Cultural experiences

South African art galleries: Gauteng

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ART GALLERIES IN JOHANNESBURG

Absa Gallery
This corporate gallery hosts monthly contemporary art exhibitions and the prominent annual L'Atelier Award. Its impressive collection includes large-scale specially commissioned pieces, works by young contemporary artists and historical South African pieces dating back to the 1900s.
Address: Absa Towers North, 161 Main Street, Johannesburg
Web: www.absa.co.za

African Feelings Gallery
This commercial space specialises in Southern African and African art with occasional curated exhibitions.
154 Linden Street, Sandown, Sandton
Tel: (011) 884 1148

Alice Art Gallery
Owned by Alice Pitzer, Alice Art Galleries have two major galleries, in Ruimsig on the West Rand and Tshwane. They stock works that ranges from the inexpensive to investment status - R500 000 and more.
Address: 217 Drive Street, Ruimsig, Roodepoort
Web: www.aliceart.co.za

Alliance Française
The Alliance hosts contemporary South African and international art exhibitions, usually by solo artists, with recent shows by Wayne Barker, Trevor Coleman, Rene Paul, Clifford Charles, Pauline Mazibuku and others. Exhibitions are solicited through proposals.
Address: 17 Lower Park Drive, Parkview, Johannesburg
Web: www.alliance.org.za

Art Africa
Art Africa will dazzle you with its collection of ethnic arts, crafts and artefacts from around Africa. The shop is split into a front section that carries funky, contemporary and often recycled items from self-help groups in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. The back section has an amazing selection of wooden games, head rests, wooden statues and sculptures, wooden and grass bowls and bright African fabrics.
Address: 62 Tyrone Ave, Parkview, Johannesburg

Art on Paper
This small and reasonably priced suburban gallery exhibits art from southern Africa with a special focus on works on paper, including all graphic and printmaking techniques as well as drawing. The print cabinets house an impressive collection of contemporary prints, and curator and owner Alet Vorster is welcoming and knowledgeable. Catalogues and books on local art are sold through the gallery.
Address: 8 Main Road, Melville, Johannesburg
Web: www.artonpaper.co.za

Artist Proof Studio
This innovative, community-based printmaking studio is situated in the hub of the Newtown Cultural Precinct. It is a training, production and selling facility concentrating on skills transfer and exchange programmes in Southern Africa and abroad.
Address: The Bus Factory, 1 President Street, Newtown, Johannesburg

Artists Under the Sun
Over 100 artists exhibit paintings, sculptures, ceramics and pottery at Zoo Lake on the first weekend of every month.
Address: Zoo Lake, cnr Westwold Way and Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown
Web: www.artistsunderthesun.org

Bag Factory, aka Fordsburg Artists' Studios
Johannesburg's longest-established communal artists' studio complex, the Bag Factory houses 15 local artists full time, including some of South Africa's most established names, as well as three studios for international artists-in-residence. Founded some 10 years ago to encourage dialogue between South African and visiting artists, it has major political and cultural importance. It houses the Artists Press and a gallery, and is developing a multipurpose workshop space for educational purposes. It has excellent links with institutions and facilities in the area.
Address: 10 Minnaar Street, Fordsburg
Web: www.bagfactoryart.org.za

Bensusan Museum of Photography
Part of MuseumAfrica, this space focuses on the history of photography and exhibits a permanent collection of optical toys, mirrors and lenses, exposing the public to the principles of photography and cinematography. It has a temporary exhibition space showing historical and contemporary work by local and international artists.
Address: 121 Bree Street, Newtown Cultural Precinct, Newtown
Tel: (011) 833 5624

Chapungu Garden Gallery
This 1.5-acre commercial garden gallery in Sandton is home to select pieces by Zimbabwean stone sculpture masters. Artists include Agnes Nyanhongo, Colleen Madamombe, Dominic Benhura, Joe Mutasa and the late Bernard Matemera and many others.
Address: 304 Adolf Street, Sandown, Sandton
Web: www.cggsculptures.com

Cherie de Villiers Fine Art Gallery
Established in Johannesburg in 1993, the Cherie de Villiers Fine Art Gallery offers an extensive range of paintings and bronze sculpture by leading South African artists.
Address: The Mall (lower level), Rosebank, Johannesburg
Web: www.gallery.co.za

Creature Pots
Creature pots are ceramic works by local artists, which "blend most beautifully in both garden and home environments". On display in Muldersdrift and part of the Crocodile Ramble, the pots formed part of South Africa's award-winning display at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Web: www.creaturepots.com

