Sei sulla pagina 1di 16

BUSINESS ART APRIL 2010 | E-mail: subs@arttimes.co.

za | Member of the Global Art Information Group

Joburg Art Fair ‘10


- Artlogic’s slickly produced annual jamboree has come to play a
productively eclectic role in the cultural life of the city.
- The highpoint of this year’s Fair were the Alfa Romeo talks series.

Joburg Art Fair visitors Agnus Taylor’s sculpture at


The Everard Read Gallery Stand.

Alex Dodd there’s no doubting that this


year’s Fair was an explosion of
Johannesburg hasn’t hosted visual newness. An American
a biennale since late last art circuit regular was over-
century and in the mean- heard enthusiastically exclaim-
time, in a spirit of calculated ing that the quality of work on
contingency, Artlogic’s slickly show at this year’s Fair, way Wayne Barker’s, Super Boring is showing at the SMAC Gallery, Stellenbosch. The show is an exhibition of new work which draws on themes,
produced annual jamboree has exceeded what she’d seen at techniques and strategies that Wayne Barker has been utilizing and developing over his entire career. The exhibition runs until 23 May 2010.
come to play a productively the recent Armory Show in
eclectic role in the cultural New York. But for collectors,

Among the plusses Art isn’t one


life of the city. In his keynote arts writers and others im-
address on Saturday afternoon, mersed in the local art world,
Klaus Biesenbach (Director of this year’s Fair wasn’t the spot
PS1 Contemporary Art Center, to track fresh trajectories in
Chief Curator at Large at the artists’ oeuvres. A lot of the Melvyn Minnaar reviews The Spier Contemporary 2010
Museum of Modern Art in New work on show had been seen
York, and Founding Director before and, apart from a few But, for all the effort - not to mention all the glorious, yummy money spent and promised - they have, alas, not delivered.
of Kunst-Werke Institute for exceptions, there wasn’t much
Contemporary Art in Berlin) evidence of gallerists using the
There are plusses to this ultra- nonesuch officials of our ba- promised - they have, alas, not
shot down the art fair as a Fair as a platform to showcase
enterprising effort. Art that nana-republic-in-making were delivered.
trashy aesthetic supermarket, new directions or forward leaps
twists the knife in your gut, or at the great opening party.)
while celebrating the biennale in the careers of their artists.
frazzles your mind, is not one. Either the Spier Contemporary
as the holy ground of zeitgeist This is understandable in the
If ‘contemporary’ is as loaded But even in this dilapidated 2010 signals that our pool of
curatorial intervention. But in context of an Art Fair, where
as it is offered in this ambitious state of the nation an optimist talent is so-so, or there was
the makeshift context of this you don’t get to see a full
showcase’s title, South African can hope that circumstances something wrong with the
postcolonial city, the Joburg body of work by any one artist
art is pretty much in limbo would elicit a few good, clever sourcing strategy. Or the team
Art Fair complicates this tidy (barring the series of sublimely
these days. cultural kicks in the groin. of selectors, who went through,
binary, servicing a whole range nostalgic outsize LPs exhibited
Artists are supposed to do this. it is said, more than 2 700
of different sub-cultural desires by Siemon Allen courtesy of
Maybe that’s to be expected in In this instance, they were pieces of art submitted, has
beyond the primary level of the gordonschachatcollection),
the run-down space of cultural sourced, it is claimed, from chucked the baby out with the
transactionality. but rather one or two selected
mediocrity our country has all corners of our beloved bathwater.
items within a mix of other big
become - one where even the country. But, for all the effort
For those who don’t usually name artists.
arts minister is, well, not very - not to mention all the glori- Continued on Page 2
frequent the city’s galleries, Continued on Page 3
well informed. (Thankfully ous, yummy money spent and

Advertise with us and get your message across to the SA arts community
Find our quality and very affordable advertising rates at www.arttimes.co.za

Newspaper rights: The newspaper reserves the right to reject any material that could be found offensive by its readers.
Published monthly by Global Art Information Editor: Gabriel Clark-Brown editor@arttimes.co.za News: news@arttimes.co.za Opinions and views expressed in the SA Art Times do not necessarily represent the offi cial viewpoint of the editor,
PO Box 15881 Vlaeberg, 8018 Advertising: Eugene Fisher sales@arttimes.co.za Shows: show@arttimes.co.za staff or publisher, while inclusion of advertising features does not imply the newspaper’s endorsement of any business,
Tel. 021 424 7733 Fax. 021 424 7732 Subscriptions: Bastienne Klein subs@arttimes.co.za Artwork: art@arttimes.co.za product or service. Copyright of the enclosed material in this publication is reserved.
PAGE 02 BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010

Photo: Cecile Mella

Among the plusses Art isn’t one - Melvyn Minnaar reviews The Spier Contemporary 2010

From Page 1 superficial and derivative. big dark dramatic space with bright oranje monitors - is, in itself, a
There are one-liners that don’t go beyond the door. The old studio treat. And Swift’s Aspire outside an exciting, towering presence.)
There are plusses to this ultra-enterprising effort. Art that twists sin of indulgence abounds. (For goodness sake, how original is the
the knife in your gut, or frazzles your mind, is not one. If ‘contem- idea of cyberspace as space? How many carved footballers and Other plusses are the lovely little coffee café and art goodies shop
porary’ is as loaded as it is offered in this ambitious showcase’s caricatures of politicians do we need? What wit is there in pictures in the corner. This is just what a show like this needs: a place for
title, South African art is pretty much in limbo these days. of presidents with ribbons? Is a ‘Vlakplaas memorial’ not a hor- visitors to sit and talk. The clear, simple catalogue is another plus,
rible mis-conceptualisation?) although the printed images are somewhat insipid, the texts a little
Maybe that’s to be expected in the run-down space of cultural me- warbled, and it could do with more information.
diocrity our country has become - one where even the arts minister Not a thing comes across as dangerous here. Few pieces have even
is, well, not very well informed. (Thankfully nonesuch officials of a whiff of insolence. (The performative works, uncomfortable as As to the art. It will be unfair to write off all as average. It will be
our banana-republic-in-making were at the great opening party.) they sit within the context and concept, may be the more daring equally wrong to discourage Capetonians and visitors not to take
and adventurous. Not that the video documentaries of those pieces the opportunity to visit this major effort. There is a little ‘empow-
But even in this dilapidated state of the nation an optimist can are particularly interesting. Real performances require real audi- erment tool’ built into the project: a people’s choice vote for ‘best’
hope that circumstances would elicit a few good, clever cultural ence time and commitment.) artwork that you can drop into the glass box as you leave. It’s
kicks in the groin. Artists are supposed to do this. In this instance, worth the effort.
they were sourced, it is claimed, from all corners of our beloved Could it be that the art fair syndrome - art for money; not much
country. But, for all the effort - not to mention all the glorious, thought; commodity for neat, yuppie spaces - has infected the It’s also worth to give a couple of pieces more than a second look.
yummy money spent and promised - they have, alas, not delivered. idea of a cutting-edge art expo? No dare, just something you can
acquire? These may include art by the likes of David Bloomer, Melanie
Either the Spier Contemporary 2010 signals that our pool of talent Cleary, Araminta de Clermont and Dave Robertson (great photo
is so-so, or there was something wrong with the sourcing strategy. So what are the plusses of the Spier Contemporary 2010? studies); Jessica Gregory and Dan Halter (simple video clout);
Or the team of selectors, who went through, it is said, more than Kurt Pio (splendid historical space conceptualisation); Zakhele
2 700 pieces of art submitted, has chucked the baby out with the Top of the list is the wonderful invasion of the glorious, old Cape Moses Hlatshwayo, Arie Kuijers, Wilhelm Saayman, Xolile Mazi-
bathwater. Town city hall for this, a first time ever, exhibition of contempo- buko, Colin Payne (grimly witty and goofy stuff); Christopher
rary art in the centre of the city. You can walk right in, for gratis, Swift, Jacky Lloyd, Sicelo Ziqubu (clever sculptural explora-
They finally selected 132 art works from 101 artists, according off the street. tions); Richard Bollers, Elizabeth Buys, Rudolph Tshie, Sentso
to the media bumf. Was this over-filtering? Or have the organis- Lele, Motseokae Klass Thibeletsa (real painting power); and, for
ers not cracked a vigorous enough response, despite the allure of Having convinced the city authorities, in a remarkable, deft move, old-fashioned purity of visual impact, David Koloane and Helen
riches and prizes? Some serious rethinking is needed. to allow the neglected, shabby spaces of the old library in the Sebidi.
magnificent building to be utilised, the Africa Centre, organisers
Given that the majority of selected artists are just over thirty years of the event, spent a fortune on fixing up the interiors. It is money If this seems somewhat of a hop-scotch list, it’s exactly what it
of age - in other words, teenagers at the time of our liberation and well spent. is. The selectors and judges clearly had their turn (and stand to be
that optimistic era of a cultural dawn - it seems that challenging judged as well), why not every Capetonian?
confidence, not to mention creativity, has taken a serious knock in Not only is the installation world class, with wonderfully large
the ensuing years. Where have they been? (And where are those, rooms, airy passages and high-ceilinged spaces most professional- Of course, the biggest plus of the Spier Contemporary is that it is
oh so, ‘established’?) ly refitted for big art, it proves an important point about re-utilising taking place at all - and that there are sponsors funding the costly
this great facility as cultural space. (It had stood empty of years, project. With the country, province and city’s culture bureaucrats
For all its aspirations, the project falls short on the very essentials after the library moved, with no-one having an idea what to do ignorant, or at a lost as to the promotion of the visual arts, this is
that should propel it: verve and seduction, and, yes, excitement. with it.) Cape Town, as many have said, can do with a permanent indeed a brave undertaking. Wide appreciation and applause are
Missing is the crucial electricity of wow! Deflated, both cerebrally space for contemporary art - and this project shows how it can be required. But there also needs to be a rethinking on the African
and otherwise, by the average and deficiency of invention, a visitor done. (Most of the fixing-up work has now been done.) Centre’s strategy if it is to showcase truly smart contemporary
might feel done in. Even the most generous of post- or alter-mod- South African art in future.
ernists, with Danto in their hearts (prompted by limped, excusing In some cases, like fine stage-management, the installation even
catalogue texts), may stifle a yawn at the dullness, the simply raises fairly mediocre stuff up a notch. (The central video room - a This review first appeared in The Cape Times.
BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010 Page 03

Art Leader

(Above) Zwelethu Mthethwa and Samson Mzungu


(Below) The opening on Thursday night.

