Fourways. T. 011 465 7934 gallery@wssa.org.za www.wssa.org.za
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GALLERY GUIDE | GAUTENG Sophiatown Until 30 October, “Celebrating the Spirit of Sophiatown” a photographic exhibition of iconic black & white images that captured ordinary life in Sophiatown – historically known as the little ‘Paris’ of South Africa. Xuma House, 73 Toby Street (Corner Edward Rd), Sophiatown. Tel: 011 673 1271 Cell: 072 414 7724 thmcentre@mweb.co.za Standard Bank Gallery 26 October to 3 December, “End Game” by Michael MacGarry, Standard Bank Young Artist 2010. Cnr of Simmonds & Frederick Str.’s, T. 011 631 1889 sue.isaac@standardbank.co.za www.standardbankarts.co.za Stephan Welz & Company Auctioneers of Decorative & Fine Arts. 13 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg. T. 011 880-3125 jhb@stephanwelzandco.co.za www.stephanwelzandco.co.za Stevenson Johannesburg Until 21 October, “Representation” a solo exhibition by Simon Gush. 62 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Jhb. T. 011 326 0034 hb@stevenson.info www.stevenson.info Strauss & Co. Fine Art Auctioneers & Consultants. Country Club Johannesburg, Corner Lincoln Rd & Woodlands Drive, Woodmead. T. 079 407 5140 jhb@straussart.co.za www.straussart.co.za
Upstairs @ Bamboo 6 - 9 October, Terry Kobus is exhibiting his latest solo art show entitled “Squared.” Following on with themes from his previous shows, including his much loved Nguni Cattle and indigenous livestock, Kobus now investigates the square format in various sizes from miniature jewel like works to larger pieces. The exhibition runs for four days only and the opening reception is at 18h00 Thursday 6 October. Kobus will be available daily during the show to discuss his inspiration, vision, style. 53 Rustenburg Road, Melville, Johannesburg. Terry Kobus 083 259 8859 tkobus@iafrica.com www.spinman.co.za The White House Gallery The gallery has a wide ranging portfolio featuring renowned masters such as Chagall, Marini, Miro, Moore, Portway, Pasmore, Stella, Picasso, Dine & Hockney - to name a few. Also the more affordable works of up and coming artists in Britain and France, along with globally acclaimed South African artists. Shop G11 Thrupps Centre,Oxford Road, Illovo,Johannesburg. T. 011 268 2115 alan@whg.co.za www.thewhitehousegallery.co.za
Pretoria Alette Wessels Kunskamer The Alette Wessels Kunskamer operates as an Art Gallery and Art Consultancy, specialising in South African art as an investment, dealing in Old Masters, and selected contemporary art. Maroelana Centre, 27 Maroelana Str,
Maroelana, Pretoria. T. 012 346 0728 alette@artwessels.co.za www.artwessels.co.za Alliance Francaise Pretoria Opening on the 6th of October @ 19h00, “From Paris to Pretoria” by Bijou Moynot-Choffel 99 River Street(c/o de Kock & River), Sunnyside T. 012 343 6563 labij@mweb.co.za info.pretoria@alliance.org.za Association of Arts Pretoria 30 September to 22 October, “Ocean Haikus“ an exhibition of paintings by Martie Strydom 7 October to 22 October,”Spirit of Movement” an exhibition of paintings by Stefan Rossouw. 21 October to 9 November, “Opera”an exhibition of etchings by Marinus Wiechers. 173 Mackie Str, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria. T. 012 346 3100 artspta@mweb.co.za www.artsassociationpta.co.za Centurion Art Gallery Opening 4 October at 18:30 for 19:00, Watercolour Society of SA, Centurion Branch exhibition, closes on 15 October. On Saturday, 15 October, from 9:00 to 14:00, members will give free watercolour demonstrations and information on the activities of the society. c/o Cantonment and Unie Avenues, Lyttelton T. 012 358 3477 artg@tshwane.gov.za www.pretoriaartmuseum.co.za/centurion
LETTIE GARDINER People on the Edge An exhibiƟon of painƟngs 25th September - 29th October 2011 Panel discussion on 16th October facilitated by Douglas Irvine ParƟcipants: David Koloane, Joyce Ozynski and Fiona Lloyd.
Gallery hours | 10:30 am - 17:00pm | Tues to Sat The Thompson Gallery | 78 3rd Avenue | Melville | JHB | 011 482 2039 | 011 482 9719 www.thompsongallery.co.za | info@thompsongallery.co.za
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SA ART TIMES. October 2011
GAUTENG, MPUMALANGA, KWA ZULU -NATAL | GALLERY GUIDE Fried Contemporary Opening Saturday 15 October at 18h30, “Connections” until 12 November. The participating artists in the exhibition are: David Udbjorg (whose connection is with Denmark), Pascual Tarazona (who has Spanish connections) and Lynette ten Krooden (whose connection is with Dubai). 430 Charles St, Brooklyn, Pretoria. T. 012 346 0158 art@friedcontemporary.com www.friedcontemporary.com Front Room Art & Artists 8-22 October, “Critical Mass : where a Dot can take you” Works by Artemis Angelopulo, Eric DuPlan, Ross Kerr & Willem Oosthuizen. 116 Kate Ave Rietondale. Jennifer Snyman 082 451 5584 Jennifer@frontroomart.co.za www.frontroomart.co.za Gallery Michael Heyns The Gallery has moved to 194 Haley Str, Weavind Park, Pretoria. T. 012 804 0867 michael@michaelheyns.co.za www.michaelheyns.co.za Pretoria Art Museum Opening 6 October at 19:00 “Eric Bolsmann – A Retrospective” until 4 December 2011. Opening 12 October, Cecil Skotnes until 30 October. Opening 19 October 18:00, University of Pretoria Final Year Students, Group 1, until 27 October. Opening 2 November 18:00, University of Pretoria Final Year Students, Group 2, until 10 November. Opening on 26 October at 19:00, “Play Off” by Gordon Froud & Lance Friedlande, until 15 January 2012. T.012 344 1807/8 art.museum@tshwane.gov.za www.pretoriaartmuseum.co.za St Lorient Fashion and Art Gallery A lifestyle gallery offering guests a broad selection of designer fashions, accessories as well as artworks by leading and emerging South African artists. Amid the chic evening and day wear, art lovers can admire various art works ranging from paintings, professional photography to sculptures. 492 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn Circle, Brooklyn, Pretoria. T. 012 4600284 anastasi@iafrica.com www.stlorient.co.za University of Pretoria Until 30 November, an exhibition of the sculptures by Fanie Eloff (1885 - 1947). Mapungubwe museum, Old Arts Building, Hatfield Campus of the University of Pretoria. T. 012 420-2968 marie.breedt@up.ac.za www.up.ac.za
