These 5 vibrant art galleries are dedicated to contemporary African artistry in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
So if you’re looking for a cultural day or evening out, look no further than these great spaces that celebrate the talents of our local artists.
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Gallery MOMO Johannesburg, Parktown North
A selection of the late contemporary South African artist, Durant Sihlali’s (1935-2004), works are currently available for viewing at Gallery MOMO Johannesburg in an exhibition entitled, Race Against the Machine. Visit the gallery between now and August 25 to see Sihlali’s politically poignant and masterful use of watercolours and charcoal.
More information available at www.gallerymomo.com.
Art It Is Cape Town, Woodstock
Art It Is collaborates with decorators, architects, and corporates to create spaces filled with remarkable and undiscovered art by local artists. The primary goal at their gallery space in Woodstock is to promote the lesser-known or upcoming artist from a platform where their work can be marketed and sold successfully.
More information available at www.artitis.co.za.
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), Cape Town
Zeitz MOCAA first opened last September as a former grain silo – turned art museum. The industrial building was repurposed as a gallery space dedicated to displaying contemporary art from the African continent and its diaspora only.
It is the first of its kind on African soil, and is widely considered the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. Visit Zeitz MOCCAA between Mondays and Sundays (closed on Tuesdays). Daily admission costs R180.00 per adult, but free admission is offered to African citizens on Wednesdays only, 10:00am-01:00pm.
More information available at www.zeitzmocaa.museum.
Everard Read Gallery Johannesburg, Rosebank
Neill Wright’s exhibition, Blizzard Head, and Setlamorago Mashilo’s exhibition, The Land Will Decide, at the Everard Read Gallery in Johannesburg. is available for viewing until August 19. Entrance to the gallery is free and artworks shown will be available to purchase.
More information available at www.everard-read.co.za.
The KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA), Durban
The KZNSA collective has grown from a small establishment, beginning 1902, into one of KZN’s most prestigious contemporary art galleries. The gallery itself houses an art café and shop (where local artistry is marketed) alongside several exhibition spaces in which public art classes are also taught.
The gallery is open from Tuesdays until Sundays, but closes Mondays.
More information available at www.kznsagallery.co.za/home.htm.
- By Features Writer, Marike Watson