Joburg Art Fair 10


Continued from Page 1 Speaking of the metropolis, a
small crowd of Sunday morn-
But some moments of fresh- ing Art Fair devotees were
ness or exertion did stand out. treated to a refreshingly honest
At Art on Paper, I felt the jazz and poetic presentation by the
in encountering a brand new painter Mary Wafer, who draws
series of black and white Sam inspiration from the hectic
Nhlengethwa prints depicting spatial realities of gritty post-
Miles David and John Coltrane industrial Johannesburg. Wafer
– a return to the essential tune spoke of how she immerses
in the work of Nhlengethwa, herself in a cocoon of music,
some of whose recent collages listening to certain songs
have grown too visually noisy again and again on her iPod,
for my eyes. At David Krut’s in order to create the mood of

Giles Peppiatt
stand I was struck by a new and intensity that fuels her dark
poignant delicacy of touch in a and deliciously depopulated,
series of drypoint etchings by semi-abstract oils. Her almost
Diane Victor, whose work nev- forensic attention to recreating
er seems to flag or wane. And the mood of particular urban
at Afronova, two immaculately spaces is also influenced by the
detailed fabric works by Billie dark romance of detective nov-
Zangewa evidenced an artist els by writers like Ian Rankin
taking her practice to a more and Henning Mankel. ‘For a By Michael Coulson lucky. It was just before the ity local art on their walls. art work are all tied to SA. If an
reflective and poetic level. long time, I actually wanted to Lehman Brothers collapse, with Conversely, there are South SA picture is destined to end up
be a detective,’ said Wafer. ‘I all that did to the art market. Africans who’ve emigrated in, say, Portugal, it makes no
But for me the highpoint of even joined the police force, It’s five years since London But we’re still committed to who want art that reminds them difference whether it’s sold in
this year’s Fair lay in the but discovered that I really auction house Bonhams started hold two sales of SA art each of their homeland. Then there Jo’burg or London.”
richly packed Alfa Romeo talks wasn’t cut out for it.’ to hold sales of SA art. Giles year, in the [northern] spring are older expats whose children
series. I was lucky enough Peppiatt, who runs this arm and autumn.” consider themselves Australian, Bonhams’ buyers are split
to catch the presentation by This attraction to the film-noir of the business, concedes that or Canadian, or whatever, who roughly 50:50 between SA
the effortlessly charming aspects of the detective genre the international market for On top of that, Bonhams now don’t have their parents’ sen- residents and others.
Tomaso Galli, who succeeded made me think of Kathryn SA art is still developing, but also holds sales of art from the timental feeling for their Stern
in transporting the audience Smith’s collaboration with the is adamant that the exercise is African continent. In practice, or Pierneef, and are astounded He sees similarities between
to the epicentres of hyper- crime writer Margie Orford. worthwhile and believes that these will be annual, alter- when they discover how much the internationalisation of the
funded global haute culture Her hauntingly evocative the potential is excellent. nating between London and it can be worth.” SA art market and how expats
and offering fruitful insight crime diorama – in which she New York, though this is not from the likes of Russia and
into the intercourse between explores the ways in which Though Peppiatt’s original spe- a rigid policy. As in the most Art, he argues, can also be a China have boosted the mar-
the worlds of art and fashion. rumours and traces of real/fic- ciality was English watercol- recent sale, in New York this way for SA organisations to kets for their national artists.
Galli who was Director of tional crime fuel her own abun- ours, he’s been interested in SA month, they include SA items, reach out to the SA diaspora. But SA art has one advantage
Corporate Communications for dant imagination through the art for 20 years. “We noticed though the focus is elsewhere, “The night of the sale, Stellen- over some others – it’s virtually
the Gucci Group until 2004, persona of a platinum-blonde that some SA art works did notably Nigeria, arguably the bosch University held a dinner forgery-free. “I’ve only even
spoke at length about his more broad, called Sophie – was the well on other sales. In particu- only other country south of the in New York for US-based seen one fake Irma,” he says,
recent work with Prada, and draw card at this year’s Good- lar, we sold a Sekoto self-por- Sahara with the population and alumni. Others who’ve linked “and it was palpable. Even
of how the Prada Foundation’s man Gallery stand. trait for more than £100 000. wealth – and, for that matter, events to our sales include Old the Brett Kebble Tretchikoff
support of the contemporary At that time, the SA market the product -- to sustain an art Mutual, Standard Bank and the wasn’t a fake, it just wasn’t
arts has had to remain virtu- The mangled postmodern deca- was dominated by Sotheby’s/ market. Nelson Mandela Foundation.” the painting it purported to be.
ously exempt of the company’s dence of contemporary culture Stephan Welz, which we felt I sometimes think the SA art
commercial imperatives in the was one of the more seductive was showing some of the signs Peppiatt is unbowed by the Finally, he believes Bonhams’ market will only reach maturity
interests of ultra-cool, ultra- strands that I enjoyed tracing of, shall I say, complacency poor results of the New York auctions have been positive when we’re faced with a flood
subtle branding. through the work of Tracey that you often find in a near- sale. “It’s always tough starting for the art market within SA. of fake Irmas and Pierneefs!”
Rose, Liam Lynch, Athi-Patra monopoly situation. out in any new market, and “It helps dealers and galleries
South African companies could Ruga and Matthew Hindley. the climate for African art is when they can show that SA art He stresses that SA art is no
learn a thing or two about the And of course there were other “So we decided it was a market probably better in London. But has a value internationally.” one-man show at Bonhams,
power of not slathering their fertile strands of meaning and worth getting into. Indeed, we we had a good reception in paying particular tribute to the
brands all over the arts initia- traces of trends that could be like to think that we’ve largely New York, and attracted some Peppiatt gives short shrift to contributions of colleagues
tives they support. Then again, tracked across the work on created the international market new buyers. We also got huge the argument (propounded by, George Plumptre (who, ironi-
perhaps that kind of ultra-hip show at various gallery booths. in SA art.“ While some recent media coverage, especially on among others, veteran SA auc- cally, was made redundant last
understatement is best left to But for now, after three days sales haven’t been unalloyed the Nelson Mandela graphics, tioneer Stephan Welz) that it’s year) and the house’s SA-born
the Venetians and would be of hyper-attentiveness beneath successes, he refers more than even though they didn’t sell. So too expensive for SA residents director of press and market-
lost on the denizens of this the white lumo lights of the once during our 90-minute talk we’ll definitely persevere.” to sell works of art in London. ing, Julian Roup. So however
brash young metropolis. (So, Sandton Convention Centre, with obvious pride to the first “That’s taking too parochial a great you judge Bonhams’ im-
well done FNB for putting it’s time to take a deep breath R100m-plus sale of SA art, 18 Peppiatt sees the international view. Firstly, if you can get a pact to be, it’s clearly in for the
your moolah into popularising and let it all settle in the dark months ago. market for SA art as multi-di- premium price in London, that long haul. Local auction houses
contemporary South African art sub-strata of my consciousness, mensional. “There are foreign- can more than compensate for will ignore it at their peril.
in this enduringly sport-crazed where the only truthful work “We got the first really big ers who’ve bought property the higher cost. Secondly, it
nation.) prevails. prices for Irma Stern. We were in SA who want good-qual- assumes that seller, buyer and
PAGE 04 FREE STATE, GAUTENG AND MPUMALANGA SHOW LISTINGS BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010

Free State CO-OP


Until 17 April, The spirit is
not afraid. The exhibition is
curated by Christine Frisinghelli
SPAZA Art Gallery
Towards end April,
Association of Arts Pretoria
Until 07 April, The bluebirds
North Gallery and Preiss Hall,
T.012 344 1807/8
not an idea, says the penguin and Walter Seidl to celebrate Works by Nikki Swanepoel. gift by Ilona Petzer. www.pretoriaartmuseum.co.za
Bloemfontein a group show of contemporary the publication of no.100 of the 19 Wilhelmina Street, Until 15 April, A sip of vodka by
artists from Johannesburg and journal Camera Austria, which Troyeville Isabel Le Roux. Pretoria Trent Gallery
Oliewenhuis Art Museum Cape Town. was dedicated to this exhibition. T. 011 614 9354 16 April-05 May, Silence, 10-22 April, Doodles, Group
18 March–18 April, Free State 68 Juta Str., Braamfontein 21 Feb-02 May, Gae Lebowa an Cell.082 494 3275 Beauty & a Cup o’Tea by Uta show including Otto Klar,
Ceramics Competition, T. 011 023 0336 exhibition by George Mahashe. Widera-Kleinsorge. Jaco Benade, Hardus Koeke-
Exhibition and Workshops. info@co-opjoburg.com Gae Lebowa translates to home Seippel Gallery Opening 16 April @6pm. moer, Diek Grobler, Johann van
08–23 April, www.co-opjoburg.com North in this exhibition George From 01 April, Plastic paintings 173 Mackie Street, Nieuw Heerden, Jan-Henri Booyens,
Terra: above and below Very Mahashe begins his travels by Mbongeni Buthelezi, Plastic Muckleneuk, Pretoria. Erna Bodenstein.
large drawings and infused glass David Brown Fine Art north to seek the wisdom of his (the main space.) T. 012 346-3100 Until 08 April,
works by Jeanette Unite. 18 March-18 April, Passages ancestry. Paintings by Linda Shongwe artspta@mweb.co.za Botanical Exhibition, Gillian
22 April–30 May, an exhibition by Carl Jeppe and 21 Feb-18 April, (project space) www.artsassociationpta.co.za Condy and her art group
Retrospective Melted plastic, Ariana van Heerden. Time’s Arrow live readings of Here and there photography by 198 Long Street, Waterkloof,
wall-hung works by Mbongeni 36 Keyes Avenue, off Jellicoe, the JAG collection curated by Paul Weinberg. +27 Design Café Pretoria.
Buthelezi. Rosebank. Anthea Buys. Opening @ 5pm Opening 6-8pm on 01 April. Until 15 April, A man T. 012 460 5497.
(Main building) T.011 788 4435 on 21 Feb. Arts on Main, called Neels. strent@oldmutual.com
16 Harry Smith Str., david@dbfineart.co.za King George Str., Joubert Park, Cnr of Fox and Berea, Photographs by www.trent-art.co.za
Bloemfontein www.davidbrownfineart.co.za Johannesburg T. 011 725 3130 Johannesburg T. 011 401 1421 Mariki van Graan.
T.051 447 9609 Email: khwezig@joburg.org.za www.seippel-gallery.com Cnr South and Duncan Street, The Tina Skukan Gallery
David Krut Projects www.joburg.org.za Hatfield, Pretoria. From 11 April, The Sacred
Clarens Until 10 April, Standard Bank Gallery T. 012 362 4975 Everyday/ Alledaags Heilig
William Kentridge, The Nose Market Photo Workshop Until 08 May, Umtshotsho by an exhibition of paintings and
Johan Smith Art Gallery Series, 2007—2010. New Until 25 April, Nicolas Hlobo (SBYA) Fried Contemporary etchings by Zak Benjamin and
A fine selection of paintings, Etchings by William Kentridge. The exhibition I am not afraid Cnr of Simmonds & Frederick Until 18 April, Collateral sculptures by Gert Swart.
ceramics, glass, bronze and The prints will be launched, is being exhibited at the Str., Johannesburg, 2001 featuring Guy du Toit, Richard Opens 11:30am.
other works of art. along with the book Johannesburg Art Gallery. T. 011 631 1889 Forbes, Carla Crafford, Collen 6 Koedoeberg Rd, Faerie Glen,
Windmill Centre Main Street Nose: Thirty Etchings. 10 Feb-02 April, Considering www.standardbankgallery.co.za Maswanganyi, Gordon froud, Pretoria.
Clarens 140 Jan Smuts Ave., Parkwood, documentary is the third in a Bongi Bengu and others. T. 012 991 1733
T. 058 256 1620 Johannesburg series of exhibitions commemo- Unity Gallery 430 Charles St, Brooklyn, www.tinaskukangallery.co.za
www.johansmith.co.za T. 011 447 0627 rating the 20th anniversary of This gallery exhibits works by Pretoria.
www.davidkrutpublishing.com the Market Photo workshop. emerging artists, young and old, T. 012 346 0156 UNISA Art Gallery
Blou Donki Art Gallery (Market Photo Workshop handcrafted figures and hosts www.friedcontemporary.co.za Until 30 April, An Evolving
Contemporary Art, Steel Everard Read Gallery Jhb Gallery) spoken-word events. Consciousness exhibition in
Sculptures, Functional Art, Until 19 April, The Great South Market Photo Workshop Currently on show new work by Gallery Michael Heyns collaboration with the Johan-
Photography, Ceramics. African Nude Group Show 2 President Street, Newtown, unity artists, including Robyn Until 13 April, New works by nesburg Art Gallery. Artists on
Windmill Centre Main Street Until 04 April, works by Johannesburg. T. 011 834 1444 Field, Lebohang Goge, Jack Michael Heyns in his gallery. show include Maggie Laubser,
Clarens Kerri Evans info@marketphotoworkshop. Matjie, Thomas Ngulube, 17 April-08 May, Exhibition of Lefifi Tladi, John Muafangejo
T. 058 256 1757 6 Jellicoe Ave., Rosebank, co.za Vuyo Seripe and many more. mixed media works by guest and others.
www.bloudonki.co.za Johannesburg www.markettoworkshop.co.za Bus Factory, 3 President Street, artist Martie Bothma Heyns. Main Campus, Theo Van Wijk
T. 011 788 4805 Newtown. 351 Lynnwood Road Building B-block, 5th Floor
www.everard-read.co.za Manor Gallery Tel: 082 584 9924 Menlo Park Pretoria T.012 429-6255/6823.
Until 30 April, 83rd National info@unitydesign.co.za T.012 460 3698, Ukun1@unisa.ac.za
Gauteng Gallery 2
08 May-15 June,
Open Exhibition of the Water-
colour Society of South Africa
www.unitydesign.co.za Cell.082 451 5584
www.michaelheyns.co.za
Transition Artists participating – top watercolourists exhibit. University of Johannesburg Mpumalanga
Johannesburg will include: Paul
Blomkamp, Hannelie Coetzee,
Artworks for this exhibition
are sourced nationally and
Art Gallery
14 April-26 May, Rendezvous
Platform on 18th
01-23 April, Postscript mixed White River
Art on Paper Wilma Cruise, Karin Daymond, internationally & include works focus original lithography Media and Performance Art by
During April, Bronwen Findlay, Phillemon by new aspiring artists who an exhibition of lithographi- Maaike Bakker and The Loop Art Foundry &
Sara Baartman by Hlungwani, Grace Kotze, John have recently obtained their as- cal works from the extensive Francois Jonker. Sculpture Gallery
Senzeni Marasela. Kramer, Colbert Mashile, sociateship status. Among these: Elisabeth Pons collection in 232 18th Str., Rietondale, Casterbridge Complex Corner
44 Stanley Ave., Joshua Miles, Hermann Arthur Atkins, Colleen Dryer, Paris, France. Includes works Pretoria R40 and Numbi Roads
Braamfontein Werf (Milpark) Niebuhr, Carl Roberts, Jenny Helen Lamprecht, Margaret by artists such as Pablo Picasso, T. 084 764 4258 White River
T. 011 726 2234 Stadler, and Réney Warrington. Mason and Susan Kimber. This Wassily Kandinsky and Ossip www.platformon18th.co.za T. 013 751 2435
www.artonpaper.co.za 140 Jan Smuts Ave,Parkwood. is a juried exhibition. Edward Zadkine, William Kentridge, www.tlafoundry.co.za
T. 011 447 0155/98 Selematsela, Malaki Ndlovu Judith Mason, Pontso Sikho- Pretoria Art Museum
Artspace –Jhb gots@mweb.co.za and Elias Sewape from the sana, and Philemon Hlungwani. Until 25 April, Enter Exit pho- Dimitrov Art Gallery
31 March-21 April, 2012 group www.gallery2.co.za Black Like Us group will also University of Johannesburg tography exhibition by Pierre 03 April-03 May,
show”, The 2012 phenomenon display their work. Auckland Park Kingsway, Crocquet De Rosemond. Expression of freedom by
is a present-day cultural meme Gallery MOMO Norscot Manor Centre, Campus Cnr. Kingsway and 05 March-31 April, Lady Branko Dimitrov.
proposing that cataclysmic or Until 12 April, Blur Zone an Penguin Drive. Universiteids Rd., Auckland. Michaelis Paintings by Dutch Lifestyle Complex, shop no.4
transformative events will occur exhibition of new works by T. 011 465 7934 T. 011 559 2099/2556 and Flemish masters from the on Cnr. Teding Van Berkhout
in the year 2012. This exhibi- Lyndi Sales. gallery@wssa.org.za www.uj.ac.za/artsacademy 17th Century. & Hugenote / Naledi Streets,
tion asks artists to engage on 15 April- 10 May, works by www.wssa.org.za Until 31 April, South African Dullstroom, Mpumalanga.
Shepherd Ndudzo. Art –North Gallery featuring
man’s fleeting presence on earth
52 7th Avenue, Parktown North, Museum Africa
Pretoria Various South African Artists
T.013 254 05 24
and step outside of the paradigm info@dimitrovartgallery.co.za.
that places man at the centre of Johannesburg Until 24 Dec 2010, l’Afrique: A and a variety of mediums. www.dimitrovartgallery.co.za
Alette Wessels Kunskamer
his world. T. 011 327 3247 Tribute to Maria Stein-Lessing Permanent exhibition, South
Exhibition of Old Masters and
Chester Court, 142 Jan Smuts www.gallerymomo.com and Leopold Spiegel Co-curated African Art. From the earliest
selected leading
Ave., Parkwood, Johannesburg by Nessa Leibhammer and artworks up until now (School
Gertrude Posel Gallery Natalie Knight.
contemporary artists.
Syllabus) – South Gallery.
Send us your
T. 011 880 8802 Maroelana Centre, Maroelana.
artspace@wol.co.za This gallery has a permanent 11 May-11 July, Space: Corobrik Collection Ceramic listings to:
GPS :
www.artspace-jhb.co.za exhibition of traditional south- Currencies in Contemporary artist in South Africa. This col-
S25º 46.748 EO28º 15.615
ern, central and West African African Art. lection represents the develop-
art. 121 Bree Str., Newtown,
T. 012 346 0728
ment of studio ceramics and
show@arttimes.co.za
Brodie/Stevenson C. 084 589 0711
Until 30 April, Men Only/At University of the Johannesburg the work of the rural traditional
alette@artwessels.co.za
Home photographs by Sabelo Witwatersrand, Senate House, T. 011 833 5624 potters of South Africa.
www.artwessels.co.za
Mlangeni (the winner of the Jorissen Street, Braamfontein www.knightgalleries.net
Tollman Award for the Visual Tel: 011 717 1365
Arts 2009.) julia.charlton@wits.ac.za Resolution Gallery
373 Jan Smuts Ave., Until 01 June, Foreign Affair
Johannesburg Goodman Gallery featuring works by Rodney
T. 011 326 0034, Until 10 May, Place and Leila Anderson.
www.artextra.co.za Kudzanai Chiurai. Opening @ 6:30 pm.
www.brodiestevenson.com (Project Space at Arts on Main.) 142 Jan Smuts Ave., Parkwood,
(Arts on Main Precinct, Corner Johannesburg
CIRCA on Jellicoe Main Street and Berea Street, T. 011 880 4054
08-25 April, Recent works by Downtown Johannesburg, www.resolutiongallery.com
Simon Stone. 163 Jan Smuts Ave., Parkwood,
2 Jellicoe Ave. T. 011 788 4805 Johannesburg Rooke Gallery
gallery@circaonjellicoe.co.za T. 011 788 1113 Until 31 May, Chaos
www.goodman-gallery.com paintings by Olaf Bisschoff
Cool Art Space By Appointment, the Newtown,
Until 06 April, Johannesburg Art Gallery 37 Quinn Str., Newtown,
The Visible World by Until 25 April, In celebration of Johannesburg
Terry Borain. the MarketPhoto Workshop’s T. 072 658 0762
17 6th Street, Parkhurst. 20th anniversary, the acclaimed www.rookegallery.com
photography exhibition I am Sabelo Mlangeni: Forgotten Land 2004. Silver gelatin print. To be seen at www.brodiestevenson.com
T. 011 422 6469
BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010 Alex Dodd’s Column Page 05