Everard Read Gallery
This commercial art gallery showcases quality work by local and international artists, holding monthly exhibitions of contemporary South African artists including Dylan Lewis, John Meyer, Helen Sebidi, Vusi Khumalo, Henk Serfontein and others. It also deals extensively in investment-focused wildlife and traditional painting and sculpture.
Address: 6 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Web: www.everardread.co.za

Firenze Gallery
Paintings by Maureen Rugani in all media, as well as ceramics, stained glass, decoupage, pottery and hand-crafted knives.
Address: DF Malan Extension, Elandsdrift, Muldersdrift
Web: www.crocodileramble.co.za

Gallery on the Square
A commercial gallery focusing on prints, painting, sculpture and ceramics. International names include Picasso, Joan Miro, David Hockney and Jim Dine, while local artists include Regi Bardavid, Colbert Mashile, the Ardmore Ceramic Studio and others.
Address: Nelson Mandela Square, corner Maude and Fifth streets, Sandton
Web: www.nelsonmandelasquare.com

Gertrude Posel Gallery
The University of the Witwatersrand's art gallery curates and hosts contemporary and academic exhibitions, and houses and manages the Standard Bank Collection of African Art, including sculpture, beadwork and ethnographic objects from Southern, Central and West Africa. It has an extensive permanent collection of South African art including important political and controversial art works, and hosts the annual Wits Fine Art student exhibition and the Martienssen Art Prize.
Address: Ground Floor, Senate House, University of the Witwatersrand, Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Web: www.wits.ac.za

Goodman Gallery
South Africa's most established commercial space, this gallery was founded in 1966 and remains at the forefront of the local contemporary art scene. It represents a variety of artists, both local and international, and has a regular exhibition programme of primarily solo and two-person shows. It is home to William Kentridge, Penny Siopis, Sam Nhlengethwa, Zwelethu Mthethwa, David Koloane and David Goldblatt, among other top names.
Address: 163 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Web: www.goodman-gallery.com

Gordart Gallery
Address: 78, 3rd Avenue Melville, Johannesburg
Web: www.gordart.co.za

Johannesburg Art Gallery
This Edward Lutyens-designed building houses impressive collections of 17th century Dutch paintings, 18th and 19th century British and European art, 19th century South African works, a large contemporary collection of 20th century local and international art and a print cabinet containing works from the 15th century to the present. As a major focus of urban regeneration programmes, it provides the base for the Joubert Park Public Art Project and is developing links with awareness groups and community centres based in the surrounding urban area.
Address: Klein and King George streets, Joubert Park, Johannesburg
Tel: (011) 725 3130/80

Kim Sacks Gallery
This commercial gallery specialises in contemporary South African design, fine craft objects and folk and tribal art from the continent, including jewellery, wood carvings, furniture, ceramics, and basketwork.
Address: 153 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood 2193
Tel: (011) 447 5804

Market Photography Workshop
A community-based photographic training centre with studios and darkroom facilities, the Photo Workshop's gallery shows work by current and former students.
Address:Market Cultural Precinct, 139 Bree Street, Newtown
Web: www.markettheatre.co.za

Merely Mortal
This funky space shows work by local designers and contemporary artists. It has a design studio attached to the premises and an open kitchen and cocktail bar which hosts wine evenings, tasting sessions, dinners and private functions.
Address: 356 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall, Johannesburg

MTN Art Institute
The MTN Art Institute has a comprehensive collection of about 1 000 works from South Africa and the continent, dating from the late 1800s till today, including works by Timsson I'Oto, traditional artefacts and contemporary works by William Kentridge, Karel Nel, Sue Williamson, Penny Siopis and many more. Specially commissioned artworks are featured in corporate headquarters, including the largest collection of South African printmaking on the continent. Educational programmes are aimed at MTN staff, visiting groups and schools in outlying areas. The Institute publishes a range of resource books for art educators, hosts a series of scholar-based art awards, runs a young curators' programme and an artist-in-residence programme.
Web: www.mtn.co.za

MuseumAfrica
This museum exhibits objects related to Johannesburg's labour history, culture, art, music and politics. It houses the Bensusan Museum of Photography and the Museum of South African Rock Art, as well as a geological collection. Temporary exhibition spaces host multidisciplinary festivals, contemporary art and student shows.
Address: Mary Fitzgerald Square, 121 Bree Street, Newtown 2113
Tel: (011) 833 5624

Ngwenya Gallery
Glassware, vases, bowls, candle holders, glasses, animal figurines, ornaments and corporate gifts crafted from recycled glass. Talented glassblowers demonstrate their skills every weekday and last weekend of the month.
Address: Sunridge Farm, Corner Beyers Naude & Diepsloot R114, Mulderdrift
Web: www.shadesofngwenya.co.za

