Art in the Cape
We’ve promised to bring you news about different things happening in different provinces (other than Gauteng), so here’s something interesting to do if you’re in Cape Town. I love art galleries, they are just so fascinating, having been to the Goodman Gallery here, I would without a doubt recommend a visit to the new gallery opening up in Cape Town…
To launch the Goodman Gallery Cape in Fairweather House, 176 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, gallerist Linda Givon has invited 21 of the country’s foremost artists to participate in its inaugural exhibitions. The first “Lift Off” exhibition launched the new Goodman Gallery premises in Johannesburg a decade ago in 1997, and in keeping with tradition most of the original artists are represented again.
The first exhibition of Goodman Gallery Cape with artists Willie Bester, Norman Catherine, Kendell Geers, David Goldblatt, Robert Hodgins, William Kentridge, Kagiso Pat Mautloa, Sam Nhlengethwa, Penny Siopis and Sue Williamson opens on Thursday 22 March 2007 at 18:00. As the new space can not accommodate all the artists Goodman represents, “Lift Off” is being presented in two parts.
The second “Lift Off” exhibition runs from 5 May to 26 May 2007. Designed by award-winning architect, Jeremy Rose, from Mashabane Rose Architects, Goodman Gallery Cape is located within the exciting and rapidly developing East City precinct of Cape Town.
Situated in a mid-20th century industrial building, the minimal and elegant gallery space created by Rose is tailored to display contemporary art at its optimum, whilst retaining the integrity of the original structure’s interior, in particular its spectacular vaulted ceiling. In architect Jeremy Rose’s words, “the gallery provides an understatement of space that is made to serve art”. Rose’s monochromatic gallery design accommodates only one window that consciously frames a spectacular view of Table Mountain.
Natural light halos the long walls, while shorter walls roll on wheels to remake the space allowing for maximum flexibility when devising each exhibition. The total effect is one of memorable contrast to the Woodstock industrial and social fabric, exploring the role of art as commentator.
The aims of the Goodman Gallery are to promote contemporary art in South Africa and to leave a legacy and a history for our country to enjoy. The gallery has been opened in Woodstock because it borders on District Six which is a symbol of the marginalization of apartheid. This way it can embrace a wide audience and encourage everyone to enjoy and absorb what is on exhibit.