Alex Dodd

Stills from the video installation, Representation: A Discourse, by Christopher Marsberg and Francois van Tonder, featured as part of the Spier Contemporary 2010 exhibition.

A bit of a mad night to schedule a performance, if you think about – whose work evolves out of the context of the location where it fractiously divided in this post-rainbow nation. What is it about
it. The night before the three-day mania of the Joburg Art Fair (or is presented – had transformed the dead space just in front of Sam inequality that inspires such long sentences?
the ‘Art Unfair’, as someone with oodles of streetsmarts, but not Nhlengethwa’s hopping studio into a live action shebeen, and I was It kind of had to be a Dutch artist who brought the shebeen into the
so much expendable income recently called it). But still somehow, quickly drawn into the dark looseness of that space by the voice of gallery because a lot of contemporary South African artists would
despite the threat of imminent aesthetic and social glut, I managed an earnest young poet who goes by the moniker of Quaz and hangs look down their noses at this kind of boundary-bashing gesture
to screech down to Fordsburg, skid past the evening worshippers with a collective of scribes and wordsmiths at the Keletketla Library and decry it as being ‘oh so Eighties – been there and done that’.
looking like an Essop Brothers photograph against the mosque all lit at the downtown Drill Hall. The problem is, we may have ‘been there and done that’ in the late
up against the gritty dusk skyline, and slip into the Bag Factory for Quaz’s poignant vocal timing, choice of words, direct approach and Eighties and early Nineties, cosying up at the Blue Parrot in Yeo-
the launch of Losing Virginity. punchy take on the social and political issues of the moment made ville to the sounds of Neneh Cherry and Youssou n’Dour’s Seven
The show is the culmination of a three-month Johannesburg me think about how cynical so many in the sushi-nibbling upper Seconds, but those seven seconds passed, and the gulf of inequity
residency by artists Su Tomesen (Netherlands), Beate Spitzmueller middle class confines of the art world have become about trans- and general kwere-kwereness amongst ourselves never did. So now
(Germany) and Pauline Marcelle (Dominica/Austria). Tomesen gressing the ghettoes of class and culture that still keep us so what? ‘So-we-to’, as the fashion label quips? I really hate to say it,
but I think I might be with Julius Malema on this – on the need for
an urgent and acute wake up to the reality of black poverty in this
country. Steve Hofmeyer can strip his moer over Malema’s injunc-
tions to ‘kill the boer’ and revert to racism as a reaction to racism.
But getting aggressively reactionary in response to the gluttony and
ineptitude of the ANC and the bruising idiocy of a warmonger like
Malema will only make things worse. You can bitch about bad gov-
ernance till the cows come home, but that doesn’t alleviate the very
real struggles of the majority of hardworking human beings trying to
earn an honest buck in this vile kleptocracy.
So right… back to art – and why I raised my middle-class white fist
at the end of Quaz’s half-heard poem. Because I sense artists in this
country coming alive again – in that acute, burning, fevered sense
of the word ‘alive’. In that ‘we can’t stand for this any more’ sense
of the word ‘alive’. The directly satirical mood underlying much of
the art at this year’s Spier Contemporary Art Awards is similar to
the angry, exasperated mood I experienced at a recent meeting put
together by Antoinette Murdoch at the Johannesburg Art Gallery
in response to Minister of Arts and Culture Lulama Xingwana’s
homophobic and morally conservative reaction to photographer
Zanele Muholi’s images. It is worth noting and appreciating the
fact that artists in this country are making real use of the freedom of
expression clause in our Constitution, in the uneasy knowledge that
it is starting to feel all the more precious in relation to grim weekly
headlines in the Mail & Guardian. Art has always been our litmus,
our nerve barometer – and the legacy of great courage among artists
and writers in this country is fresh and real. I was interested to dis-
cover that there will be no opening address by the Minister of Arts
and Culture nor any other representative from the ministry at the
opening of the Joburg Art Fair tonight. I wonder why…
PAGE 06 EASTERN, NORTHERN AND WESTERN CAPE SHOW LISTINGS BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010

Eastern Cape Florenchie.


