Something new at Standard Bank Gallery

A collection of art on display at the Standard Bank Gallery asks art patrons some difficult questions.

“We have an exhibition called New Acquisitions which will be on display for the remainder of the year,” said Barbara Freemantle, curator of the gallery which is situated on the corner of Frederick and Harrison streets in Johannesburg.

This exhibition poses a number of questions and looks to explore the dynamic relationship which exists between art, artist and art-lover.

In this collection, there are a number of artists who show their works including Joni Brenner, John Mohl, Job Kekana, Kudzai Chiurai, Haroon Gunn-Sale, Paul Emmanuel, Steven Cohen as well as brothers Hasan and Husain Essop – an exciting art duo.

With the vast number of artists included in this exhibition, patrons will see an array of styles and motifs in this collection, from photographed pieces to hand-coloured silkscreen works and even a piece created from dying plant matter.

These interesting artworks all come together to question an integral part of the art supply and demand chain – the buyers.

This collection came to be because, while artists are well aware that buyers of their works are one of the most important parts of their jobs and careers – through the purchase of their work, DVDs and ticket sales – it is rather corporate, government and private institutions that sustain them through awards and residencies at various art houses.

In South Africa, it is often a sad reality that players in the art scape – artists, dancers and theatre performers – lack sponsorship and are forced to place their projects on hold, due to dried up funds. It is, therefore, important for artists to acquire companies to sponsor them as part of their Corporate Social Investment projects.

This corporate collection commissioned by Standard Bank assists all the artists involved in this very aspect.

Do not miss out on the opportunity to support the arts by taking a look at the magnificent pieces in New Acquisitions.

Details: Standard Bank Gallery 011 631 4467.

Read: Influential South African photographer leaves his Footprints at Standard Bank Gallery