NEWS FLASH: Sasol Wax Art Award finalists named. See
NEWS.
At last the visual artists of South Africa have a credible organisation - VANSA, the Visual Arts Network of South Africa - to represent them at government level. The first national VANSA conference, held in Cape Town, in February brought artists and cultural workers from all over the country and a strong spirit of optimism pervaded the proceedings. Read Renee Holleman's detailed reportback in NEWS.
The question of artists' copyrights comes up yet again - Paul Edmunds examines the BMW ripoff of Gerhard Marx's work in OPINION.
Somewhat of an unknown figure in his home country, Gavin Jantjes is newly appointed artistic director of the country's impending international art event, scheduled for Cape Town later this year. In OPINION, Storm Janse van Rensburg asks him some questions.
In Johannesburg's Standard Bank Gallery, Picasso returns to Africa in an impressive blockbuster boasting 89 original works by the master, plus 29 African sculptures similar to the ones in Picasso's collection. Michael Smith reviews.
Sue Williamson
Editor
Next update: Tuesday, April 11
CAPE
If you can manage to shake off your 'Night Vision' hangover, there are plenty of new shows worth seeing this month. Michael Stevenson once again impresses, this time with important and undoubtedly arresting shows of both Zanele Muholi's and Rotimi Fani-Kayodé's photographs. what if the world... continues to surprise and enchant with a performance entitled Cloud City and João Ferreira and 34Long both host solo painting shows.
GAUTENG
This month sees a number of new shows and events in Gauteng. Mikhael Subotzky's 'Die Vier Hoeke and Umjiegwana' opens at The Goodman Gallery. An interesting take on photography by young artist Solomon B. Tlhagwane, entitled 'Capturing Cultural Madness', is up at The Project Room @gordart Gallery. There's still a chance to see 'Prints and Multiples III' at Warren Siebrits Modern and Contemporary as well as the Norman Catherine retrospective at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. 'Picasso and Africa' is still on at the Standard Bank Gallery.
KWAZULU-NATAL
This month, the KZNSA hosts Bronwen Findlay and newcomers Everett Duarte and Bronwen Lace. artSPACE durban hosts the 'Absa L'Atelier' 2006 regional entries from KZN, whilst 'Amagugu VII' at the African Art Centre features traditional beaded works, milkpails, headrest, imbenge and ceramics for purchase.
INTERNATIONAL
There are a number of group shows of African and South African artists around the world this month, with several countries - from Hawaii to Vienna - holding 'best of' type showcases. Berni Searle and Ralph Borland both exhibit as part of an international arts festival in Melbourne and William Kentridge shows alongside an amazing collection of the most influential artists in the world, both living and deceased.
CAPE
Linda Stupart visits Bridget Baker's show at João Ferreira and Pieter Hugo's 'Presence' at Michael Stevenson Contemporary. Adrienne van Eeden reviews shows by Michael Taylor and Jeanne Hoffman, both of whom have recently completed their Master's in Illustration at the University of Stellenosch.
GAUTENG
Michael Smith reviews 'Picasso and Africa' at the Standard Bank Gallery.
KWAZULU NATAL
Francesca Verga reviews 'Never Again' at the Durban Art Gallery. This large exhibition, which includes works from a number of private and public collections, celebrates Diakonia's 30th anniversary and documents a broad range of artists' campaigns for democracy and equality in South Africa.
Michael Smith reports on the launch of William Kentridge Prints by David Krut Publishers. He also has a look at the 'Sasol Wax Art Award'. The Cape Town Festival takes place this month in the Mother City. Linda Stupart goes through some of the highlights.The Dumile Feni Retrospective opens in Durban. Francesca Verga reminds us that he was among the first black artists to have exhibited at the DAG when he was granted a one-person show in 1966. Renee Holleman has written a detailed reportback on the VANSA national conference held last month in Cape Town.
Sue Williamson goes to the VANSA conference, admires the hands-on style of Dutch artists Cascoland in their New Crossroads project, and takes in some Cape Town openings.
Kim Gurney takes a close look at the work of Cape Town artist Bridget Baker, currently showing new work at João Ferreira.
Carine Zaayman visits a few websites by one of the Design Indaba's most interesting delegates, Ji Lee.
Carine Zaayman was lucky enough to attend the 9th Design Indaba.
The JK Gross Trust invites proposals for the 2006 Public Sculpture Competition and 2nd DUTA Biennial of Visual Arts invites proposals. Global Art Information publishes the first issue of SA Art Times.
Once again, nothing of consequence, apart from a host of letters telling me I'd won the lottery.
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