During April, L’esprit du
david@davidporterantiques.
com
www.iart.co.za
iArt Gallery Wembley
of Cape Town, 31-37 Orange
Street, CT.
ists represented by the African
Art Centre, namely Ezequiel
sport soccer photographs Until 03 April, Visitor: The T.021 480 7170 Mabote, Gabisile Nkosi,
East London from around the world shot by
Amélie Debray.
Erdmann Contemporary /
Photographers Gallery
Square by Liza Grobler.
07-30 April,
cath@resonating.co.za George Msimang, Judas Mahl-
angu, Linga Diko, Malibongwe
Ann Bryant Gallery 155 Loop Str., Cape Town. Until 24 April, Matters con- Collective Memory by Raw Vision Gallery Shangase, Thabani Msomi,
The Main Gallery T. 021 4235699 ceptual a group show. Opening Madelein Marincowitz. 11 Feb-14 Sep 2010, African Mxolisi Sithole, Thulani
Until 02 April, ABSA Atelier www.alliance.org.za nights: 7, 14 and 21 April @ Wembley Square, Gardens, Odyssey 20 Internationally ac- Makhaye, Vukile Teyise and
Art Competition Regional 6pm. Cape Town T. 021 424 5150 claimed photographers William Zulu.
Exhibition Art b 24 April- 29 May, Group show www.iart.co.za exhibiting. 107 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock,
20 April-03 May, Oil on canvas Until 07 April, by Deanne Donaldson, Johann 89 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town. T. 021 462 6851
by Lorna Bradfield 25th ABSA L’Atelier Regional Louw, Brownwen Vaughan- Infin Art Gallery info@rawvisiongallery.com info@printgallery.co.za
08-25 April, SAN(D) TO Competition Exhibition. Evans and Elizabeth Gunther. A gallery of work by local www.rawvisiongallery.com www.printgallery.co.za
SAN(D) and RECYCLE RE- 14 April–05 May, Opens 28 April @ 6pm. artists.
USE by Bev Samler. Solo exhibition of sculptures 63 Shortmarket Str., Cape Wolfe Street Chelsea, Wynberg Rose Korber These Four Walls Fine Art
15 Apr-08 May, An by Ann Marais. Town T. 021 422 2762 T. 021 761 2816 and During April, Group show Until 03 April, Ulwando by
exploration of the Southern The Arts Association of galleryinfo@mweb.co.za Buitengracht Str. Cape Town featuring Richard Smith, Velile Soha and Leboana
African geography” from Bellville, The Library centre, www.erdmanncontemporary. T. 021 423 2090 William Kentrige, Lefuma. 16 April- 08 May, The
the South African National Carel van Aswegan Street, co.za www.infinart.co.za Deborah Bell, Pamela Stretton Baiting tree photographs by
Association for the visual arts Bellville. T. 021 918 2301 and more. Lise Hanssen from the Spotted
multi-media display. info@artb.co.za Everard Read Gallery - CT Irma Stern Gallery 48 Sedgemoor Rd, Camps Bay, Hyaena project.
05-09 April, The East coast www.artb.co.za Until 15 April, Threshold four Until 10 April, German and Cape Town Opening @ 6pm 16 April.
Quilters Guild. (Coach House) painters - Anton Brink, Brad South African trio exhibit, T. 021 438 9152 169 Lower Main Road,
9 St Marks Road Southern- Artscape Gray, Anthony Scullion and Josef Lange-Grumfeld, artist roskorb@icon.co.za Observatory
wood East London Until 03 May, 3rd space exhibi- Peter van Straten - use and former cattle farmer from www.rosekorberart.com T. 021 447 7393
T. 043 7224044 tion featuring Tony Mhayi, distortion, fantasy, surrealism Ankum, Northern Germany, Cell. 079 302 8073
annebryant@intekom.co.za Angeline Lea and Tania Milner. and satire (amongst other de- will be exhibiting with fellow Rust-en-Vrede Gallery janet@thesefourwalls
www.annebryant.co.za ARTSCAPE Theatre Foyer vices) to investigate the realm countryman, Gerhard Philipp Until 15 April, In Translation www.thesefourwalls.co.za
space (Nico Malan) D F Malan between sanity and insanity, and South African, a body of new work in mixed
Street, Foreshore, CT. dreams and reality. Theo Ntuntwana. media by Theo Paul Vorster. Waterkant Gallery
Port Elizabeth T. 021 410 9800 3 Portswood Rd., V&A Cecil Rd, Rosebank Paintings by Tania Rosenbroch. Until 31 May, The Flow of
artscape@artscape.co.za Waterfront T. 021 418 4527 T. 021 685 5686 20 April–13 May, Salon A: Stone, Scenes from the Desert
Montage Gallery www.everard-read-capetown. www.irmastern.co.za Still by Theo Kleynhans. a solo show of photographs by
During April and May, a Atlantic Art Gallery co.za Salon B: Slice curated by Bettie Coetzee Lambrecht.
mixture of Eastern Cape art A permanent display show- Iziko SA National Gallery Theo Kleynhans. 123 Waterkant Street, Cape
on show, which will include casing leading contemporary Focus Contemporary Until 15 April, Gallery is Participating artists: Jean de Town. T. 021 421 1505
paintings, ceramics and graphic South African artists. 01 April-01 May, A solo show closed in preparation for FIFA Wet, Marike Kleynscheldt, info@waterkantgallery.com
work. 25 Wale Street, Cape Town. of portraits by Marie Stander. 2010. Wendy Gaybba, www.waterkantgallery.com
59 Main Road, Walmer, T. 021 423 5775 67 Long Street, Cape Town. 15 April -30 September, Christo Basson, Jan du Toit,
Port Elizabeth. T. 041-5812893 T. 021 419 8888 1910-2010: From Pierneef to Lionel Smit, Marlise Keith, Wessel Snyman Creative
montage1@iafrica.com AVA info@focuscontemporary.co.za Gugulective a re-hang of the Marié Stander, Until 15 April, Prospects of
www.montagegallery.co.za 06-30 April, We already know www.focuscontemporary.co.za entire gallery is being curated Madelein Marincowitz chaos and complexity
how this will end Gretchen Van to showcase the very best of Salon C: Organic Matter by drawings, digital prints, film
Nelson Mandela Metropoli- Der Byl. & Pooof! by Gallery F South African art. Marie Peacy. and installation pieces by Kris-
tan Art Museum Karen Lijnes. Contemporary and archival 25 Queen Victoria Street, The Cube in the Clay Museum: tine Kronje.
Until end of April, Animals Association for Visual Arts, South African Art. Cape Town T.021 481 3934 Tea Bowls by 37 ceramists. 16-30 April, City Slickers Post-
in art various artists, various 35 Church Street, Cape Town. 221 Long Str., Cape Town 10 Wellington Rd, Durbanville. er Show by Bigwood Collective
mediums. Part of the gallery’s T.021 424 7436 T. 021 422 5246 Joao Ferreira Gallery T.021 976 4692 and Revolution Skateboards,
collection. art@ava.co.za www.galleryf.co.za 14 April-15 May, www.rust-en-vrede.com featuring some of the top
Until 11 April, A selection of www.ava.co.za New paintings by current local illustrators,
selection of 20th Century South Gill Allderman Gallery Aaron van Erp. Salon 91 designers and graffiti artists, as
African Art. Blank Projects During April, Works by Dathini 70 Loop Street, Cape Town. 1-24 April, Out of Africa digital well as international talent, the
17 April- 15 May, Insight Until 03 April, Works by Irène Mzayiya, Donovan Ward, T. 021 4235403 print, screen print and sculpture show exhibits limited edition
photography and video from Hug, a Berlin-based Swiss Donna McKellar, Pincus Cat- info@joaoferreiragallery.com by Adam Shear and Neill poster prints as well as
the Nelson Mandela Metropoli- Artist. zel, Sophie Peters, Velile Soha, www.joaoferreiragallery.com Wright. merchandise featuring almost a
tan Art Museum’s Permanent 07-30 April, Ndizakuyivula Lionel Davis, Geof Hayland, Opening night 07 April @ 100 different illustrators.
Collections. iBhayibile-Mea Culpa by David van Staden, Isaac Make- Johans Borman Fine 7:30pm. 17 Bree Street, Cape Town.
Permanent exhibition, Art in Khanyisile Mbongwa. leni, Gill Cowen and Giovanna Art Gallery 28 April-22 May, Sifting T. 021 418 0980.
Mind 113-115 Sir Lowry Rd, Biallo. 10 – 23 April, through the madness featuring
1 Park Drive, Port Elizabeth. Woodstock, Cape Town. 278 Main Road, Kenilworth, An exhibition of oil paintings Andrew Sutherland, Senyol, What if the World…
T. 041 506 2000 T.072 1989 221 Cape Town T. 0835562540 by Hennie Niemann Jnr Candice Jezek, Jade Klara, 01 April-01 May, Tectonic
www.artmuseum.co.za blankprojects@gmail.com gallery@new.co.za In-Fin-Art Building, Upper Daniel Ting Chong and Gabri- paintings by
www.blankprojects.com Buitengracht Street, Cape elle Raaff. Opening night 28 Jan-Henri Booyens.
Goodman Gallery, Cape Town April @ 7:30pm. First floor, 208 Albert Rd,
Northern Cape Gallery Until 24 April, Two projects T. 021 423 6075 91 Kloof Street, Gardens, Woodstock, T.021448 1438
Until 17 April, oil paintings by featuring Mikhael Subotzky art@johansborman.co.za Cape Town. T 021 424 6930. www.whatiftheworld.com
Cape Paula Vize, Elinor Carleton- with Patrick Waterhouse. www.johansborman.co.za info@salon91art.co.za
Smith and ceramics by 29 April-29 May, Recent works www.salon91art.co.za
Theo Ntuntwana. by David Koloane. Kalk Bay Modern
Franschhoek
Kimberly 18 April-08 May, works by 3rd Floor, Fairweather House, 07 April-07 May, The assas- South African Museum

Galerie L’ Art
Frederike Stokhuyzen. 176 Sir Lowry Rd., Woodstock, sination of Shaka woodcuts by Until end July, Subtle Thresh-
William Humphreys Art A permanent exhibition of
60 Church Street, Cape Town. Cape Town T. 021 462 7573/4, Cecil Skotnes. olds, the representational
Gallery old masters.
T. 021 423 5309. www.goodmangallerycape.com 1st Floor, Olympia Buildings, taxonomies of disease, a mixed
Permanent collection on Shop no 3, The Ivy, Kruger
web@capegallery.co.za 136 Main Rd, Kalk Bay. media show curated by
exhibition. Str., Franschhoek
www.capegallery.co.za Greatmore Studio T.021 788 6571 Fritha Langerman.
Civic Centre, Cullinan T. 021 876 2497
22-29 April, Mentorship exhi- kbmodern@iafrica.com 25 Queen Victoria Str., Cape
Crescent, Kimberley. www.galart.co.za
Carmel Art bition hosted by www.kalkbaymodern.com Town T. 021 481 3800
T. 053 831 1724 Dealers in Fine art, exclusive One Minute Video. http://www.iziko.org.za/sam
artmuseum@whag.co.za The Gallery at
distributers of Pieter van der 47-49 Greatmore Street, Michael Stevenson
www.whag.co.za Grande Provence
Westhuizen etchings. Woodstock. T. 021 447 9699 Contemporary South Gallery
Until 14 April, Recent works by
66 Vineyard Rd., corner info@greatmoreart.org Until 17 April, Solo shows by Showcasing creativity from
Johann Moolman.
Cavendish Str., Claremont www.greatmoreart.org Angela Ferreira and Natasja KwaZulu-Natal including
Western Cape T.021 671 6601 Kensmil. Walid Raad will Ardmore Ceramic Art.
18 April-19 May, Current Mat-
ters by top South African up
Constantia Village Shopping Houtbay Gallery exhibit concurrently as part of Fairweather House,
and coming, award winners as
Cape Town Centre, Main Rd., Constantia
T. 021 794 6262
Until 04 April, works by Koos
De Wet, Anastasia Sarantinou
the FOREX project series.
22 April-29 May,
176 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock,
Ground Floor.
well as SA masters.
Main Road, Franschoek.
and Mariette Bergh Anton Kannemeyer will T. 021 465 4672
34 Fine Art T. 021 876 8600
Christopher MǾller Art 71 Victoria Avenue, Houtbay. exhibit concurrently with info@southgallery.co.za
Until 17 April, Random gallery@grandeprovence.co.za
Dealers in South African T. 021 790 3618/ 021 790 0137 Zanele Muholi and, as part
Graphics from Private www.grandeprovence.co.za
contemporary art and South art@houtbaygallery.co.za of the FOREX series, Glenn South African Print Gallery
Collections – African masters. www.houtbaygallery.co.za Ligon. Until 30 April, Black on White
William Kentridge. 82 Church Str., Cape Town Ground Floor, Buchanan Straight from the African Art
Second Floor Hills Building, T. 021 439 3517 i Art Gallery Building, 160 Sir Lowry Rd, Centre, Durban. In line with
Send us your
Buchanan Square www.christophermollerart. Until 13 May, An exhibition of Cape Town T. 021 462 1500 the Mission of The African Art listings to:
160 Sir Lowry Road, co.za Zwelethu Mthethwa’s www.michaelstevenson.com Centre, which is to promote
Woodstock. mural-sized photographs, the work of artists and crafts
www.34fineart.com David Porter Antiques which have never before been Michaelis Gallery people mainly from KwaZulu-
show@arttimes.co.za
Buyers and sellers of South shown in South Africa. Until 09 April, Stock by Natal, but also from the other
Alliance Française African art. 71 Loop Street, Cape Town. Catherine Price. provinces in South Africa. The
Until 19 April, Works by Pierre T. 021 683 0580/083 452 5862 T. 021 424 5150 Hiddingh Campus, University group exhibition of eleven art-
BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010 Melvyn Minnaar ’s Column Page 07

