Cape Town has always prided itself on being the cultural heartland of South Africa but when it comes to a vibrant art scene good old Jozi is at the forefront of a flourishing contemporary Pan African art world. In spite of the on-going restrictions due to the pandemic, several new and reconfigured spaces have popped up all over the city during the past year, so keep an eye open for what’s on show during 2022.
Aspire Art Auctions boast an impressive new showroom and gallery on Bolton Road in Rosebank where pre-auction exhibitions are on show providing the opportunity to view works from collections that the public seldom get to see.
Around the corner Kim Sacks‘s Parkwood gallery has always been a treasure trove of beautiful original objects by a variety of artists from the continent showcasing the best of ceramics, wood, beadwork, basketry and textiles. Kim has now opened a new ‘Maker’s Space’ in the vacant area behind her Moorish-styled gallery where creativity will be the order of the day.
Although Lizamore & Associates moved out of their gallery space on Jan Smuts Avenue to new premises in Fairland prior to the first lockdown in 2020, Teresa decided that it was essential to maintain a presence in Rosebank, so a satellite exhibition space has been launched in the impressive lobby of the Fire Station building neighbouring Brik cafe.
Pan-African gallerist Julie Taylor of Guns & Rain and intrepid MJ Turpin of Braamfontein’s Kalashnikov Gallery joined forces and launched a collaborative space, P72 Project Space on 6th Street in Parkhurst. Showcasing complimentary exhibitions by artists from both galleries, it has become known for its unusual artist collaborations and out of the box opening events.
Good news is that SMAC Gallery, one of the country’s highly successful contemporary art galleries with spaces in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, is back in Johannesburg right in the middle of Parkhurst’s vibey 4th Avenue.
Artyli.com, previously based opposite 44 Stanley, relocated to the heart of the city’s commercial centre on Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City. As a hybrid contemporary art gallery hosting regular exhibitions combined with an extensive online platform it will no doubt expose young local contemporary artists to a potential art market from across the continent and beyond.