Gallery sights in Africa
-
A
Iziko SA National Gallery
The impressive permanent collection of South Africa’s premier art space harks back to Dutch times and includes some extraordinary pieces. But it’s often contemporary works, such as the Butcher Boys sculpture by Jane Alexander, looking like a trio of Lord of the Rings orcs who have stumbled into the gallery, that stand out the most. Also check out the remarkable teak door in the courtyard, carved by Herbert Vladimir Meyerowitz with scenes representing the global wanderings of the Jews. His carvings also adorn the tops of the door frames throughout the gallery. There’s also a good shop with some interesting books and gifts.
reviewed
-
B
Gertrude Posel Gallery
reviewed
-
C
Musée des Beaux Arts
At the edge of the Jardin d’Essai and a short walk from the Martyrs’ Memorial, the Musée des Beaux Arts houses the best collection of art in the country. Opened in 1930 and with some 8000 items on the walls and in store, it traces the progress of European and particularly French art from the 16th century, starting with Barnaba di Modena, passing through the neoclassicists such as David and Delacroix, Orientalists including Fromentin and a Renoir painted during the artist’s visit in 1882. There is also a sizeable collection of work by Algerian artists and by artists from elsewhere, donated when Algeria won independence.
reviewed
-
Rock Engravings
If you've got a car, there are some Rock Engravings a 15-minute drive out of town. Take the road south out past the camp site and youth hostel and keep following the road past the palmeraie. The paved road ends abruptly in front of a rock face where you'll find some good examples of rock carvings - mostly antelope and cattle -in front of you. On the drive there, look to your right and you'll see the crumbling remains of 15th-century towns built into the hillside.
reviewed
-
D
Tatham Art Gallery
In keeping with Pietermaritzburg’s self-styled role as the ‘heritage city’, one of its finest sights is the Tatham Art Gallery, which was started in 1903 by Mrs Ada Tatham. Housed in the beautiful Old Supreme Court, it contains a fine collection of French and English 19th- and early-20th-century works. Every 15 minutes, little figurines appear out of the building’s treasured ormolu clock to chime the bells. The gallery shop stocks some excellent crafts.
reviewed
-
E
Núcleo de Arte
This long-standing artists' cooperative is a focal point among Mozambican artistic circles. It has frequent exhibitions featuring the work of up-and-coming artists (some of which is for sale), including pieces made in the 'Guns into Art' project (check their website for more). There's also a pottery area, and a garden where you can talk with the artists and watch them at work. It's in a dilapidated colonial-era house near the Hospital Central.
reviewed
-
F
Johannesburg Art Gallery
On the Noord St side of Joubert Park (itself a no-go area) is the Johannesburg Art Gallery. This place has a reputable collection of European and South African landscape and figurative paintings, as well as a significant contemporary South African collection with more adventurous work such as multimedia installations. It also hosts large-scale, dynamic exhibitions and retrospectives of black artists.
reviewed
-
G
Oliewenhuis Art Museum
One of South Africa’s most striking art galleries, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum is housed in an exquisite 1935 mansion and set in beautiful gardens. An imaginative and poignant contemporary photographic exhibition gives a good insight into modern South Africa. The museum also holds a collection of works by South African artists, including Thomas Baines.
reviewed
-
H
Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno
The city's main museum of modern art hosts some superb temporary exhibitions, while its permanent collection focuses on 20th-century art from both Canarian and international artists. The museum is housed in a tastefully rejuvenated 18th-century building, which is flooded with natural light. Local artists include Eduardo Gregorio, Santiago Santana and César Manrique.
reviewed
-
I
Centro Insular de Cultura El Almacén
Another vibrant gallery space is the Centro Insular de Cultura El Almacén, a cultural centre housed in a former warehouse that has had a stylish makeover, once again influenced by Manrique. There are exhibitions, a cinema (showing original-version films) and a bar and restaurant named after César's old buddy, Picasso, where you can enjoy live music at weekends.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Michael Stevenson
This well-respected gallery celebrated its 5th birthday in 2008 by moving across town to be close by the Bell-Roberts gallery and Goodman Gallery Cape. Exhibitions have included the humorous, subversive work of Anton Kannemeyer, also known as Joe Dog, creator of the darkly satiric comic Bitterkomix with Conrad Botes, who is also represented by the gallery.