Piketberg De Wet centre, Church Street,


Stellenbosch.
Anthea Delmotte Gallery T. 021 887 3607
Until 26 April, Group show www.smacgallery.com
featuring Annelie Venter,
Anthea Delmotte, Clare Tokara
Menck, Glynnis Creamer, Until 25 April, The spaces
between, from looking to Melvyn Minnaar
Jacolene de Haan, MURG
informal academy, Neville depicting celebrating Estelle
Creamer, Sandra Hanekom, Su- Marais and her Karoo. The Art of Sponsorship Sponsorship of the arts is essentially an investment that cannot be
san Kemp, and Teresa Harling. Crest of Helshoogte pass on quantified within the stratagems of capitalism. (Of course, having
Opening @ 7pm on 26 Feb. the R310 between Stellenbosch A few days after the Spier Contemporary 2010 opened in Cape to play the money game, cunning cultural operators use the jargon:
Feathers Inn, 1 Church Str, and Franschoek. Town and brought the neglected hallowed halls of the grand old ‘marketing value’, ‘job-creation’ - that sort of thing.) The real pay-
Piketberg 073 281 7273, T. 021 808 5900 city hall gloriously to life, a couple of NGOs filed an urgent court off has to do with things more esoteric - the human condition, the
anthea@lantic.net www.tokara.com application to force the National Lottery Board to release funds for enrichment of the spirit, whatever.
their survival. One of the NGOs pursuing court action is involved
George with culture, and was about to cease operation without urgent Although that may lead to the promotion of “social cohesion and
Stellenbosch funding. nation building” ( the misinformed arts and culture minister’s
Strydom Gallery limited view, expressed when she shuddered in horror at a nude or
Art on 5 04–30 April, Bureaucratic mismanagement (so what’s new?) seems to have kept two), these can never be the prescriptions for art and its industry.
Permanent exhibition of paint- Drawing Conclusions? a massive R6 billion locked up somewhere in the NLB’s coffers, it
ings and ceramics by Maryna Strydom Gallery’s annual was testified. Meanwhile the arts (and the poor) are starving. It is this open-mindedness by the sponsors of the Africa Centre
de Witt, Pera Schillings, and theme exhibition of - the not-for-profit organisation that gave us the current Spier
Karen Kieviet. South African art - a response The same day, the Cape Argus reported that Cape Town City Bal- Contemporary 2010 and it predecessors, the wonderful Badilisha!
7b Andringa Str., Stellenbosch by a few selected artists let, which has been going for 75 years, faces closure because of “a Poetry X-Change and the zippy groundbreaking Infecting the City
T. 021 887 7234 08 June-17 July, Annual Winter cut in government funding, dwindling box-office sales and three - that is so highly commendable.
Exhibition of Southern failed applications for National Lottery Board funding”.
Dorp Straat Galery Cape Art While the physical results of the present art expo may not be much
10-30 April, Group show Selected artwork from artists In the days running up to the Spier Contemporary’s jolly opening, to write home about, the financial investment by Spier (and others)
featuring Cathy Layzell, Mila of the Southern Cape. Mirjam Asmal-Dik sent out a sad, urgent note, indicating that her in the project - and allowing it to run as openly as possible - run
Reyneke and Zelda Weber. 79 Market Str., George seven-year-old organisation, Cape Africa Platform, was about to into millions of rands. The return is not budgeted for. It is called
Church Street, Stellenbosch. T. 044 874 4027 expire as well. This too relates to funding money not effectively the art of sponsorship.
T. 021 887 2256 www.artaffair.co.za channelled by the NLF. But it is also the result of the balls-up with
www.dorpstraatgalery.co.za the over-ambitious TransCape project when Cape had to hand over One of the amazing by-products of the investment of the Spier
a sum of money to settle a somewhat curious claim Gavin Jantjes Contemporary 2010 in Cape Town is what it has done to the old
Glen Carlou Estate Knysna pursued against it. The previously oh-so-happy members of the Victorian city hall. Having stood derelict for two years after the
On exhibition is The Hess Art board ran out of steam and decided to round up the Section 21 library books migrated next door from that delightful theatrical
Collection, including works by Knysna Fine Art company. environment (with officials at a lost what to do with the magical
Deryck Healey, Ouattara Watts 08-25 April, Recent works by spaces), this exhibition shows what can be done there. Perhaps it
and Andy Goldsworthy. Simon Stone. At the time of writing, this had not been sorted out, but unless also suggests very boldly what should be done there.
Simondium Rd, Klapmuts During April, A show by Cape Africa Platform is completely rehabilitated - include finding
T. 021 875 5314 Claude Jammet, An funding - it seems that the organisation, which has, for all its faults Cape Town, it has often been said, needs a contemporary art space.
www.glencarlou.co.za international artist who lived in and mishaps, done pretty well for art and culture in Cape Town, If not a museum, then an institution which can court cutting-edge
Knysna for many years. will be no more. art, present it professionally, handle outreach programmes - and be
Red Black and White Art 8 Grey Str., Knysna, a vigorous cultural asset to the Mother city. The superbly prepared
Gallery in Conjunction with T.044 382 5107 The sad thing about those NGOs, the Cape Town City Ballet and spaces of the old hall are, as they are now, just the place. It will be
amacoola.com www.finearts.co.za Cape is that, like all such organisations, once they die they simply a sad day, with no other ambition in the hearts and minds of the
15 April-06 May, An exhibition cannot easily be conjured up again. It’s the thing about culture and city bureaucrats, if all that has been done for the present show and
of works by Caryn Munting, Hermanus trust: it doesn’t operate to clinical business rules. to the space is removed.
Coral Fourie, Leanette Botha
and Fiona Rowett. Abalone Gallery
5A Distillery Road, Bosman’s Until 10 April, Lynette Ten
Crossing, Stellenbosch. Krooden, Ancient Playground.
T. 021 886 6281 12-30 Apr, Printed IV – Group
feedback@amacoola.com exhibition of graphic works
and photography by: Diane
Sasol Art Museum Victor, Lien Botha,Braam
Until 16 April, Woordfees with Kruger, Cecil & Pippa Skotnes,
Andries Botha. Judith Mason, Hannes Harrs,
52 Ryneveld Str., Stellenbosch. Dirk Meerkotter and Lien
T. 021 808 3029 Botha.
2 Harbour Rd, The Courtyard,
SMAC Art Gallery Hermanus. T.028 313 2935
Until 23 May, Super Boring by www.abalonegallery.co.za
Wayne Barker.

Until 17 April, Random Graphics from Private Collections –


William Kentridge. Second Floor Hills Building, Buchanan Square
160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock.www.34fineart.com
Cover Artist: Wayne Barker at SMAC
Brad Grey, On the
other side: from the Wayne Barker’s amjor show, Super Boring is opening at SMAC Gallery on Saturday at 6pm. The show is not a mid-career retrospec-
Threshold four paint- tive but rather an exhibition of new work which draws on themes, techniques and strategies that Wayne Barker has been utilizing and
ers - Anton Brink, developing over his entire career. In this sense it is not just a summary of his work to date but also a glimpse into what the future holds.
Brad Gray, Anthony The exhibition does show brand new work as well as older important pieces.
Scullion and Peter van
Straten - use distortion, Super Boring is a curatorial collaboration between Andrew Lamprecht, SMAC Art Gallery and Wayne Barker. A catalogue contextualis-
fantasy, surrealism and ing his new work in terms earlier bodies of work entitled; Wayne Barker: Super Boring with text by Andrew Lamprecht and contribu-
satire (amongst other tions by Simon Njami, Carol Brown and Thembinkosi Goniwe will be launched during the Joburg Art Fair, 25 – 28 March 2010, Booth
devices) to investigate 06.
the realm between
sanity and insanity, When asked for his comment on the show, cuartor Andrew Lamprecht said: “Super Boring has been billed as a ‘twenty five year retro-
dreams and reality. 3 spective’ in the press. This is true, but not really in the way most people will expect. While many pieces from the past are included the
Portswood Rd., V&A majority of the work is entirely new and shown here for the first time. This recent work looks back on two and a half decades of unceas-
Waterfront ing production and marks a point in an artist’s life; it may as well be called a ‘25 year pro-spective’ (if Wayne will grant us that!)”.
www.everard-read-ca-
petown.co.za The opening will be followed by a ‘super boring’ party that promises not to live up to its name.
PAGE 08 BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010

Dathini Mzayiya and Alexandra-raised Godfrey Majadibodu, who participated in the prestigious international Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Programme.

Glenfiddich invests in local artists


Eastern Cape-born artist Dathini Mzayiya and Alexandra-raised environment and the facial expressions of the coopers while they
Godfrey Majadibodu, who participated in the prestigious interna- craft these casks. During the process of making this series I was These works form part of the Glenfiddich Collection in Scotland
tional Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Programme, recently pre- assisted by one of the coopers to collect damaged casks, decon- which comprises of over 100 art pieces produced by the 63 artists
sented a selection of their works inspired by their three month stay struct them, and to steam the wood and re-construct it to suit the who have participated in the residency programme to date. These
at the Glenfiddich Whisky Distillery in Scotland at The Rainbow surface that I wanted to work with,” said Mzayiya. works by Mzayiya and Majadibodu were especially shipped to
Experience Gallery, Mandela Rhodes Places in Cape Town. Cape Town for the exhibition.
Each work carries a portrait of one of the coopers, some recog-
Grant Sayers, Marketing Manager for Glenfiddich, explained nisable, while others appear to be composites of one or more. The programme represents an annual investment of £100 000 plus
that creating fine works of art, and the art of creating fine Scotch Mzayiya who has worked on animal skins and wood, wanted to by Glenfiddich, the world’s leading single malt Scotch Whisky,
Whisky has many similarities. work with unusual material, as well as providing a strong link to in the Visual and Contemporary Arts. The programme curator, in
one of the materials central to the whisky making process. conjunction with a network of galleries and curators builds up a
“These artists deserve recognition in their own country, and many selection list from around the globe to select the final six to eight
South Africans are interested in the work of our up and coming During his 2007 residency Majadibodu painted a large oil on artists who go to live and work at the Glenfiddich Distillery in
artists. It is an outstanding opportunity for an artist to gain inter- canvas entitled “Busy as usual” which was one of a few artworks Scotland each summer for the three month residency.
national recognition and exposure as well as to grow.” on exhibition. Majadibodu was attracted to the art of the coopers
through his appreciation of hands on experience and his practical The Glenfiddich Distillery is located in the town of Dufftown
Artists have no set brief and have fairly open access to the distill- nature. He spent time at the cooperage where he observed the which has a population of 2000 and is situated in the beautiful
ery complex and all the production facilities in Scotland, and are coopers at work, and even took the opportunity to have a try at Scottish Highlands.
able to create whatever work they desire. The intention being that building his own barrel.
the art of making fine Scotch Whisky, the heritage, history and Originally open to artists working in Europe, in 2005 the Glenfid-
tradition, the production and ageing process, the people, as well Since its inception in 2002 the programme has seen 63 leading dich Artists in Residence programme opened to artists worldwide.
as the local Scottish environment, will provide inspiration for the international artists from 14 different countries living and working
artists. at the Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown. Each year between six The Glenfiddich Artist in Residence Exhibition is also open to the
and eight artists from around the world are invited to Scotland public until 30 March 2010. The Rainbow Experience Gallery,
Mzayiya who participated in the residency programme in 2009 for a three month residency to be inspired by the surroundings, Mandela Rhodes Place, 23 Church Street, is open Monday to
exhibited his work entitled “Untitled scenes from the cooperage” community and the distillery itself and to create art. During the Friday 09:00 – 18:00, Saturdays 09:00 – 18:00, and
- a series of six works in oil pastel and paint, and charcoal and residency programme artists have a unique opportunity to live Sunday 10:00 – 14:00.
chalk on cask staves. “The work was inspired by the cooperage with other artists from around the world and to exchange ideas.

Zim artist arrested for exhibition criticizing Mugabe

Peta Thornycroft Change leader, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.