North West Potchefstroom
NWU Gallery 3 - 9 October “Clover Aardklop National Arts Festival: Festival Artist Sam Nhlengethwa” 13 October - 4 November “Wilma Cruise: Alice and the Animals” Sculpture and prints by Wilma Cruise
SA ART TIMES. October 2011
North-West University Gallery, Building E7, NWU Potchefstroom Campus, Hoffman Str, Potchefstroom. T. 018 299 4341 20061374@nwu.ac.za www.nwu.ac.za
Centre. 94 Florida Rd, Durban. T. 031 312 3804/5 africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za www.afriart.org.za
NWU Botanical Gardens Art Gallery 3 - 9 October “Clover Aardklop National Arts Festival: Frank van Reenen” and Rooftop III: Introspection 13 October - 4 November “Jody Olën: The persistence of memory and making figments feel “ Painting by Jody Olën North-West University Botanical Gardens Art Gallery. T. 018 299 2753 20049830@nwu.ac.za www.nwu.ac.za
ArtSPACE Durban Until 15 October, “Sifundakwabadala” (Learn from the Elders) - Paintings by Sibusiso Duma and “The Space In between” - Print, video and sound by Wayne Reddiar and Sita Suzanne. 17 October – 5 November, “Juxta Poses” A Solo Exhibition of Recent Works by Terri Broll. Oil, wax and photo collage are used to produce images with both layering and ambiguity. 3 Millar Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban. T.031 312 0793 info@artspace-durban.com www.artspace-durban.com
Mpumalanga Dullstroom
Art @ sixty seven A selection of fine art, ceramics and blown glass art pieces, by well-known local artists. Shop no9, 67 Naledi St, Dullstroom, Mpumulanga. T. 013 254 0335 mikek@boardwalkmanor.co.za www.shopat67.com Dimitrov Art Gallery Lifestyle Complex, shop no.4 on Cnr. Teding Van Berkhout & Hugenote/ Naledi Street, Dullstroom, Mpumalanga T. 013 254 0524 C. 082 679 5698 info@dimitrovartgallery.co.za www.dimitrovartgallery.co.za The New Dimitrov Art Gallery is situated in the Trams Alley shop no.1 , along the R 540 ( Naledi Drive ). Opening exhibition “Expression of Freedom” by renowned artist Dimitrov. info@dimitrovartgallery.co.za www.dimitrovartgallery.co.za
White River
The Artists’ Press Professional collaboration, printing and publishing of original hand-printed artists lithographs, by the Artists’ Press. Also artists books, monotypes & letterpress prints, particularly for artists working in SA. Waterfield Farm near White River, T. 013 751 3225 print@artistspress.co.za www.artists-press.net The Loop Art Foundry & Sculpture Gallery A collaboration and network for the avid art patron and collector as well as a full service facility for the artist. This is the place where you will find a unique and superior item or have something commissioned that you have always envisioned. Casterbridge Complex Corner R40 & Numbi Roads White River T. 013 758 2409 theloop@worldonline.co.za www.tlafoundry.co.za
Kwazulu- Natal Durban The African Art Centre Until 8 October, “Birds of a Feather” featuring a special range of telephone wire, beaded and embroidered birds, jewellery and sculptures produced by crafters supported and mentored by the Development Team of the African Art
Christie’s International Auctioneers. Gillian Scott Berning, Independent Consultant. T 031 207 8247 Gillian.gsb@mweb.co.za www. christies.com The Collective Until 8 October, “Follow Your Art” - group show of street art. 10 October – 15 October, “Freedom Posters” - Michael van der Meer. 17 October – 22 October, Gareth Bargate. 48b Florida Rd, (entrance in 4th Avenue) Greyville, Durban. T. 031 303 4891 thecollectivedurban.blogspot.com Tamasa Gallery A small commercial gallery, Tamasa exhibits a broad variety of contemporary KZN artists. 36 Overport Drive, Berea, Durban. T. 031 207 1223
Pietermaritzburg
Tatham Art Gallery Opening 18h00 6 October, “Assemblage” featuring oil paintings by Peter Rippon at the Schreiner Gallery. Closes 17:00 27 November. Cnr of Chief Albert Luthuli (Commercial) Rd & Church Str. (Opposite City Hall) Pietermaritzburg. T. 033 342 1804 www.tatham.org.za
Umdloti
The Audrey Rudnick Gallery Surrealist Paintings, Sculptures and Pod People by Audrey Rudnick. 77 North Beach Rd, Shop no.10 Upper Level, Umdloti Centre, Umdloti. T. 031 568 2445 audrey@thehoozoo.com www.audreyrudnick.com
Underberg
The Underberg Studio Set in a delightful garden facing the mountains, the gallery specializes in South African Fine Art landscape photography & Ceramics. Owned by photographer Lawrance Brennon and his potter wife, Catherine Brennon, the gallery is regularly updated with their latest work. The garden and gallery will be featuring the work of sculptor Sarah Richards during the Underberg Open Gardens Festival (28 – 30th October). 21 Ridge Rd, Underberg. Signage from R617 T. 033 701 2440 / 072 141 9924 / 082 872 7830 bren@yebo.co.za www.underbergstudio.co.za
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9-2-11 Art Times.pdf
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2011/09/07
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PAUL SENYOL. ANDREW SUTHERLAND. DANIEL TING CHONG. JORDAN METCALF.
The October Show
5 - 29 October
91 Kloof Street | CPT M| +27 82 679 3906 info@salon91art.co.za www.salon91art.co.za
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Subscribe to South Africa’s leading art publication The SA Art Times R 280 pa see www.arttimes.co.za for details
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The Cape Gallery, 60 Church Street seeks to expose fine art that is rooted in the South African tradition, work which carries the unique cultural stamp of our continent. Featured above is artist Peter Gray
THE CAPE GALLERY
Open: Mon - Fri: 9h30 - 17h00 Sat: 10h00 - 14h00 Tel: 27 21 423 5309 Fax: 27 21 424 9063 E-mail: cgallery@mweb.co.za Web: www.capegallery .co.za
American express, Mastercard, Visa & Diner cards are accepted. Reliable arrangements can be made to freight purchaces to foreign destinations.
