An auction to prolong arts in Jozi

The Bag Factory Artists’ Studios is one of Johannesburg’s leading visual arts organisations that has, for the past 25 years, given young artists a platform to flourish.
During this time the Bag Factory has also become a valued partner in the Barclays L’Atelier art competition and Absa would like to contribute to developing the art space by holding an auction of some interesting artworks to raise funds for the studio.

The auction, simply called 25, will feature works from past and present Bag Factory artists, former participants in its visiting artists’ residency programme, former L’Atelier Award and Merit Award winners and stalwart South African visual artists, whose contributions add significant weight to the showcase.
Some of the pieces to be auctioned off are unseen artworks that artists have created but never shown in public. They are beautiful pieces such as Minnette Vári’s Triskaidekaphilia or David Goldblatts Farm yard (Rooidam) with bicycle, skerm and farmhouse (Lovedale), between Carnavon and Brandvlei. 12 August 2008. They are almost like a hidden track on an album or never been released music. It is something extra special – a new discovery.
Dr Paul Bayliss, Absa Art and Museum Curator, said the auction furthered the objective of both the Bag Factory and Absa with regard to enabling the careers of up-and-coming artists in South Africa.
“The Bag Factory auction is a platform for these talented artists to gain the visibility they need. It will be an exciting evening of engaging with the artists, growing collections and experiencing a myriad of remarkable works of art. The auction will bring these artists’ works to life, and once again highlight just how valuable art is as a commodity,” said Bayliss.
Founded in 1991, the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios was intended to be a place where artists of different races, cultures and backgrounds could come together to work. An ethos of sharing, exchange and mentorship has developed over the past 25 years, making this space an integral part of the development of the visual arts scene in South Africa.
The proceeds of the auction will go to the refurbishment of the Bag Factory building in order to extend its programme and to be able to assist more artists.
In addition, the artists have donated the work to the Bag Factory and as such it will become a part of the Bag Factory’s collection.
Don’t miss the auction on 17 November at the Absa Art Gallery in the Absa North Towers.
Details: 011 834 9181.