After the opening, police returned and took the photographs away.
Zimbabwean artist Owen Maseko was arrested on Friday at a Bu- The exhibition was held to mark Human Rights Day.
lawayo exhibition of his paintings which depict President Robert One of the photographs showed Tsvangirai’s beaten, swollen face
Mugabe murderous 1980s campaign against Zapu leader Joshua after police detained him and scores of his party leaders after a
Nkomo street protest in March 2007.
The most striking work shows Nkomo seated at a table with Mu- That picture went around the world and widely believed to have
gabe, and signing a unity accord to enter a coalition government played a major role in spurring the Southern African Development
with him to stop the violence against his mostly –Ndebele- speak- Community (SADC) to intervene in the Zimbabwean crisis, lead-
ing supporters. Nkomo, slumped over the table as he signs, has ing to the now paralyzed inclusive government.
blood pouring on to his shoulders against a background of men all The MDC narrowly won the parliamentary elections in March
wearing dark glasses. 2008 and Tsvangirai easily beat Mugabe in the first round of the
The exhibition had only been open a few hors when police presidential election, but he pulled out of the second round after
swooped and arrested Maseko and took him o the Bulawayo hundreds of his supporters were killed, thousands were detained
Police Station. and even more were forced to leave their rural villages.
In another raid on an artist three days earlier, police arrested Many of the people photographed are now in police custody, or
Work Titles: Nkomo signs
photographer Okay Machisa, and confiscated all his pictures at an were victims of Zanu-PF violence against the MDC.
accord, Ndebele votes flushed,
exhibition of his images of the violence of the 2008 elections. Hu-
artist Owen Maseko. See artists
man rights activists went to court to force the police to return the First published in The Sunday Independent
website at:www.owenmaseko.
photographs were hastily put back in place at the Delta Gallery,
com
for the opening of the exhibition by Movement for Democratic
BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010 Page 09

The honourable minister Xingwana Image: André Clements

Peter Machen
So what’s the difference between art and porn? The question may the website. They are, surprisingly enough, nearly all men. While ‘What is art’ sits at the very core of art history, and the answer
well have been deliberated for millennia but the answer is simple, dialogue is great, it’s possible that an ongoing trade in knee-jerk seems always to be expanding. It should of course be pointed out
although it may – or may not – offend our Minister of (Arts and) reactions might in fact not help to create a more cohesive society. that Van Gogh was derided by many as “not art” in his time, as
Culture who, now famously, walked out of an exhibition featur- Porn is porn and art is art and no amount of discourse will change were many sung and unsung creative geniuses before and after
ing Zanele Muholi’s portraits of naked women in bed together. that. They are made for entirely different purposes although of him.
So here’s a definition: With porn, you stop looking after you’ve course artists enjoy blurring the boundaries. And of course many One of the things that did emerge from the discussion though, was
climaxed. That may sound facetious or just plain provocative but porn directors genuinely think that their output is art. And if they concern over the impact of explicit images on children. But as
it’s the simple honest truth. Pornography is made to masturbate installed it in a gallery or a similar space, it would be – just as a Cheryl Potgieter, a psychologist from UKZN with a deep and rig-
over, and while millions are the wayward who have masturbated urinal, a painting or a plastic lobster attached to a telephone would orous grasp of sexuality and gender, pointed out, it is the parents
to art at some point in their autoerotic lives, art is made with a be. And if ever you’re in doubt, try the wank test. not the children who are offended.
wider purpose. But of course the debate continues regardless and despite my Kids, it seems, have a far less dogmatic approach to things, a point
Which, in the game of call-and-response that passes for dialogue suggestion that the argument is a tired one, I still consented to take which was beautifully illustrated by my four-year old niece when
most of the time in this country, will no doubt lead to charges of part in a panel discussion on the subject organised by Vansa and she wandered into the KZNSA gallery where some of Deborah
intellectual wankery from all sides. But I’ll stop there and sug- the Centre for Civil Society at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Poynton’s large scale nude figures were occupying the gallery
gest that the discussion over porn and art is a one-way street and It should be noted that most of the panel also thought that we were walls. Having been removed from the painting not because of the
not particularly useful in any nation-building dialectic. And for flogging a dead horse – which is one of the largely unspoken is- nudity but because of the pink icing sugar that was all over her
examples of just how nation-building things can get, check out the sues at the core of the discussion. The art versus porn discussion hands, she returned a little later to show her younger sister one of
forum on The Times website in response to the story. For the most usually devolves into two camps: those who work in the culture the male subject’s “dong”. The two children thought it was
part, the respondents, who usually seem to spend their time tossing industry and those who don’t. hilarious. Lulu Xingwana would no doubt be a little disturbed.
racial epithets at each other, are united in their view that the min- And I think that’s for the very simple reason that most artists have
ister is right in her response to the work – which was featured on already had the discussion with themselves and in great depth.

Kwazulu- Natal Art Show Listings


Imbizo Gallery info@artspace-durban.com “Art and social justice” guest exhibiting in the Main gallery and Marion Townsend.
Until 30 April, Shapes and Scapes www.artspace-durban.com Curator Kim Berman will present the Mezzanine gallery. The Blue Caterpillar Art Gallery
Richard Scott, Katherine Wood an exhibition titled “Art as Advo- James Webb exhibiting in the at Butterflies for Africa
and Philip Briel. Durban Art Gallery cacy: An AIDS action exhibition Park Gallery and with an installa- 37 Willowton Road, Pieterma-
Shop 7A, Ballito Lifestyle Until 01 August, The Interactive from Artists Proof Studio” tion on the outside wall. ritzburg. T. 033 3871356 art@
Centre, Ballito, Street Child Experience Steve Biko Campus, Steve Biko 166 Bulwer Rd., Glenwood. butterflies.co.za
T. 032 946 1937 Until 10 May, Dialogue among Road T. 031 373 2207 artgal- T. 031 2023686 or bluecaterpillarart@hotmail.
info@imbizogallery.co.za civilisations an Art for lery@dut.ac.za www.kznsagallery.co.za com www.artsales.co.za
Humanity Project.
Tatham
Until 04 April, Elizabeth Gordon Gallery
Durban Suitcase of memories A variety of new South African
Margate Until 04 April, “Curriculum Cur-
ricula” a Visual Arts supplemen-
Durban University of artworks, including paintings by
ArtSPACE Durban Margate Art Museum tary exhibition for grades 10-12
Technology in association with Hugh Mbayiwa, Nora Newton,
29 March-17 April Mixed Museums art collection on using the National Curriculum
Kulturladen Wheildon and Hussein Salim.
media by various artists display.T.039 312 8392 Statement syllabus.
Huchting, Bremen. 120 Florida Rd., Durban.
(The Main Gallery) C.072 316 8094 Until 27 April, “African colour
2nd Floor City Hall, Anton Lem- T. 031 303 8133
Works by Isaac Sithole huey@hcm.gov.za notes” an exhibition of acrylic
A work from: bede St (former Smith St) Durban eqqart@iafrica.com
(Middle Gallery) paintings by Nicky Chovuchovu
Deborah Poynton: T. 031 311 2264 www.elizabethgordon.co.za
19 April-08 May, Waters a Until 23 April, “The Whitwell
Everything Matters strettonj@durban.gov.za
23 March 2010 – 17 April 2010
travelling exhibition featuring Jill KZNSA Gallery Pietermaritzburg collection” (Perimeter Gallery,
first floor) Cnr of Chief Albert
Trappler, Kristina Korpela,Leena Durban University 20 April-02 May, PPC (the Pro-
showing at Luthuli (Commercial) Rd. and
Patola, Witty Nyide, Jaana Par- Art Gallery. fessional Practice Course run over
The KZNSA Gallery The Blue Caterpillar Art Church Str. (Opposite City Hall)
tanen and Eunice Geustyn. Until 01 April, As part of the Art 3 months at the gallery, which
3 Millar Road, Stamford Hill,
Gallery Pietermaritzburg T. 033 342 1804
for Humanity’s conference titled culminates in a group show) Until 30 April, paintings by
Durban. T.031 312 0793 www.tatham.org.za
PAGE 10 BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010

South Africa’s photographer, Peter Magubane, is led away by police while covering a story in Alexandra.
During the time of Apartheid, he was shot at, detained, and imprisoned.

Peter Magubane receives further international


acclaim with winning The Cornell Capa Award
The International Center of Photography in New York has an- Reza (photojournalism) and Gentlemen of Bacongo by Daniele demonstrations. After freelancing in London in the early 1960s, he
nounced the annual 2010 Infinity award winners, arguably the Tamagni (applied photography). returned to South Africa and worked for the Rand Daily Mail from
most important in the world of photography. Among those to be ICP’s ongoing mission is to present and champion the variety 1967 until 1980.
honoured is South African veteran photographer, Peter Magubane. inherent in the photographic experience. The Infinity awards, first From 1969 to 1976, Magubane was repeatedly arrested and inter-
presented in 1985, were created to recognize the contributions of rogated for his activities, jailed or kept in solitary confinement for
Magubane will be in illustrious company in New York on the influential photographers and emerging young talent. This pro- months at a time, and banned from his position at the Rand Daily
evening of Monday, May 10, when the ICP honours the nine gram attracts an audience of more than 700 prominent guests an- Mail for five years. In 1976, he was hospitalized after his nose was
recipients of the 26th annual Infinity awards, the country’s leading nually from the photography, art, and fashion worlds. It celebrates broken by the police and his house was burnt down. In 1985, he
awards for excellence in the field of photography. The ICP says it an international group of accomplished individuals who are was shot seventeen times at a student’s funeral in Natalspruit.
is an opportunity to “acknowledge some of those image-makers receiving what is widely recognized as the most coveted honour His coverage of the uprisings in Soweto (June 1976) brought
whose work has allowed us to see the world anew, and that ena- in photography. Recipients are chosen by a jury from submissions worldwide acclaim and led to a number of international photo-
bles us to better grasp the richness and diversity of our common compiled by a changing international nominating committee. graphic and journalistic awards, including the American National
humanity”. The Lifetime Achievement award and Cornell Capa Award honou- Professional Photographers Association Humanistic award in
Praising the winners’ contribution to the photographic medium, rees are selected by the ICP board of trustees, president’s council, 1986, in recognition of one of several incidents in which he put
ICP Ehrenkranz Director Willis E. Hartshorn sais, “They share a and senior staff. The Trustees award is periodically given by the his camera aside and intervened to help prevent people from being
commitment to the overarching power of photography and how it board for outstanding contributions to the field. The 2010 selection killed. From 1978 until 1980, Magubane worked as a correspond-
can express what is both enduring and new in the human condi- committee comprised publisher Chris Boot, Carol McCusker of ent for Time magazine, after which time he moved to New York.
tion. Whether documenting significant historical and contem- the museum of photographic arts, San Diego, and Peter MacGill, Magubane has photographed for several United Nations agen-
porary events, shedding light on the dynamism of unfamiliar president of the Pace/MacGill gallery in New York. cies, including the High Commission for Refugees and UNICEF,
cultures, or extending the languages we use to describe and better Past winners of the top awards have included Robert Frank, Mary and his photographs have appeared in The New York Times, Life,
understand who we are, they have provided us with opportunities Ellen Mark, Marc Riboud, André Kertész, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Time, Newsweek, National Geographic, Paris Match, and The
to re-grasp and re-envision our world.” Berenice Abbott, Richard Avedon, Harold Evans, Bernd and Hilla Washington Post, among others. His honours include the Missouri
Peter Magubane is to receive the Cornell Capa award (named after Becher, Alexander Liberman, Gordon Parks, Helen Levitt, Annie Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism from the
the famous photographer and founder of Magnum). The Lifetime Leibovitz, Lee Friedlander, William Klein, Susan Meiselas, Roy University of Missouri (1992) for his lifelong coverage of apart-
Achievement award is being made to famous photo editor John G. de Carava, Malick Sidibé, and Karl Lagerfeld. heid, the Robert Capa Award (1986), and Lifetime Achievement
Morris. Other winners are Gilbert C. Maurer/Hearst corporation Peter Magubane was born in 1932 in Vrededorp and grew up in Award from the Mother Jones Foundation (1997). He has received
(ICP trustees award); Raphaël Dallaporta (young photographer); Sophiatown in the suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa. First honorary doctorate degrees from several universities in South
Luc Sante (writing); Looking In: Robert Frank’s “The Ameri published in Drum magazine in 1954, Magubane covered many Africa and will be awarded an honorary doctorate from Columbia
cans” by Sarah Greenough (publication); Lorna Simpson (art); important political events in the 1950s, including treason trials and University in New York in 2010.
BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010 Page 11