SA ART TIMES. October 2011
WESTERN CAPE / CAPE TOWN | GALLERY GUIDE
Western Cape Cape Town Absolut Art Gallery Permanent exhibition with the best Masters and Contemporary artists. Namely : JH Pierneef, Gerard Sekoto, Hugo Naude, Adriaan Boshoff, Frans Oerder, Maurice Van Essche, Tinus De Jongh, Gerard Bhengu, Ephraim Ngatane, Cecil Skotnes, JAE Volschenk, Conrad Theys, William Kentridge, to name a few. Shop 43 Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre, Carl Cronje Drive, Tyger Valley, Bellville. T. 021 914 2846 info@absolutart.co.za www.absolutart.co.za. Alliance Française Cape Town 3 - 22 October, an exhibition of paintings with acrylic & natural pigments by Juanjo Sandoval. 155 Loop Str, CT. T. 021 423 5699 capetown@alliance.org.za www.alliance.org.za AVA 3 October - 11 November, “AVA Gallery 40 Years Anniversary Exhibition Part 1: 1971 -1990” curated by Marilyn Martin. Association for Visual Arts, 35 Church Str, CT. T.021 424 7436 art@ava.co.za www.ava.co.za Barnard Gallery Until 18 October, “Reality or illusion” by Maeve Dewar. 55 Main Str, Newlands. T. 021 671 1666 gallery@barnardgallery.com www.barnardgallery.com Cape Gallery Opening 2 October, an exhibition by Peter Gray, until 22 Oct. 60 Church Str, CT. T. 021 423 5309 web@capegallery.co.za www.capegallery.co.za Carmel Art Dealers in Fine art, exclusive distributers of Pieter van der Westhuizen etchings. Cape Quarter Square, 27 Somerset Rd, Green Point. T. 021 4213333 carmel@global.co.za www.carmelart.co.za Casa Labia Galleria Until 9 October, “Intimate Surfaces An ArtSideIn Exhibition” 18 October - 27 November, “Art on paper” a collection of works on paper by broad selection of South African artists. Curated by Cheryl Rumbak of Kalk Bay Modern and opened by Marilyn Martin on Tuesday 18 Oct at 6:30 pm. For more information see the Kalk Bay Modern listing below. Casa Labia Cultural Centre, 192 Main Rd, Muizenberg. T. 021 788 6068 info@casalabia.co.za www.casalabia.co.za Cedar Tree Gallery Contemporary Fine Art Gallery at Rodwell House. Rodwell Rd, St. James, CT. T. 021 797 9880 cedartreegallery@gmail.com www.cedartreegallery.co.za
SA ART TIMES. October 2011
The Cellar Private Gallery The Cellar Private Gallery of Art deals exclusively in original & investment art, offering works by a variety of renowned & upcoming SA artists. 12 Imhoff Str, Welgemoed, Bellville T. 021 913 4189 info@thecellargallery.co.za www.thecellargallery.co.za Christie’s International Auctioneers. Juliet Lomberg, Independent Consultant. T. 021 761 2676 jlomberg@iafrica.com www.christies.com Commune.1 Gallery Until 13 October, “Umlungu” featuring large scale installations by Christopher Swift. 26 October - 23 November, Part 1 of a 2 part show: Nina Liebenberg “Point Counter Point” & Katherine Spindler “At sea” 64 Wale Str, CT. T. 021 423 5600 info@commune1.com www.commune1.com Ebony Currently showing until 31st October, Mixed Exhibition including paintings by Conrad Botes, George Diederick During & Lionel Abrams. 67 Loop Str, CT. T. 021 876 4477 info@ebonydesign.co.za www.ebonydesign.co.za Erdmann Contemporary /Photographers Gallery Opening 5 October, “Somewhere Tonight… ” a solo exhibition by Italian artist Elda Longo. 63 Shortmarket Str, CT. T. 021 422 2762 galleryinfo@mweb.co.za www.erdmanncontemporary.co.za Everard Read CT 14 – 19 October, Sam Allerton’s “A Closer Look” 20 October – 2 November, “New Works” by Anthony Scullion (Scottish painter) 3 Portswood Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, CT. T. 021 418 4527 ctgallery@everard.co.za www.everard-read-capetown.co.za 34 Fine Art 6 Oct - 4 Nov, Asha Zero Solo Exhibition ‘micro cluster picnic’ in Johannesburg in collaboration with Rooke Gallery. 25 Oct - 19 Nov ‘Outside’ Urban Contemporary Group Exhibition. 2nd Floor, The Hills Building, Buchanan Square, 160 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock. T.021 461 1863 info@34fineart.com www.34fineart.com The Framery Art Gallery 1 - 21 October: “Serenity of the Skies” Leila Benelli’s jewellery range consisting of black and white diamonds, set in white gold .Loyiso Mkize’s high quality art prints of his “Reflections of Inner Truth “series is for sale at the gallery in a signed limited edition form. A group exhibition “ Then and Now Always “ of new and previously exhibited works by artists including Wiseman Zwane, Phil Hetherington, Zolani Siphingela, John Kramer, Ayanda Mabulu, Elizabeth Robertson-Campbell, Tatyana Binovska, Cinga Samson, M. Gocolaci, Khaya Witbooi & others. 25 October - 15 November “Black is White” a solo exhibition of new works in oil on canvas by Tatyana Binovsska. She is a well known artist from Odessa and this is her first solo exhibition in Africa, about Africa. 67g Regent Rd, Seapoint. T. 021 434 5022 / 0781227793 debbiegrewe@gmail.com
G2 Art New artists and artworks by Nicole Pletts, Samantha Brown, Benjy Furawo, Khayalethu Witbooi, Hendrik Gericke, Gareth Humphreys, Frans Groenewald and Kristen McClarty, together with regular contributors Roelie van Heerden, Vanessa Berlein, Gilbert Pearse, Andrew Sutherland, Mongezi Gum, Anthony Gadd & Jenny Merritt to name a few, as well as beautiful sculpture by Victor Harley, Steven Andrews & Uwe Pfaff amongst others. 61 Shortmarket Str, CT. T.021 424 7169 di@g2art.co.za www.g2art.co.za Gill Allderman Gallery The Gallery has moved to a new space, still in Kenilworth. It has many rooms so that various exhibitions can take place at once and now stocks art supplies & has a gift shop. Concord House (Pam Golding Building), Cnr Main & Summerly Rds, Kenilworth. C.083 556 2540 gallery@new.co.za www.alldermangallery.co.za Goodman Gallery Cape Until 22 October, an exhibition by Siemon Allen. 3rd Floor, Fairweather House, 176 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock. T. 021 462 7573/4 cpt@goodman-gallery.com www.goodman-gallery.com Hout Bay Gallery New artworks by Sarah Danes Jarrett, David Kuijers, Koos De Wet and many more. Open 7 days a week. 71 Victoria Ave, Hout Bay. T. 021 790 3618 F. 021 790 3898 info@houtbaygallery.co.za www.houtbaygallery.co.za iArt Gallery 5 - 26 October, “Immersed” by Clare Menck & New Works by Cobus Haupt. 71 Loop Str, CT. T. 021 424 5150 info@iart.co.za www.iart.co.za iArt Gallery Wembley Until 26 October, “A House is not a Machine for Living” by Liam Mooney. Wembley Square, Gardens, CT. T. 021 424 5150 info@iart.co.za www.iart.co.za Infin Art Gallery A gallery of work by local artists. Wolfe Str, Chelsea Village, Wynberg. T. 021 761 2816 & Buitengracht Str. CT. T. 021 423 2090 gallery@infinart.co.za www.infinart.co.za
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GALLERY GUIDE | WESTERN CAPE / CAPE TOWN Irma Stern Museum The permanent collection on display shows Irma Stern’s development as an artist whose subject matter included exotic figures, portraits, lush landscapes and still lifes conveyed in a variety of media, ranging from oils and water colours to gouache and charcoal. Cecil Rd, Rosebank, CT. T. 021 685 5686 www.irmastern.co.za Iziko SA National Gallery Until 7 November, Standard Bank Young Artist For Visual Art 2011: Nandipha Mntambo. Until 29 January 2012, “Ever Young” photography by James Barnor. 25 Queen Victoria Str, CT. T. 021 467 4660 info@iziko.org.za www.iziko.org.za Iziko Michaelis Collection Ongoing, Dutch treat: Dutch works from the 17th–20th centuries in Iziko collections Iziko Michaelis Collection, Old Town House, Greenmarket Square, CT. T. 021 481 3800 hproud@iziko.org.za www.iziko.org.za Iziko Good Hope Gallery (The Castle) Ongoing exhibition of oil paintings, furniture, ceramics, metal & glassware from the William Fehr Collection. Buitenkant Str, opposite the Grand Parade, CT. T. 21 464 1262 kmooney@iziko.org.za www.iziko.org.za Iziko SA Museum Until 30 November, “Made in Translation: Images from and of the Landscape.” 25 Queen Victoria Str, Gardens, CT. info@iziko.org.za www.iziko.org.za
