Exploring The Rich Tapestry of Art Galleries Across SA
Local South African artists have an abundance of art galleries to choose from to showcase their artworks. From painters and sculptors to textile artists, the talent across Mzansi is unmatched. If you visit one of these art galleries, you are sure to be in awe of the country’s local art scene.
Graham Contemporary Art Gallery
The stark white floor, ceiling and walls of the new Graham Contemporary Art Gallery stand out against the rest of Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre. Ultimately, it’s the artworks adorning the walls that add vibrancy to the space. Swirls of colour have art lovers in awe as they move from one frame to the next.
It’s an impactful mixture of artworks by emerging, mid-career and established artists. Watercolours, figurative and abstract paintings, sculptures, installations and photography are just some mediums you’ll spot at Graham Contemporary’s new space.
The gallery follows in the footsteps of South Africa’s continuous movement towards diversification. In a country full of different traditions, cultures and religions, it is integral that the gallery represents a bit of everything. In fact, Graham Contemporary is an ode to Jerry Saltz, who said: “Abstraction is staggeringly radical, circumvents language and sidesteps naming or mere description. It disenchants, re-enchants, detoxifies, destabilises, resists closure, slows perception and increases our grasp of the world.” In essence, figuration and abstraction – rather than cliché ideologies that eventually expire – are emphasised at Graham Contemporary.
The modernised art gallery represents living contemporary artists in the African diaspora. With over 40 local artists contributing to the gallery’s ongoing exhibitions, it is a continuously changing environment of imagination and innovation.
Other Art Galleries to Explore
Kwazulu-Natal Society of Arts
KZNSA is a non-profit organisation that aims to advance visual arts. They want to mediate the dialogue between buyers and sellers of all levels. Alongside their physical presence, KZNSA has a digital archive of exhibitions dating back more than 20 years.
Pretoria’s Javett-UP Art Centre
Based at the University of Pretoria, this art centre is a partnership of wonder. Javett-UP believes in the emancipatory potential of the arts in society. They engage with multidisciplinary, cultural and educational initiatives to create a gallery that carries a powerful message and meaning.
Cape Town’s Noordhoek Art Point
Specially created to exhibit works by Southern Peninsula artists, Noordhoek Art Point focuses on local and original works. With oil paintings, impressionist work, watercolours, pencil works and photographic pieces, as well as steel, clay and wood sculptures, they aim to make art accessible to everyone.
Elizabeth Gordon Gallery in Durban
The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is nestled within a beautiful Edwardian House on Montpelier Road. Its exhibitions include works by established and emerging artists. Each piece pays homage to the diversity of our continent, with local works from South Africa, Sudan, Zimbabwe, eSwatini and Mozambique.
So, make a day of it and – depending on which city you’re in – visit one of these art galleries to learn more about art and get inspired. After all, art is an ever-evolving scene and there is something new to uncover at every turn.
Images: Victoria Hill
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