Robert Hodgins 1920 - 2010


“For me, it is very simple. The act of painting at a particular (Goodman Gallery 2000)
moment is able, for reasons I neither understands, nor even try Despite having exhibited since the early 1950’s, it was until 1981
to understand, to open up the whole world of my experience, my when he was properly recognised. In the 1980’s, many artists be- He works in oil, acrylic, tempera, and in various graphic media.
thinking, my aspirations. “ gan to develop unique styles, and made anti-apartheid or socially Although the human form is the subject matter of many of his
conscious statements. Robert Hodgins was not the exception, and paintings, it is colour, space and placing that play an important
Robert Hodgins was born on 27 June 1920 in Dulwich, London. began satirizing figures of power. The impact of these works was role in the works. In his own words:
In 1938, he immigrated to South Africa, and joined the Union such that the Standard Bank National Arts Festival hosted a major
Defense Force in 1940. In the Second World War, he served in retrospective exhibition in 1986. “Being an artist is about putting something into your subject
Kenya until 1941, then in Egypt until 1944. During the same year matter that isn’t inherently there. You are not at the mercy of your
he returned to England and was discharged after the end of the war Robert Hodgins can be described as an expressionistic painter and subject matter, it’s the content, and what you put into it, what you
in 1945. graphic artist of historical events, images, figures and impressions. do with it, what extract from it, and what you put it with, that is so
His icons of malevolent businessmen in pinstriped suits, prison exciting. If you are aware of this, then you begin to build on the
From 1947-1950, Hodgins studied part-time and from 1950-53, cells, historical references and political tyrants still reappear in his content of your whole life.
he studied full-time at the Goldsmith’s College of` Art, University recent works.
of London. He first studied teaching, and then art. In 1951, he Before you know where you are, you’re already thinking about
obtained an Arts and Crafts Certificate, and in 1953 a National Although the human form is the subject matter of many of his the next work, and you could live to be 300. Paintings can be one-
Diploma of Design, the equivalent a major in painting. paintings, it is colour, space and placing that plays a very impor- night stands or lifetime love-affairs - you never know until you get
tant role in the works. cracking”.
He returned to South Africa in 1954. Between 1954-62 he taught
painting and drawing at the Pretoria Technical College, and from “There are paintings that stem from memory and from a sombre Hodgins has exhibited extensively in South Africa, Lon-
1962-66 he worked as a journalist, art critic and then Assistant look at the human condition. Paintings about the construction and don, France, the United States and Netherlands for over six
Editor of Newsweek. As senior lecturer he taught at the Depart- confusion of contemporary urban life, but also paintings about decades.(From SA History Online)
ment of Fine Art of the University of the Witwatersrand from 1966 the pleasures of being alive, pleasures that crowd in upon the
to 1983. Thereafter he painted full-time. pessimism everywhere - that crowd in and refuse to be ignored”. Image: Artists Press

Robert Griffiths Hodgins respected mentor, a massive positive force of energy, an inspira- loss of the great ancient library of Alexandria. (Robert would say:
(27 June 1920 – 15 March 2010) tion to many and fount of knowledge and understanding – he was “less of the ancient, if you please!”) We shall miss Robert greatly,
all these things to those who knew him, and more. Just a won- but feel sure his adventures will continue wherever he is now.
derful man, dear friend, and terrific human being, who was also
The Goodman Gallery shares in the sad loss experienced by his widely regarded as South Africa’s greatest contemporary painter. Robert Hodgins lived a long and successful life, and found being
many friends and colleagues when Robert Hodgins died around 4 We at the Goodman Gallery are saddened at his passing which will ill “tedious, dear boy, just too tedious!” He was aware the end of
a.m. on Monday the 15th of March, 2010. He had suffered respira- leave an enormous gap in our lives. his life was near, and “quite ready to depart this mortal coil if I
tory illness for 3 months, and had been hospitalized. Born in June, cannot paint!” He was an accomplished and well-loved artist, a
1920 in Dulwich, London, England, Hodgins first emigrated to Possessed of a mischievous and curious eye with which to criti- great friend and an extraordinary human being in that he was so
South Africa in 1938, returning to the UK and wartime service cally evaluate the doings of humankind, a lively wit, the sensi- constantly and energetically involved in The Great Human Drama,
in North East Africa soon afterward. He later completed his art tivity to include himself in his impressions of our species and a right to his last day. Fortunately he has left a legacy of excellent
education at the prestigious Goldsmith’s College, University of healthy cynicism, Robert was the keenest observer of life one work behind him, which in our museums, academic and other
London, and returned to South Africa in 1953. He lectured at the could meet. We are all much the poorer for his passing, and he public collections will continue to enrich our lives for many years.
former Pretoria Technical College and was for a time a journalist will be sadly missed even by many who knew him only through
and critic with Newscheck magazine. From 1966 until he retired to his output of paintings and graphics. Writing this, I am aware that
paint full time in 1983, Hodgins lectured in painting at the our sadness is for ourselves, those who are left behind, in a world Neil Dundas
University of the Witwatersrand. which will always be less exciting, less colourful, less amusing The Goodman Gallery
and less intelligent without him. He was a human treasure house Johannesburg
He was a national treasure: a towering talent, an important influ- of knowledge, and the loss of his prodigious mind and memory for
ence on generations of students and followers of the fine arts, a poetry, mythology, music and literature with him, seems like the

Dear Editor mirror-writing too... I count myself lucky to have met and known him.

Robert Hodgins taught me at Wits, many years ago, and he was Over the years whenever we met up, he was as welcoming, My condolences to his beloved ones.
one of very few inspirational tutors who was genuinely ‘awake’ forthright and engaging as always..
and interested in the students and our work and our minds, and not Robert, I salute you!
only in his own work, his own mind and his own ego. Genuine, humourfilled, insightful, un-gimmicky, and a bloody
marvelous painter. Arlette Franks,
He once gave us an essay to write, and I produced mine in back-
ward-written handwriting - he had to sit in front of a mirror for a A great person and a great artist,and a great S African. Artivist, Polokwane City/Limpopo
few hours in order to read my copious essay - then he responded in
PAGE 12 SOUTH AFRICAN ART AUCTION HOSES BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010

Next up at Strauss & Co’s Johannesburg sale on 24 May.

Irma Stern, 1894 - 1966 Fruit and Dahlias, painted in 1946, sold at auction in November Her colour was never freer or bolder. An almost delirious explo-
Still Life with Dahlias and Fruit 1999 in Johannesburg and is featured on the catalogue cover and sion of brilliant, hot colour - vermillion, cerise, peach, Naples
Signed and dated 1960 Still Life with Dahlias, painted in 1947, which is included in yellow, pink, mauve - holds the centre of the painting while com-
Oil on canvas Marion Arnold’s handsome monograph, Irma Stern: A Feast for plementaries of blue, green and purple reverberate with visual ex-
100 by 92,5cm the Eye. citement at the edges. Painting the dahlia petals with thick impasto
R4 000 000 – 6 000 000 Reflecting on the two earlier paintings in relation to the later work, and radiating lines gives the impression of whirling dervishes
Welz says, “It’s rare that one can trace an artist’s development so confirming the artist’s palpable enjoyment of paint.
A magnificent Irma Stern painting entitled Still Life with Dahlias clearly. Throughout my many years in the art field, there’s been an
and Fruit is one of the many impressive works coming up for auc- assumption that earlier works are superior to later works. Yet the By contrast, the saturated, luminous citron yellow of the vase
tion at Strauss & Co’s Johannesburg sale on 24 May 2010. versatility of this later work disproves that. In Stern’s many travels continually draws the eye back to the pulsing heart of the picture.
she must have come across Abstract Expressionist paintings and Beside it, the unexpected clash of papaya on a pink cloth, with
For Irma Stern, still life painting was a genre that allowed her to the European Lyrical Abstractionists and she would have been magenta highlights and green swirls, is entirely unpredictable.
explore colour combinations, spatial dynamics and composition, excited by the freedom with which they approached painting. I’ve Painted in 1960 when the artist was 66, and clearly demonstrating
without being constrained by mimesis. While portraiture required no doubt that she revisited this subject with renewed passion.” her confidence to paint with abandon, this is one of the finest ex-
some degree of similitude, still life was for her the ideal genre in In both earlier works, Stern employ modulated colour, tonal values amples of her later paintings where she luxuriates in the pleasure
which to experiment. When compared with earlier interpretations and shadows to achieve convincing three-dimensional form. of paint. Her lack of interest in persuading the viewer that these
of the same subject, this painting ably demonstrates how far she However, in this later version of the same subject, painted in 1960, are ordinary objects existing in convincing space and her com-
was able to push the medium. the brilliant colours and complementaries are splashed across the mitment to treating the picture plane as a flat surface on which to
canvas revealing a freedom of expression not evident in her earlier enact her painting, suggest that Stern was closer in spirit to her
Two earlier versions of the same subject have been sold by Strauss paintings. international, post-war contemporaries than she has been given
& Co’s much admired auctioneer, Stephan Welz. A Still Life with credit for.
BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010 Page 13

Stephan Welz & Co. Johannesburg Art Auction 21 April


Johannesburg Two day, five session auction with focus on painting and a pumpkin, carries an estimate of R400 000 – R600 000, whilst
the more impressionistic work Lot 873, Two nude women in profile,
Stephan Welz & Company one thousand lot sale leads up to two is comparatively estimated at R150 000 – R200 000. A sombre
sessions of Paintings on 21 April toned and somewhat futuristic work by Fred Page, Lot 986, Old
- Church, Port Elizabeth, is estimated at R100 000- R150 000.
A slight change to the session sequencing of the first Johannesburg
sale of the year will see the 20 & 21 April Stephan Welz & Com- The sale’s sculpture section offers a wide selection of traditional and
pany auction ending with two sessions of paintings. The first day contemporary works. Lot 902, The dagga smoker, an exceptional
of the auction is comprised of three sessions and includes carpets, vignali casting, is believed to have been produced during Anton van
furniture, ceramics, decorative arts, silver, watches, clocks and Wouw’s life and approved by the artist before leaving the foundry, is
jewellery. On 21 April, the focus switches to Paintings, with a wide estimated at R250 000 to R350 000. An early Edoardo Villa, lot 912,
array of works on offer ranging from British and Continental Paint- ABSTRACT FORMS, of just under 1m in height, has a pre-sale
ings, Watercolours and Prints to South African Paintings, Watercol- estimate of R70 000 – R100 000. Also on offer are works by Anton
ours, Drawings, Prints and Sculptures, including both Traditional Smit, Zoltan Borbereki, Norman Catherine and Laurence Chait.
and Contemporary works.
A punchy and bright Walter Battiss oil Lot 913, The family, is con-
At 14h00 on Wednesday 21 April, the fourth session of the sale servatively estimated at R80 000 – R120 000. Two works of equal
(and the first of the day!) commences with Books, Maps, Africana vibrancy and animation, Lot 988, Three characters in search of a
Pictures, Prints and Memorabilia and then moves on to the Paint- painter and 989, Man in a shiny suit, by Robert Hodgins are respec-
ing section of approximately 120 lots. Amongst the artists up for tively estimated at R120 000 – R160 000 and R80 000 – R120 000.
offer in the session are Sydney Carter, Erich Mayer, Dorothy Kay, Also featured in the contemporary section is lot 990, Interior Scene
William Timlin, Cecil Higgs, Ruth Squibb, Kenneth Baker, Walter With Red Couch, a fresh and quite substantial Sam Nhlengethwa
Battiss, Christopher Tugwell, Wessel Marais, Sydney Kumalo, Dan estimated at R60 000 – R90 000 and a few works by Braam Kruger. Irma Stern gouache, Lot 875, Still life with flowers and a pumpkin,
Rakgoathe, Joe Maseko, Nat Mokgosi, Winston Saoli and Joseph William Kentridge, a well known name to the contemporary art estimate of R400 000 – R600 000
Sithole. Two interesting works in this session are Rupert Norman market is featured in several works on this sale, including a charcoal
Shepard’s, Young Ndebele women in a village setting featuring a and pastel drawing, Lot 992 Arc/Procession 6, estimated at R200
pre-sale estimate of R6000 – R9000 and the nonfigurative Nico 000 – R250 000. The session ends with a number of smaller works
Roos, Abstract landscape, estimated at R7 000 – R10 000. The ses- by contemporary artists such as Kim Berman, Conrad Botes,
sion ends with several contemporary works, including the likes of Claudette Schreuders and Judith Mason.
Braam Kruger, Nicolaas Maritz and Judith Mason.