Johans Borman Fine Art 11 October to 26 November, “Persona” In ancient Latin, persona meant ‘mask’. Today it refers to the ‘social masks’ individuals choose to portray versions of themselves. This exhibition investigates the notion of how we see ourselves and others. Please note the new address: 16 Kildare Road, Newlands, CT. T. 021 683 6863. art@johansborman.co.za www.johansborman.co.za
1st Floor, Olympia Buildings, 136 Main Rd, Kalk Bay. T.021 788 6571 kbmodern@iafrica.com www.kalkbaymodern.com
Kalk Bay Modern Art on Paper and runs from 18 October to 27 November at Casa Labia Galleria and Kalk Bay Modern as a satellite gallery for this show. Director, Cheryl Rumbak, will be curating the show and it will be opened by Marilyn Martin on Tuesday 18 Oct at 6:30 pm. Art on Paper has been a very successful group show hosted at Kalk Bay Modern for the past three years and this year we are celebrating it by simultaneously hosting it at both venues. There is a fantastic line up of art work for the investment buyer from William Kentridge, Deborah Bell, Peter Clarke, Penny Siopis, Malcolm Payne, Wilma Cruise, Cecil Skotnes, Anne Sassoon, Colbert Mashile, Judith Mason, Willem Boshoff, Bonwen Findlay, Beezy Bailey, Nat Mokgosi, Diane Victor and David Koloane to rising starts such as Jane Eppel, Michele Tabor, Paul Molete, John Murray, Kate Gottgens, Fiona Pole, Conrad Botes, Barbara Wildenboer and many more. Celebrating a wealth of South Africa’s talent in drawings, fine art editions, painting, sculpture and selected photography.
The Lovell Gallery Until 15 October, “The Field” by Berna Thom, winner of the Lovell Gallery Artists’ Competition. 139 Albert Rd, Woodstock. info@lovellgallery.co.za www.lovellgallery.co.za
Lindy van Niekerk Art Gallery A large selection of artworks by new and prominent South African artists and SA old Masters. 31 Kommandeur Rd, Welgemoed, Bellville. T. 021 913 7204/5 lindy@artpro.co.za www.artpro.co.za
Martin Osner Fine Art Gallery Archival photographic prints, mixed media & collectable imaging. Shop A14, Cape Quarter Piazza, 72 Waterkant Str, Green Point, CT. T. 021 790 6494 info@martinosner.com www.martinosner.com Michaelis Gallery Until 19 October, “Threshold” an exhibition of environmentally conscious and “A Conversation with Bolus: Science, Sensibility, Sensuality” UCT, 31 – 37 Orange Str, CT. T. 021 480 7170 nadja.daehnke@uct.ac.za www.michaelis.uct.ac.za
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SA ART TIMES. October 2011
CAPE TOWN / OVERBERG / WESTERN CAPE | GALLERY GUIDE Rose Korber Art On show until 31 October, “William Kentridge: Selected Prints from Two Decades” an exhibition spanning the period from 1989 - 2010. Several of these works are no longer available on the market and should therefore have considerable appeal for the discerning collector. Included, too, is a superb selection of recent linocuts, all produced in 2010. These riveting works in black and white are a welcome return to this powerful medium by the maestro, after some twenty years. 48 Sedgemoor Rd, Camps Bay, CT. T. 021 438 9152 C.083 261 1173 roskorb@icon.co.za www.rosekorberart.com Rust-en-Vrede Gallery Opening 4 October at 19:00, “Self Portrait 2011” a group exhibition, until 27 October. To be opened by Marilyn Martin. 10 Wellington Rd, Durbanville. T.021 976 4691 rustenvrede@telkomsa.net www.rust-en-vrede.com Salon 91 Opening Wed 5 October, “The October Show” a group exhibition of mixed media. Featured Artists Include: Paul Senyol, Jordan Metcalf, Daniel Ting Chong and Andrew Sutherland. This exhibition by an all-male cast promises a strong urban feel, straddling the lines between fine art, design, and street art. Concludes Saturday 29 October at 2pm. 91 Kloof Str, Gardens, CT. T 021 424 6930 info@salon91art.co.za www.salon91.co.za South African Jewish Museum Until 27 November, “Zapiro: Jiving with Madiba” an exhibition of work by the wellknown cartoonist, Jonathan Shapiro, all of which depict or otherwise involve Nelson Mandela. 88 Hatfield Str, Gardens, CT. T. 021-465-1546 info@sajm.info www.sajm.info South African Print Gallery A wide selection of fine art prints by South African masters and contemporary printmakers. Until 6 October, “Hats Off!” an exhibition celebrating 25 years of outstanding original graphics produced at the Caversham Centre in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. 109 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock, CT. T. 021 462 6851 info@printgallery.co.za www.printgallery.co.za South African Society of Artists Until 9 October, the South African Society of Artists 105th Annual Exhibition, its prestigious annual exhibition where only selected, independently judged works will be on show. The Sanlam Hall, Kirstenbosch Gardens Opening Times: Daily from 09h30 - 18h00 Liz Pearson T. 021 671 8941 or lizp@iafrica.com www.sasa-artists.co.za StateoftheArt.co.za Online Art Gallery A curated online art gallery bringing you original and affordable artwork created by selected Fine Arts students and graduates emerging from South Africa’s most prestigious art schools. With an extensive selection of styles and genres to reflect your taste, budget and requirements, and a range of services to support your choices, buying art couldn’t be
SA ART TIMES. October 2011
any simpler. T. 0724709272 info@StateoftheArt.co.za www.StateoftheArt.co.za Stephan Welz & Company Decorative and Fine Arts Auction 18 & 19 October. The Great Cellar, The Alphen Hotel, Alphen Drive, Constantia. T. 021 794 6461 ct@stephanwelzandco.co.za www.stephanwelzandco.co.za Stevenson Cape Town Until 15 October, Conrad Botes solo exhibition “The Temptation to Exist” and a Forex Project show by Keren Cytter entitled “The Hottest Day of the Year” as well as work by Igshaan Adams in the Side Gallery. Ground Floor, Buchanan Building, 160 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock, CT. T. 021 462 1500 cpt@stevenson.info www.stevenson.info Strauss & Co. Fine Art Auctioneers & Consultants. The Oval, 1st Floor Colinton House, 1 Oakdale Rd, Newlands. T. 021 683 6560 ct@straussart.co.za www.straussart.co.za
Franschhoek Ebony Currently showing through the Month of October, Franschhoek “Art in Clay”. Ebony is one of the 6 participating galleries around Franschhoek. Ebony will be showing specific installations and new works by Katherine Glenday, Clementina Van der Walt, Hennie Meyer, Lisa Ringwood, Mick Haigh and others. 4 Franschhoek Square, 32 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek. T. 021 876 4477 info@ebonydesign.co.za www.ebonydesign.co.za The Gallery at Grande Provence The Franschhoek ‘Art in Clay’ festival starts on 1 October and runs for the month of October. The Gallery is proud to include a selection of ceramics and ceramic sculptures by Andile Dyalvane, Louise Gelderblom, Rae Goosen, Karin Lijnes, Zizamele, Karen Kotze, Zizipho Poswa & Nienke van der Meulen in The Gallery, The Cathedral and The Shop. Opening on 16 October at 11h00, a solo exhibition, ‘Cultural Contrasts’, by well known Pretoria based artist, Willie van Rensburg, until 16 November. ‘The Project Room’ will present the Cape Craft and Design Institute’s ‘Handmade Collection’. The, ‘Dillon and Jada’ Collection, which include a range of Vivienne Westwood shoes, is on show until the end of October in The Shop. Main Rd, Franschhoek. T. 021 876 8630. gallery@grandeprovence.co.za www.grandeprovence.co.za Holden Manz Collection The Holden Manz Wine Estate is proud to announce the opening of its Art Gallery in the city centre of Franschhoek Village. The Holden Manz Collection is focused on contemporary local art and showcases works including charcoals, collages, oils, drawings as well as photography & prints. 30 Huguenot Str, Franschhoek T. 021 876 44 02
