Art gallery that makes talent development the main focus

Each year millions of tourists flock to the Louvre in Paris to immerse themselves in one of the richest art and sculpture collections in the world. Art Eye Gallery in Fourways is a mini-me of the Parisian museum, but it’s instead dedicated to the wealth of talent in South Africa.

Art Eye first opened eight years ago in Fourways, but headed to Doornfontein after a couple of years. “We wanted to contribute to the revival of the inner city,” said general manager Nonhlanhla Mahlangu, a fine art graduate. “During our tenure near Ellis Park, we created a workspace for emerging artists with support programmes still in place in terms of talent development.”

Art Eye continues to seek out and develop emerging artists, some of whom have become well known in collector circles, like Welcome Danca and Juanita Frier among others. “it is an incredible to experience the journey that artists take, how their work develops and the stories that are captured in each piece.” Mahlangu added that Toni Bico and Thokozani Mthiyane were also both fast gaining traction in the market. “I have worked at other galleries before,” said Mahlangu, “but it always felt that revenue outweighed the value of the work.” That is why, she has not moved on from Art Eye since joining  more than half a decade ago.

“Here, at times to the detriment of the business, it is still about art, about finding and nurturing talent and, most of all, to take art to audiences that may not necessarily engage with it  during their everyday lives. “Too many people shy away from galleries or purchasing anything beyond supermarket prints because they find the art world somewhat intimidating. “In fact, it’s anything but. Art is there to be enjoyed and appreciated by all of us. Art has no race, no creed, no caste or class.”

About the author:

Hein Kaiser is a seasoned journalist, broadcaster, producer, and marketing communication professional and has worked in a variety of markets, sectors, and countries. He presently hosts the 360 Brunch over weekends on Mix 93.8FM, writes for the Citizen and consults to various companies on a strategic level.

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