PhotoZA Gallery
This gallery specialises in fine South African documentary, commercial and art photography. Featured photographers include Michael Meyersfeld, Sally Gaule, Steve Hilton-Barber and Jurgen Schadeberg.
Address: The Mews, Lower Level, 153 Oxford Road, Rosebank
Web: www.photoza.co.za

The Premises
A commercially run contemporary space managed by independent art initiative The Trinity Session, with a diverse programme incorporating local and international cutting-edge installation work, new media and experimental project-based exhibitions.
Address: Parking Level 1, Johannesburg Civic Theatre, Braamfontein
Web: www.onair.co.za/thepremises

Rand Merchant Bank Corporate Collection
Address: 1 Merchant Place, corner Rivonia Road and Fredman Drive, Sandton
Tel: (011) 282 8000

Roodepoort Museum Gallery
The Roodepoort Museum Gallery houses a collection of decorative art, glass and porcelain, representing such famous names as Royal Doulton, Meissen, Rosenthal, Daum, Royal Worchester, Lalique, Wedgewood, Etling and Clarisse Cliff.
Address: Civic Centre, Christiaan de wet Ave, Florida Park, Roodepoort
Web: www.museums.org.za/roodepoortmuseum

SABC Corporate Art Collection
The collection holds 700 historical and contemporary works by various South African artists, including Kay Hassan, David Koloane, William Kentridge, Christine Dixie, Wayne Barker and Robert Hodgins. Some excellent contemporary works are displayed to the public in the foyer of Radio Park, and ways of exposing the collection to a wider audience are being worked on.
Address: Henley Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg

Sandton Civic Art Gallery
Address: Nelson Mandela Square, corner Maude and Fifth streets, Sandton
Web: www.nelsonmandelasquare.com

Sasol Corporate Art Collection
Although it has a number of historical South African pieces, the collection's main focus is on contemporary art by established and emerging artists including Luan Nel, Clive van den Berg, Kevin Brand, Peter Schütz, Stephanus Rademeyer and Marco Cianfanelli.
Address: Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank
Tel: (011) 441 3111

Spark! Gallery
Housed in an old 1930s electric power station, Spark! is also the home base of the Orchards Project, a craft and job creation focused NGO. The craft shop sells art, craft, funky furniture, fashion and household accessories. Artists working in a range of media operate from studios on site. The triple-volume exhibition space hosts regular shows by emerging contemporary artists and is a favourite venue for unusual events and parties.
Address: 10 Louis Road, Orchards
Tel: (011) 485 4602

Standard Bank Gallery
A corporate, non-commercial space situated in Johannesburg's downtown CBD, the gallery hosts high-profile exhibitions by local and international artists and major travelling exhibitions. Temporary theme-based exhibitions are curated from the Collection of African Art (held at the Gertrude Posel Gallery, Wits) with a strong educational focus aimed at scholars, students, academics and the general public. Annual attractions include the World Press Photo Award and the Standard Bank Young Artist exhibitions.
Address: Corner Simmonds and Fredericks streets, Johannesburg
Web: www.sbgallery.co.za

Totem Gallery
Three galleries, in Sandton, Germiston and Rosebank, selling African art such as masks, figures, jewelry, textiles, and functional objects, all bought directly from the countries of origin.
Web: www.totemgallery.co.za

University of Johannesburg Art Gallery
The University of Johannesburg Art Gallery exhibits contemporary South African art and group exhibitions by younger generation artists. Through the gallery, the university has occasionally commissioned site-specific public works, installed on campus.
Address: B5 Building, University of Johannesburg, corner Kingsway and University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
Web: www.uj.ac.za

Watercolour Society of South Africa
Address: Manor Gallery, Norscot Manor, Penguin Drive, Fourways, Johannesburg
Web: www.wssa.org.za

ART GALLERIES IN PRETORIA

Alan Ainslie Wildlife
Address: 100 Glen Eagles Drive, Silver Lakes, Tshwane
Web: www.alanainslie.com

Anton van Wouw Museum
Now part of the University of Pretoria, this is the last home and studio of Dutch sculptor Anton van Wouw, best known for laying the foundations of traditional South African bronze sculpture. The museum houses 64 works by the late sculptor and is open to the public.
Address: 299 Clark Street, Brooklyn
Web: www.up.ac.za

Association of Arts
A non-profit organisation holding monthly exhibitions by contemporary South African artists. It manages the annual Sasol New Signatures art competition and PPC Young Sculptor Awards, as well as a regional exhibition for the Absa L'Atelier Award.
Address: 171 Mackie Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk
Web: www.art.co.za/artspta