info@holdenmanz.com www.holdenmanz.com Is Art During October “Art in Clay” 16 Huguenot Str, Franschhoek. T. 021 876 8443 isart@lqf.co.za www.is-art.co.za
George Strydom Gallery SA and Master artists on display during October. Painting, sculpture, photographs, jewellery, ceramic & glassware on show by the following artists: Simon Stone, Brad Gray, Hanneke Benade, Gregory Kerr, Greg Schultz, Leigh Voigt, Piet van Heerden, Pierneef & Erich Mayer. 79 Market Str, George. T. 044 874 4027 info@artaffair.co.za www.artaffair.co.za
Hermanus Abalone Gallery During October in the Main Gallery: Group exhibition showcasing works on canvas & on paper by Alta Botha, John Clarke, Tadeus Jaroszynski, Elzaby Laubscher, Leonard Matsoso, Anna Vorster and sculpture by Jackson Hlungwani, Carl Roberts, Suanna Swart. In the Annex: Graphic group exhibition by Hannes Harrs, Lucky Sibiya, Cecil Skotnes, El Loko. 2 Harbour Rd, The Courtyard, Hermanus. T. 028 313 2935 info@abalonegallery.co.za www.abalonegallery.co.za Art Amble Hermanus Village Ten diverse and unique Galleries all within walking distance in the heart of Hermanus Village. Four resident artists’ studios to visit. Collect your Art Amble Guide at any one of the Galleries in Main Road or at the Hermanus Tourism Office. Contact Terry Kobus on 083 259 8869 or email originals@hermanus.co.za for more information. Bellini Gallery During October, “Spring 2011” selected works by Ed Bredenkamp, Annette Barnard, Anna Barth, Maeve Dewar, Annemarie du Plooy, Charlene Langguth, Elizabeth MillerVermeulen, Shannon Phillips, Alison Riordan, Vernon Swart, Louis Stroh van der Walt. 167 Main Rd, Hermanus. T 028 312 4988 bellini@telkomsa.net www.bellini-gallery.co.za Originals Gallery The art studio and gallery of Terry Kobus. See the artist at work in his studio and view his latest paintings in an intimate gallery space. Shop 22 Royal Centre, 141 Main Rd, Hermanus. T. 083 259 8869 originals@hermanus.co.za www.OriginalsHermanus.blogspot.com
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ARTLife |
Nandipha Mntambo Photographs and text by Jenny Altschuler Introducing Nandipha Mntambo at her public talk in Cape Town last week, prominent South African historian and lecturer in Discourse of Art, Andrew Lamprecht, commended the artist for her “..amazing contribution to Art in South Africa.”, acknowledging her continuous ability to amazing and delight the artworld with new intriguing concepts with increasing depth of engagement. A search for examples of Mntambo’s artworks through the website of her representing gallery, the Stevenson Gallery, reveals the success the artist has achieved in her short career as a sculptor. Ninety percent of the works created over the 5 year period have been sold. Her first solo exhibition, Ingabisa (2007), was presented at the gallery in the same year she completed her MFA, with distinction, at the Michaelis School of Fine Arts, UCT. Since then she has been included in international exhibitions, received a Wits/BHP Billiton fellowship, and taken up a four-month artist’s residency in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2010. Earlier this year Mntambo was chosen as the Standard Bank Young Artist for Visual Art 2011 with an exhibition touring the country until September 2012. Debuting at the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown in June, the exhibition, Faena (referring to ‘…the most beautiful and skillful section of a bullfight - a dance with death, where the matador must prove his courage and artistry’), presents the artist’s explorations into the use of cowhide as a medium for self-exploration. Works are in sculpture, on paper and in performance on video, namely of public performance and personal and public dynamics inher28
ent in the art of bullfighting. The exhibition is currently showing at the Iziko South African National Gallery until 7th November 2011 after which it will continue its travel around the country showcasing at prestigious national art venues through 2012. Mntambo is very specific about who and what she is not. Her artistic production thrives upon its play against the background of expected associations with traditional customs and notions related to some of the most prominent issues that have engaged South African artistic voices. Relationships with issues of race (blackness); gender and abuse and Western notions of African culture and identity are often assumed through the associations generated by encounter of the pieces; yet, she explains vehemently, the work is not about these issues at all. She describes the experience within her formative years as being anything but the expected scenario. Growing up in Swaziland, her mother escaped the Apartheid experience and Mntambo identifies her background of growing up as being one in a white Jewish neighbourhood, with little traditional African influence. She traces part of her fascination with ‘body hair’ to her teenage years witnessing of the revulsion girls have to body hair. Her own lack of body hair, a characteristic shared by many African women, made her an outsider to the intense depilation rituals carried out by the girls she grew up with. Globally body hair is symbolic of negative qualities of non-femininity and animalism, the opposite of delicacy and refinement. But hair is also a symbol of beauty and status in the African experience as well as in other cultures. SA ART TIMES. October 2011
NANDIPHA MNTAMBO: ARTIST’S PROFILES. | GALLERY GUIDE
Zeus. Bronze stature. 2009
Nandikeshvara Cowhide 2009
Mntambo half jokingly refers to scenarios where having ‘good hair’ is an indication of good fortune and elevates status. Mntambo’s interest in the existence of the opposing forces of attraction and repulsion balancing within the same entity have led her to explore notions of the good and bad self; the physical combination of male and female qualities, the merge of the powerful and the vulnerable as well as the pull between the godly and the beastly. She has portrayed herself as the Minotaur (both animal and human); as Zeus (beastly and Godly), as Narcissus and Europa, (both the male and the female persona, the victim and perpetrator and the powerful and the vulnerable). She has created works in photography, sculpture, performance and video to convey the conceptual explorations of the balances of the opposing forces. She has used traditional material such as bronze as well as the avant-garde medium of cow hide in her sculptures. Early on during her studies at Michaelis, Mntambo was surprised and frustrated at the general lack of depth she noticed in the understanding of ‘material’ in relation to the sculptors’ medium, in the South African art arena. She opened an interest at that point in the dynamics of dead matter and its potential for characterization, ciphering and manipulation as a vehicle for the art message. Choosing cow matter as the malleable medium was not a hugely complicated choice. It is a common and easily accessible animal and the parts were conceptually compatible with some of the issues she had begun interrogating: ie. beauty and ugliness, the intriguing and the disgusting
