A work by Abdul Razak Awofeso

RELATED LINKS: An artistic treasure house in the middle of Joburg IT is the biggest gallery in the sub-continent, with a collection larger than that of the South African National Art Gallery in Cape Town. This is the Johannesburg Art Gallery, home to some of the most prized works not just in the country but also in the world. Read more The bank that's really an art gallery You'll have to remind yourself when you walk into Absa Towers North in Main Street in downtown Joburg that it's actually a bank, not an art gallery - you'll be overwhelmed by the spectacular original art in the building. There is a small art gallery in the building, but most of the artworks are housed in the offices and reception areas. Read more

Children portrayed in dark shades of coffee June 9, 2004 By Tammy O'Reilly FOR Nigerian-born artist Abdul Razak Awofeso, the vulnerability of children in times of displacement is close to his heart, and it this frailty that he starkly reflects in his current exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. "Life into sojourn", a collection of six paintings on display at the gallery from 6 to 27 June, is an emotive depiction of children that end up physically, emotionally or mentally disabled as a result of being separated from their mothers, especially in warring countries. Having lived as a foreigner in several African countries, 26-year-old Awofeso observed firsthand the suffering of African children in times of crisis. "Issues like human trafficking, and the separation of kids from their mothers are my focus," he says. He usually works with watercolours on paper, but for this exhibition he has also experimented with the use of coffee. "I chose to use coffee because it has caffeine. It is very strong and represents vitality," says Awofeso. "I hope this exhibition serves as a means of mediating for peace for the viewers," he says. "I look forward to a peaceful and war-free Africa with each country looking after its citizens, which should be paramount." Awofeso has lived in South Africa for four years and is currently based in Braamfontein. He has previously exhibited works at the Goethe Institute in Parkwood. JAG is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm. For more information, contact the gallery on 011 725 3130. The gallery is situated at the corner of King George and Klein streets in central Johannesburg. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za