Igers become a part of local history

Financial services group, Liberty has partnered with Johannesburg photographer Christy Strever for the launch of a must-have coffee table book, Joburg through the eyes of Igers.

The coffee table book is a collection of beautifully curated photographs of iconic and unique sites in and around the city of Johannesburg.

“I wanted to bring together the best of Johannesburg through photography and realised that there were a lot of talented photographers and Instagrammers [Igers] who had already captured beautiful sites in the city. The book is a culmination of about a year’s worth of work including the selection and fusing of the best shots that portray Johannesburg,” said Strever.

Once all of this was finalised, Strever approached Liberty for a sponsorship to publish the book.

“Joburg Through The Eyes of Igers tells an authentic South African story,” said Killy Bacela, head of consumer and trade marketing at Liberty Individual Arrangements.

“As an organisation firmly rooted in Braamfontein, the heart of Johannesburg, seeing what exists in the city and its surroundings is not only breathtaking, but showcases that young South African talent such as Strever and her fellow Igers through collective effort, still want to share this city – a city that offers many things, and still fraught with promise and contradictions, which is what art is about.”

Basa (Business and Arts South Africa) chief executive officer, Michelle Constant confirmed that the participation of corporates such as Liberty, in the arts, goes a long way towards supporting existing and upcoming talent, and also that arts-based-initiatives provide real value for the corporate partner.

Johan Minnie, Liberty’s group executive of sales, distribution and bancassurance, explained that art, in any form, provided a significant opportunity for artists and art investors to provide economic value for the country.

“Art is an investment. Although this book may seem like a small item, it is definitely something that is for keeps and can be passed from one generation to another,” said Minnie.

The book officially launched on 2 November and is available for purchase online.