The Rape of Europa Photographic Composite Photo: Tony Meintjies 2009
and the absence/presence of life. Mntambo started utilizing smaller cow parts such as the hooves, the hair and later the entire hide, incorporating the chemical tanning into her procedure as an important part of the art process. She ascertained that the cow holds the potential for association with the opposing dynamics that interested her, as well as being a prominent symbol in many different cultures not only in expected African traditional rituals. Yet Mntambo is really uncomplicated while describing the evolvement of her concepts. “‘The cow connects all civilizations but I am not talking about being swopped for cows”, she laughs, referring to the custom of Labola, practiced in South African traditional wedding rites. (Mntambo 2011 Michaelis School of Art public lecture). “I have used cowhide as a means to subvert expected associations with corporeal presence, femininity, sexuality and vulnerability.” (Mntambo 2007). Cow figures play a role in GreekMythology (the (the Minotaur), Indian spirituality (Nandi Bull), Spanish bullfight culture (the bull, symbolizing human - animal power struggle). These ‘non-African’ connections help the works to subvert expected links with African traditions while referencing timeless human psychological issues. Five cowhide sculptures form the centrepiece of the show – Vela Sikubhekile (‘Reveal yourself we are watching’), Retrato de um lutador (‘Portrait of a fighter’), Entrar (‘Enter’), Muleta (‘Red cape’) and Guqa Embi Kwami (‘Kneel before me’).
Pragade Touros SA ART TIMES. October 2011
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NANDIPHA MNTAMBO: ARTIST’S PROFILES. | GALLERY GUIDE
Nandipha’s work is currently showing at The SA National Gallery, Cape Town
Mntambo’s sculptures are molded upon casts of her own body as well as her mother’s and portray an extraordinary level of sensibility of the inner traces of human form and presence as well as the outer details of fabric texture and the flow of folds. She also expresses her experience that the hide retains certain ’memory’ of its original capacity and form, even after the intense processes of manipulation and training’ she puts it through. “…This ‘material memory’ that seems to live within the skin cells of the animals I use means that the medium itself can be seen as one that physically engages the concept of recollection, both on a cellular and physical level” (Mntambo 2007) In Faena Mntambo also uses cow hair to produce stitched ‘drawings’ on paper, for the first time. Dark and bold gesture lines in black conjure the shape and symbol of the African hut, which she sees also as an incubator, which nurtures and protects although it may smell differently and repulse. In a number of senses the drawing is also about the hair and the mother figure who nurtures and incubates you. The influence on these she attributes to her mother’s particularity about whom she allows to see her in any particular and personal way, using wigs to hide and build a profile of herself and who she is, that she is prepared to share. The insertion of the personal is highly important in her engagement with the boundaries between vulnerability and power, male and female, and the animal and
Detail from Paso Doble 2011. Praça de Touros I 2008. Faena. September 2011 SA ART TIMES. October 2011
human. She expresses her investigation into her own bad and good ‘self’, her states between human and animal as well as the integration of both male and female entities in her own persona. The Paso Doble video piece also engages in the play of opposing forces: shadow and light, the male and female characters, and the power balances between the strong and vulnerable. The dance is based on the magnetic energies between leader and the follower, the bullfighter and his cape, the controller and the controlled, the male and the female, the perpetrator and the victim and ultimately love and death. Yet the dancers are both female, bald and not Spanish, and so purposefully undermines the expectations set up by this dance.. It is this combination of the evolving depth of conceptual engagement together with her ingenuity in the use of the variety of materials and media, which sets this exhibition a rung above other sculpture shows. The frictions and energies created by the opposite elements she is dealing with, complimentary and opposing, yin and yang, repulsion and attraction, are at once impelling and repulsive to the viewer, who cannot but come back for more.
(Right) Mntambo in the SA National Gallery, space during the set up of her Standard Bank Young Artist exhibition 31
Origin, acrylic on canvas 200 x 352 cm 2011
The Passion and Agony of Saint Conrad Lloyd Pollak: Conrad Botes’ latest exhibition ‘The Temptation to Exist’ presents Art History’s most passionate love story. Romeo’s adoration for Juliet, Abelard’s entrancement with Eloise, pale into insignificance when set beside the rapture Conrad Botes inspires in Conrad Botes. The artist is completely besotted with himself and his own personal mythology. Self-adulation goes hand in hand with messianic self-aggrandizement, and the latter attains megalomaniac proportions that cry out for pathological explanation. 24 paintings single-mindedly glorify Conrad. We see Conrad in head and shoulder format; Conrad in half-length; Conrad, full-length; Conrad in three quarter view; Conrad from the left; Conrad from the right, Conrad from above; Conrad from below; Conrad clad; Conrad, bare-chested; Conrad in the buff. As if this was not enough, Botes also portrays himself as Job and Jesus Christ. Finally he apotheosizes himself as God excreting humanity through his poephol as he towers above a Transvaal landscape. Despite the rampant folie de grandeur, this is the only truly impressive painting amidst a welter of risible bluster and bombast presented in all seriousness without a shred of irony. 17 head and shoulder self-portraits are titled ‘The Temptation to Exist’ in allusion to the Romanian Philosopher, Emil Cioran’s eponymous volume of philosophical apothegms. Cioran asks “Is it possible that existence is our exile and nothingness our home”, and the question distils his view of the absurdity of existence in a meaningless universe where “the decision to exist, is the most irrational of all.”
over-inflation of scale, and the artist’s iconising of himself as a Nietzschean ubermensch. Botes’ head, heroicized by a sunburst of glory, gazes into distance as he valiantly struggles to vanquish the repressive forces of Calvinism on behalf of his people. The psychic havoc inflicted by his stern, bible-bashing forbears is evoked by the tattoo motifs of vengeful, sadistic demons cruelly manhandling the damned that cover his neck, face and hair. In this dark night of the soul, Conrad becomes a tragic figure, a sacrificial lamb taking the sins of his people onto himself as the sweat of agony drips from his brow.