Centurion Art Gallery
Affiliated to the Pretoria Art Gallery, the Centurion Art Gallery specialises in South African art. It collects, documens and conserves outstanding examples of mainly South African art, researches and compiles exhibitions from the permanent collection, and hosts major national and international travelling exhibitions, supplemented by educational activities.
Address: cnr Cantonments Rd and Unie Avenue, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, Tshwane
Web: www.pretoriaartmuseum.co.za/centurion

Coert Steynberg Museum
This museum in Pretoria North consists of the house, on the slopes of the Magaliesberg, in which the sculptor Coert Steynberg (1905 - 1985) lived. His atmospheric studio is filled with pieces of sculpture, and the extensive garden is filled with more sculptures.
Address: 465 Berg Ave, Pretoria North
Tel: (012) 546 0404

CSIR Art Collection
Address: Meiring Naude Road, Brumeria, Tshwane
Tel: (012) 841 2911

The Design Shop The Design Shop promotes South African design, applied art and selected crafts. It provides a showcase for young talent as well as established designers and creates opportunities for skills development and wealth creation for all South Africans, including those who have been historically disadvantaged and have difficult access to the local and international markets.
Address: 105 Club Avenue, Waterkloof Heights, Tshwane
Web: www.designshop.co.za

Edoardo Villa Museum
Permanent displays in the museums are 143 works which consist of heads, plaster of Paris reliefs, figures, tapestry, polystyrene sculptures in steel and charcoal studies. The exhibits are supported by documentary videos.
Address: Old Merensky Library, University of Pretoria, Tshwane
Web: www.up.ac.za

Engelenburghuis Art Collection
The collection houses bronzes, porcelain carpets, furniture and Dutch paintings.
Address: Ziervogel Street, Arcadia, Tshwane
Tel: (012) 328 5082

Frieda van Schalkwyk Gallery
In collaboration with the University of Pretoria, this commercial gallery exhibits work by contemporary South African artists including Pippa Skotnes and Tommy Motswai at affordable prices.
Web: www.artcase.co.za

Globe Gallery
Address: Waterkloof Centre, 299 Waterkloof Road, Brooklyn, Tshwane
Tel: (012) 346-0406
E-mail: globegallery@mweb.co.za

Millennium Gallery
Set up in 1995, this commercial contemporary art gallery hosts regular exhibitions by local and international artists.
Address: 75 George Storrar Drive, Groenkloof, Tshwane

Mind's I Art Space
A permanent outlet for four prominent Tshwane artists: Diek Grobler, Gustav Vermeulen, Retha Buitendach and Michèle Nigrini.
Address: Brooklyn Square, Tshwane
Web: www.art.co.za/mindsi

Open Window Contemporary Art Gallery
Attached to a tertiary visual communications school, the gallery shows two and three-dimensional work by established and emerging local artists. Regular exhibitors include Keith Dietrich, Diane Victor and Egon Tania.
Address: 410 Rigel Avenue, Erasmusrand 0181
Tel: (012) 347 1743/0
E-mail: gallery@openwindow.co.za

Pierneef Museum
Address: Vermeulen Street, Tshwane
Tel: (012) 323 1419

Pretoria Art Museum
The museum's permanent collections include South African old masters, works from the Lady Michaelis Collection, international graphic art and 17th century Dutch paintings. The 20th century collection includes works by Irma Stern, Gerard Sekota and Judith Mason, among others. The various exhibitions halls host a number of concurrent exhibitions, some of which are aimed at school art syllabuses. A major new show opens every three months. An annual attraction is the Sasol New Signatures art prize, awarded to a young artist who has not yet held a solo exhibition.
Address: corner Schoeman and Wessels streets, Arcadia Park, Arcadia 0007
Web: www.pretoriaartmuseum.co.za

Tina Skukan Gallery
Address: 6 Koedoeberg Road, Faerie Glen, Tshwane
Web: www.ts-gallery.co.za

University of Pretoria Art Collection
Address: Corner Lynnwood and University roads, Brooklyn
Web: www.up.ac.za

University of South Africa Art Gallery
A regular exhibition programme focuses mainly on core issues in the Unisa Fine Arts and Art History degrees through curated group exhibitions. The permanent collection is a good representation of historical and contemporary South African art.
Address: 5th floor, Theo Van Wyk Building, B-Block, University of South Africa Main Campus, Tshwane
Tel: (012) 429 - 6255
E-mail: randam@unisa.ac.za
Web: www.unisa.ac.za