The evening session , the final session of the entire sale, commences
at 18h30 with four classic and collectable cars being offered at low
estimates ranging from R250 000 for a 1949 MG TC up to R1 400
000 for a 2005 Bentley Continental GT. The session then moves Venue
on to a five lot charity auction for the South African Ballet Theatre
(SABT), including Lot 831, a pair of autographed pointe shoes worn All auction sessions and pre-auction viewings will take place at:-
by the late Dame Margot Fonteyn and Lot 833, a Walter Battiss Stephan Welz & Company
painting, titled The Dancer. All proceeds received from the sale of 13 Biermann Avenue (cnr Oxford Road)
these lots will help ensure the continuation of the SABT. Rosebank, Johannesburg

The remainder of the session, dedicated to approximately 170 paint-


ings, beginning in customary fashion with the British and Continen- Viewing Times
tal paintings and prints, features works by Alfred Wheelers, Marino
Marini and Andy Warhol. Friday 16 April 10h00 – 17h00
Saturday 17 April 10h00 – 17h00 Lot 916, is an early Alexis Preller, Still life with chair, featuring
The Traditional and Contemporary South African Art section Sunday 18 April 10h00 – 17h00 influences from both Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin and the
features a wide array of paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures unmistakable yellow chair. This work has a pre-sale estimate of
including the names of Frans Oerder, Hugo Naudé, Erich Mayer, R600 000 – R900 000
Sydney Carter, Irma Stern, Maggie Laubser, Maurice van Essche,
Gregoire Boonzaier, Alexander Rose-Innes, Vladimir Tretchikoff,
Anton Van Wouw, Edoardo Villa, Walter Battiss, Alexis Preller,
Cecil Skotnes, George Pemba, Ephraim Ngatane, Adriaan Boshoff, Auction Session
Fred Page, Robert Hodgins, Sam Nhlengethwa and William Ken-
tridge.
Tuesday 20 April 10h00 Session 1 : Lots 1 -169
The cover lot, Lot 916, is an early Alexis Preller, Still life with
chair, featuring influences from both Vincent van Gogh and Paul Carpets and Rugs; Ceramics; Electroplate; Silver
Gauguin and the unmistakable yellow chair. This work has a pre-
sale estimate of R600 000 – R900 000. Another Preller, Lot 917, Tuesday 20 April 14h00 Session 2 : Lots 170 - 350
Study with skull, a later work, is also expected to draw interest at its
pre-sale estimate of R400 000 – R600 000. A Piano; Furniture; Clocks; Watches

The South African section begins with offers from our Traditional Tuesday 20 April 18h30
artists. Three Oerders from the early 1900’s are on offer: Lot 844, Session 3 : Lots 351- 550
Going to the market, (R300 000 – R500 000) and Lot 845,Two
horses with a cart, (R80 000 – R120 000), both works capturing the Diamonds; Jewellery; Unset Gemstones
essence of rural life in Holland. Lot 846, Christ appears to the dis-
ciples, (R200 000 – R300 000) is one of only five known religious Another Preller, Lot 917, Study with skull, a later work, is also
Wednesday 21 April 14h00
works to have been painted by Frans Oerder during the First World expected to draw interest at its pre-sale estimate of
Session 4 : Lots 551 - 820
War. Also featured early in the session is a moderately large Erich R400 000 – R600 000.
Mayer Lot 853, Kroonstad, vaal river, an exquisitely painted Sydney Books; Maps; Africana; British & Continental Paintings;
Carter Lot 858, African figures around a camp fire, and a Willem Traditional & Contemporary
Hermanus Coetzer, Lot 881, View from the drakensberg, one of the
few works to feature snow-capped mountains in the distance. All South African Paintings
three works carry a pre-sale estimate of R50 000 – R80 000. Also
up for offer is a sizeable Nils Andersen Lot 879, A farm yard scene, Wednesday 21 April 18h30
estimated at R30 000 – R50 000. Session 5 : Lots 821 - 1005

Two portraits by Maurice van Essche which have been captured Charity Auction for the SA Ballet Theatre
with sensitivity and estimated at R200 000 – R300 000, can be seen
in Lot 887, Portrait of a young boy, and Lot 888, Pensive woman. British & Continental Paintings; Traditional &
Lot 872, Portrait of an austrian woman, a portrait larger than most Contemporary South African Paintings & Sculptures
works by Maggie Laubser, carries an estimate of R500 000 – R800
000. Staying in the tradition of portraits, Lot 923, Seated figure on a Please address all enquiries to the Johannesburg office of
blue chair, a bold carved and incised wood-panel by Cecil Skotnes Stephan Welz & Company
is estimated at R400 000 – R600 000. There are several works by 011 880 3125
Skotnes on sale, including two other carved and incised wood-pan-
els and a selection of portfolios. For further information, online catalogue and
absentee bid forms, please visit www.swelco.co.za Robert Hodgins, Lot 988, Three characters in search of a painter
Lot 901, STILL LIFE WITH POINSETTIAS by Vladimir
Tretchikoff, is a vividly captured still life, estimated at R250 000
– R350 000. An Irma Stern gouache, Lot 875, Still life with flowers
PAGE 14 BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010

Bonham’s London - SA art auction sale


By Michael Coulson

Bonhams’ latest, seventh, offshore sale of SA art may not sup-


port the auction house’s view that London has become the centre
of the SA art market, but was much more positive than some of
its predecessors. The historic SA flag and copy of the Freedom
Charter were sold before the auction and the remaining 133 lots in
the main evening session were 71% sold by number and 82% by
value. The session grossed just under GBP2.4m (including buyer’s
premium but not taxes), about 16.5% above the low estimate of
just over GBP2m.

Some works went for well above their high estimates. Top price
was GBP356 000 for a Pierneef landscape (estimate GBP180
000-GBP250 000), followed by GBP192 000 for a Gerard Se-
koto Cape Town market street scene (est GBP120 000-GBP180
000),GBP168 000 for another Pierneef (est GBP100 000-GBP140
000) and GBP120 000 for an Irma Stern flower study (est GBP100
000-GBP120 000).

Nine of the top 12 estimates (lows of GBP40 000 and upwards)


sold, those not already mentioned going within their estimate
ranges. Good prices lower down the scale included GBP45 600 for
a Maggie Laubser Woman in a Landscape and GBP50 400 for a
Anton van Wouw (South African, 1862-1945) Laubser portrait of a woman (both est GBP20 000-GBP30 000).
‘Kruger in ballingschap’ Sold for £19,200 inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Of the two Tretchikoffs, Kwela Boy fetched GBP22 800 (est
GBP15 000-GBP20 000) and The Try GBP8 400 (est GBP7 000-
GBP10 000). The works attributed to Nelson Mandela failed to
sell.

The SA flag signed by Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and F W de Klerk


and flown at Mandela’s inauguration was bought by a London-
based SA businessman and will be returned to the SA government,
while the copy of the Freedom charter, signed by the vendor Leon
Levy, then president of Sactu, and the presidents of the four other
signatory bodies was bought for the nation by a consortium of
Lonmin, Lord Renwick (a former UK ambassador to SA) and the
Mantis group (parlayed out of the Shamwari game reserve into an
international upmarket game reserve and boutique hotel group by
Port Elizabeth’s Gardiner family).

The prices paid for these have not been disclosed, but it’s ru-
moured that the Freedom Charter went for GBP50 000.

At the afternoon session of minor works, 61 of 97 lots were sold,


or 62.9%, a gross of GBP100 000 being 98.5% of the low estimate
of GBP101 500. There were no notable prices.

Gerard Sekoto (South African, 1913-1993) Market Street Scene, Cape Town Bonhams values the whole sale at GBP2.6m, equating to R28.5m.
(circa 1943) unframed Sold for £192,000 inclusive of Buyer’s Premium This appears to include an element of rounding; by my count the
gross was just under GBP2.5m, or about R27.2m at the exchange
rate on the day of the sale of R10.96 and 116% of the total low
estimate of about GBP2.14m.

The sale may not have set many artists’ records but overall justi-
fies the optimism of Giles Peppiatt, Bonhams’ director of SA art
that the sale marks the “start of a long march to real international
recognition and appreciation.”

Walter Whall Battiss (South African, 1906-1982)


Abstract with colour block Sold for £27,600 inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Dorothy Kay (Irish, 1886-1964) ‘A Bit of Glamour’, a portrait of


May Hunt Sold for £6,600 inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (South African, 1886-1957) A Cape ave-


nue, possibly Worcester Sold for £60,000 incl of Buyer’s Premium
BUSINESSART | APRIL 2010 Page 15

Strauss & Co. Cape Sale


By Michael Coulson

It may not have matched the hype of last year’s maiden outing
at the Jo’burg Country Club, but a gross of R33m for Strauss &
Co’s first auction of 2010 – this time, at Cape Town’s Vineyard
Hotel – is satisfactory enough by any standards. True, that R33m
includes items other than SA art, but the gross for the latter, of
about R28.2m, is itself pretty impressive.

Six lots went for R1m or more, including several artist records,
but what is perhaps more testimony to the resilience of the market
is that both the afternoon session of minor works and the main,
evening session realised more than 100% of the aggregate low
estimates.

The afternoon session went particularly well. Of 135 lots of


SA art, 110 sold, or 80.9%, but a gross of just over R3.1m was
123.4% of the low estimate of R2.5m (adjusted for the no-show of
lot 229, a minor John Meyer). Not surprisingly, the Timlins were
the features. Only five of the 30 failed to sell, and above-estimate
prices included R189 000 for The Arrival and R123 000 for
The Building of a Fairy City (both estimated at R80 000-R120 Anton van Wouw, R2 228 000 Bad News (Slegte Nuus)
000). Others fetched R89 000, R78 000 (twice) and R56 000 (also Record for Anton van Wouw Record for a South African Sculpture
twice). No other works in the afternoon session reached R100 000.

In the evening session, 92 of the 123 lots sold, or 74.8%, for a


gross of R25.1m, 106.5% of the low estimate of R23.5m. The tone
was set early, when Anton van Wouw’s Bad News, was bid up
to R2.228m (est R1.2m-R1.4m), a record not only for the artist
but for any SA sculpture. The cover lot, Walter Battiss’s Bathers,
went for R1.337m (est R900 000-R1.2m), a Cecil Skotnes painted
wood panel for R1.225m (est R600 000-R900 000) and Jane
Alexander’s Racework R1.058m (est R800 000-R1m). Just below
R1m, but also an artist record, was R947 000 for Stanley Pinker’s
Night (est R500 000-R600 000).

The other seven-figure prices were R2.117m for an Irma Stern


beach scene (est R2m-R3m – considering that quoted prices
include buyer’s premium and any taxes, this was actually below
estimate) and R1.058m for a Freida Lock interior (est R800 000-
R1m) – like Pinker, Lock is attracting increasing attention on auc-
tion. A landscape of hers went for R724 000 (est R600 000-R800
000). Jane Alexander R1 058 300, Racework – in the event of an earth-
quake Record for Jane Alexander
All 13 top estimate works (low estimates of R500 000 or more)
sold. Those not previously mentioned are R501 000 for a Maggie
Laubser seascape (est R500 000-R700 000), R891 000 for a Piern-
eef landscape (est R800 000-R1.2m), R947 000 for a Jean Welz
portrait (est R500 000-R700 000) and R780 000 and R613 000 for
two more Skotnes panels (est R600 000-R900 000 and R600 000-
R800 000 respectively).

Adding the two sessions together, 202 of total 259 lots (78.0%)
sold for R28.2m (108.3% of the low estimate of R26.1m). In the
sale-within-the-sale, all but two of the 20 lots from the Dodo col-
lection sold, for R1.4m, no less than 145.7% of the low estimate
of R965 000.

H Pierneef R668 400 Limpopo River, Record for a casein by


Pierneef
Nicholas Hlobo:
Standard Bank
Young Artist 2009:
Umtshotsho
Standard Bank Gallery
31 March to 8 May 2010
Monday to Friday: 8am - 4.30pm
Saturday: 9am - 1pm
Tel: 011 631 1889
www.standardbankarts.co.za

Moving Forward

Nichola Hlobo, Ingubo Yesizwe, 2008 (detail). Leather, rubber, butchers hook, gauze,
ribbon, acoustic cover, fabric, wood, zippers and steel. Installation view, Tate Modern,
London. Photo: Marcus Leith and Andrew Dunkley, Tate photography SBSA 41011

Potrebbero piacerti anche