reviewed
-
K
Salon Michèle Ka
In Point E, the Salon Michèle Ka is not only the funkiest hairdressing salon in town, but also one of the most original art galleries. The whole salon, from styling tables to wall displays, is decorated with urban sous-verre motifs à la car rapide. It's an absolute must-see - you don't need to get a new hairstyle to visit.
reviewed
-
L
Art Gallery
The Art Gallery houses an excellent collection of contemporary South African works, especially Zulu arts and crafts, and has both temporary and rotating exhibitions (look out for the collection of baskets from Hlabisa, finely woven from a variety of grasses and incorporating striking natural colours).
reviewed
-
M
South African National Gallery
This exquisite gallery in the Company's Gardens always has interesting exhibitions as well as permanent displays; check out the portrait of Desmond Tutu, the remarkable carved teak door in the courtyard, and a dinosaur sculpture made from wire. There's a good shop with some interesting books and a pleasant cafe.
reviewed
-
N
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is in the southeast corner of Harare Gardens. It has a mix of contemporary Zimbabwean and African art including paintings (you can usually purchase paintings), stone sculptures, masks and carvings. The attached shop is excellent for sculptures, crafts and books on art.
reviewed
-
O
Fès Art Gallery
The management can be somewhat snooty, but the furniture and objets d'art are worth a look. There are exquisite inlaid chairs, tables and cupboards from Syria, some reasonable paintings and ceramics, and good jewellery. From the roof terrace the view over the Kairaouine is excellent.
reviewed
-
P
Galerie Photo 127
Like any worthwhile Chelsea gallery, this one is up a dim, once-grand staircase and in an industrial-chic chamber with the obligatory exposed brick-and-concrete wall. Shows vary from straightforward travel photography to more interpretive works, mostly by Mediterranean artists.
reviewed
-
Q
National Art Gallery
The National Art Gallery , in a beautiful hundred-year-old colonial building, has temporary and permanent exhibitions of contemporary Zimbabwean sculpture and paintings. There's also a souvenir shop, a café and studios where you can see artists at work.
reviewed
-
R
Orientalist Art Gallery
This small commercial gallery is the best place to view the work of contemporary Fez-based artists. The only other option in town is the art gallery in the Délégation de la Culture on Ave Moulay Youssef, close to the Pl de la Résistance, which hosts occasional exhibitions.
reviewed
-
S
Standard Bank Art Gallery
The Standard Bank Art Gallery is a wonderfully light building featuring regularly changing exhibitions by important South African artists. It also has a permanent African art collection, some of which is on display at Wits University.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
National Art Gallery
Set in a beautiful 100-year-old colonial building, the National Art Gallery has temporary and permanent exhibitions of contemporary Zimbabwean sculpture and paintings. There's also a souvenir shop, a cafe and studios where you can see artists at work.
reviewed
-
T
Goodman Gallery Cape
One of the big guns of the Jo’burg art world, the Goodman Gallery was one of the few to encourage artists of all races during apartheid. They represent luminaries like William Kentridge and Willie Bester, as well as up-and-coming artists.
reviewed
-
U
Kwazulu Natal Society of Arts
The Kwazulu Natal Society of Arts is a not-for-profit gallery that has temporary exhibitions of modern art. Its outdoor cafe, set under shady trees, is a lovely place post peruse. A gift shop is also within the complex.
reviewed
-
V
Museo de Bellas Artes
Museo de Bellas Artes is home to an eclectic mix of paintings by mainly Spanish, Canarian and Flemish artists, including Ribera, Sorolla and Brueghel. There's also sculpture, including a Rodin, and temporary exhibitions.
reviewed
-
W
Yassine Arts Center
You can't miss the gargantuan, lion-shaped entry to the Yassine Arts Center. Exhibitions here have a habit of spilling over into the hotel, theatre, restaurant and even the fitness centre that form part of the complex.
reviewed