Cioran was an apologist for Hitler and Mussolini, and this body of work comes uncomfortably close to totalitarian propagandist portraiture and its volkisch Blut und Boden (blood and soil) ethos. Fascist too is the bludgeoning, Nuremburg Rally
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SA ART TIMES. October 2011
The Temptation to Exist roundels
CONRAD BOTES / REVIEW | GALLERY GUIDE
Communist roundels
Socialist roundels
The acres and acres of mind-bogglingly monotonous, repetitive self-portraiture confirm that Botes no longer has anything valid to say. ‘The Temptation to Exist’ is posited on a completely false premise. Long gone are the days when the minds of the overwhelming majority of Afrikaners were neurotically fixated on hellfire, brimstone and a punitive, old Testament God. Such notions hark back to Bitter Comix which already purveyed an outdated view of Afrikanerdom in its first issue of 1992, and has by now completely lost any relevance, for, unlike Botes and Kannemeyer, the volk have moved on.
The cartoon style is a shorthand that works perfectly within the intimate dimensions of the comic book’s 7cm by 5cm formats, however when projected onto the epic scale of 200 X 120cm to 200 X 350, the huge dimensions mercilessly reveal the crudity of Botes’ style, making his inability to handle foreshortened arms and hands in ‘Anarchist’, ‘Judas I hate myself’, ‘Pilgrim’ and ‘Job Self-love is an Easy Thing’ glaringly apparent.
The same repetition occurs in ‘Communist and Socialist’ where three nigh identical head and shoulder images of Christ are juxtaposed with three nigh identical portraits of Osama bin Laden, making the hackneyed point that Jesus’ gospel of love and forgiveness is honored more in the breach than the observance, and that Islamic fundamentalism and its Christian equivalent are equally destructive. Botes never says anything once when he can say it twice or thrice or, in the case of the portraits, 24 times, and he again brands organized religion as a source of iniquity by equating the Virgin Mary with Eve and original sin in ‘Terrorist and Anarchist’. The entire exhibition is predicated on Michael Stevenson’s blind faith that bigger means better. As soon as artists join his stable, the dimensions of their work are immediately bumped up into lumbering enormities, as recent exhibitions by Tom Cullberg, Tracey Payne, Anton Kannemeyer and Willem Boshoff demonstrate. In Botes’ case it proves disastrous as the style cannot sustain the scale. The artist began his career with comic-strips, and he still works in a draftsmanly comic book idiom in which line delineates anatomical contours and details of clothing and hair. Colour is used purely as a fill-in, and there is no painterly brushwork or textural intrigue. The palette resembles that seen in a cheap print-job in which one colour is used for the figure, another for the ground, and combinations of the two for the rest. Short-cut stylizations often stand for, rather than represent things, such as the sea of faeces in ‘Ocean of Shit’ I and 11; the rock in ‘Job Self-love is an Easy Thing’; and the tree in ‘Judas I Hate Myself’. SA ART TIMES. October 2011
Such criticisms cannot be leveled at the great masters of comic book syntax like Roy Lichenstein whose monumental compositions demonstrate tremendous formal sophistication transmuting, rather than reproducing, his sources. He plays elegantly witty games with comic book stylization turning it into a flexible medium through which he reflects on American capitalist culture, the International Modern and Art Deco styles and the entire gamut of the isms. Botes’ mechanical and formulaic pot-boilers look as if they were churned out by an army of assistants endlessly repeating the same old artistic recipe, and the results are still-born. The Keith Haring-like figurations covering the faces fail to animate Botes’ static compositions, and it is only in his installation ‘The Stolen Shadow’, where the contrast between the chalk figures and the black ground is maximal, and shading dispensed with, that the breath of life enters his work. This is art that should have firmly resisted the temptation to exist.
Communist
Socialist 35
STELLENBOSCH
the art of recognizing yourself
Kunsgalery Art Gallery
Experience the abundance of South African artistic talent by prominent South African Artists. 1968
Piet van Heerden Overberg landscape oil on canvas, 26cm x 45cm
www.stellenboschartgallery.co.za e-mail: mjg@kingsley.co.za hester@stellenboschartgallery.co.za Tel/Fax: 021 887 8343 Cell: 082 566 4630 / 076 279 2175 34 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch
Tel: 044 874 4027 • www.artaffair.co.za 79 Market Street, George • GPS 33°57’42.66’’S | 22°27’24.54’’E
WESTERN CAPE | OVERBERG / GALLERY GUIDE Shelley Adams Studio & Gallery A permanent exhibition of artworks by Shelley Adams in her personal studio space. She also offers ongoing art courses, crit classes and workshops. 19A Royal Centre, Main Rd, Hermanus. C. 072 677 6277 www.shelley-adams.com Walker Bay Art Gallery View the wide selection of paintings, sculpture & ceramics by established as well as up and coming South African artists. 171 Main Rd, Hermanus. contact: Francois Grobbelaar 028 312 2928 francois@walkerbayartgallery.co.za www.walkerbayartgallery.co.za
Klein Karoo
Sheena Ridley Open Studio and Sculpture Garden Sculptures and Paintings N9 Langkloof near Uniondale, Klein Karoo T. 083 5892881 sheena@ridley.co.za www.ridley.co.za
Knysna
Dale Elliott Art Gallery Exhibition of new images of the Garden Route by Dale & Mel Elliott Woodmill Lane Shopping Centre, Knysna. Anneline: T. 044 382 5646 dale@dalelliott.co.za www.daleelliott.co.za Knysna Fine Art During October, “Equinoctial Exhibition 2011” Thesen House, 6 Long Str, Knysna. T. 044 382 5107 C. 082 5527262 gallery@finearts.co.za www.finearts.co.za
Langebaan
Bay Gallery Bay Gallery supports excellent, local artists, many of whom are members of S.A.S.A. All mediums exhibited. Marra Square, Bree St., Langebaan. Contact: Daphne 073 304 8744 baygallery@xsinet.co.za www.baygallery.co.za
Oudtshoorn
Artkaroo Gallery A selection of authentic Karoo fine art by various established and emerging artists. 107 Baron van Reede, Oudtshoorn. T.044 279 1093 janet@artkaroo.co.za www.artkaroo.co.za
Paarl
Atelier Paarl A group of established, multi disciplinary artists from Paarl are exhibiting in the form of an Art Route at various venues along Main Street, Paarl, from 26 to 30 October. The artists exhibiting together include amongst others Selwin Pekeur, Kervin Cupido, Jeffrey Appolis, Adele Claudia Fouche, Tertia du Toit & Nanette Ranger. A percentage of income from sales will be in aid of Amado Assisted Animal Therapy. For more information go to www.atelierpaarl@webs.com or contact: Adele 082 522 4010 adele@artiststudio.co.za Artist’s Studio Until 22 October, “Kaalkuns” an exhibition of Nudes and Erotic Art featuring well known Boland artists such as: Selwyn Pekeur, Kerwin Cupido & Adele Claudia Fouche. 136 Main Rd. Paarl. For further info contact: Adele 082 522 4010 or adele@artiststudio.co.za Hout Street Gallery The Hout Street Gallery specialises in South African paintings and fine art and offers an extensive range of ceramics, sculpture, creative jewellery, glass, crafts and functional art. 270 Main Str, Paarl. T. 021 872 5030 zetler@icon.co.za www.houtstreetgallery.co.za
Piketberg
AntheA Delmotte Gallery Until 25 October, a group exhibition with AntheA Delmotte, Clare Menck, Mary Duncan & Jeanette Unite. 47 Voortrekker Str, The Old Bioscope, Piketberg. C. 073 281 7273 anthea@lantic.net
Plettenberg Bay
Lookout Art Gallery A fine selection of interesting contemporary paintings, sculptures & blown glass. The Courtyard, Lookout Centre, Main Str, Plettenberg Bay. T. 044 533 2210 mwdawns@mweb.co.za www.lookout-art-gallery.co.za
Stellenbosch
101 Dorp Gallery Opening 6 October @ 18:00, “Rubber, Recycle, Relove” a range of uniquely handmade recycled tyre (rubber) objects to be used as practical one-off pieces by Roché van den Berg, until 28 October. 101 Dorp Str, Stellenbosch. T. 021 887 3385 101dorp@slee.co.za www.slee.co.za Rupert Museum 28 Sept – 28 March 2012, an extensive selection of works by Willem Strydom. Stellentia Avenue, Stellenbosch T. 021 888 3344 saw@remgro.com www.rupertmuseum.org Sasol Museum Until 29 October, “Dichotomies in Objects” Contemporary South African Studio Jewellery from the Stellenbosch Area. Opening 6 October at 18:30, “Handbound: A Collection of Illustrated Bookworks” as well as “Many Rivers to Cross: Conflict Zones, Boundaries and Shared Waters” by Keith Deitrich, both until 29 October. 52 Ryneveld Str, Stellenbosch T. 021 808 3691 Stellenbosch Art Gallery An extensive selection of paintings, sculpture, handmade glass & ceramics by selected Western Cape artists are on offer to the discerning buyer. 34 Ryneveld Str, Stellenbosch. T. 021 887 8343 mjg@kingsley.co.za www.stellenboschartgallery.co.za
Villiersdorp
Elliott Art Gallery Themed Boland and Overberg Exhibition by Dale and Mel Elliott 80 Main Rd, Villiersdorp. T. 028 840 2927 dale@daleelliott.co.za
Wilderness
Beatrix Bosch Studio Unique works in leather as well as paintings & photography can be viewed at her studio. 57 Die Duin, Wilderness. T. 044 877 0585 www.beatrixbosch.co.za
Atelier Paarl presents: The launch of the Paarl Art Route
Atelier Paarl is a group of Paarl artists who collaborate to host events and market their art together. These established and emerging artists have decided to join forces to launch an Art Route in Paarl from 28 till 30 October 2011 to showcase their talent and artworks at specific venues throughout Paarl. Many of the venues will continue with exhibitions afterwards. Some of the artists include: Kervin Cupido, Debbie de Beer, Tertia du Toit, Adèle Claudia Fouché, Selwyn Pekeur, Janet Malherbe, Marlize Meyer, Cathy Milner, Nanette Ranger, Vernon Swart and Jake Watson. A number of artists will also be painting in public during this weekend, which coincides with the Cultivaria festival in Paarl. Various coffee shops, restaurants, wine shops, art shops and galleries will form part of the Paarl Art Route. Well known artist, Tertia du Toit, has designed an artistic map of the art route identifying the participating Atelier Paarl artists and all points of interest. This map will be available from all the participating venues and from the Atelier Paarl website (www.aterlierpaarl.webs.com). For more information: Phone: 021 871 1670 / 084 793 5770 Business hours: 28 & 29 October 2011: 09h30 – 18h00 / Sun 30 October: 09h30 – 15h00 Email: atelierpaarl@gmail.com Visit the website: www.aterlierpaarl.webs.com
SA ART TIMES. October 2011
37
GALLERY GUIDE | EASTERN CAPE
Eastern Cape Alexandria Quin Gallery & Sculpture Garden Enjoy refreshments under the jacaranda tree while enjoying the sculptures of international sculptor Maureen Quin. 5 Suid Str, Alexandria, Eastern Cape, following the signs from the main street. T. 046 6530121 C. 082 7708000 quin@intekom.co.za www.quin-art.co.za
East London Ann Bryant Gallery Until 15 October, Brian Hammond Solo Exhibition in the Ann Bryant Coach House. 20 October – 5 November, an exhibition of oil paintings by Juliet Greig. 9 St. Marks Rd, Southernwood, East London. T. 043 722 4044 annbryant@intekom.co.za www.annbryant.co.za Malcolm Dewey Fine Art Ongoing exhibition of oil paintings by Malcolm Dewey plus works by a selection of local artists. 60 Darlington Rd, Berea, East London. T. 043 7260421 art@dewey.co.za www.originalart.co.za
Vincent Art Gallery The gallery houses an exceptional collection of fine arts, sculptures, blown glass, ceramics, exclusive jewellery and decor items. 2 Donald Rd, Vincent, East London. T. 043 726 4356 vinceart@lantic.net www.vincentartgallery.co.za The Athenaeum Until 6 October, “Walking between the Worlds” by Cleone Cull. 23 October – 11 November, “Reviewing medium: paint as flesh” an exhibition of oil paintings by Michele Fuller. 7 Belmont Terrace, Central, Port Elizabeth. T. 041 501 8300
Ron Belling Art Gallery Until 6 October an exhibition of collected works called “Something Beautiful” and curated by Clayton Holliday. Opening 11 October at 18:00, “Seeing....” photography by Millard Arnold until 21 Oct. 1st to 8th of November, Frederike Stokhuyzen: recent oils and watercolours. 30 Park Drive, P.E. T. 041 586 3973 ronbelling@mweb.co.za www.ronbelling.co.za
Port Elizabeth ArtEC (Previously EPSAC) From the 11- 21 October, “Anything But Painting Exhibition” an exhibition of high quality handmade crafts. 36 Bird Str, P.E. T. 041 585 3641 gallery@epsac.co.za www.artecpe.co.za Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum Currently on show until January 2012, “Painting on Paper” an exhibition exploring works on paper from the Art Museum’s permanent collection. 1 Park Drive, Port Elizabeth. T. 041 5062000 artmuseum@mandelametro.gov.za www.artmuseum.co.za
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M I C H A E L H A L L P H O T O G R A P H Y 021 461 6344 www.mikehallphoto.com