September 23, 2004
By Tammy O'Reilly
THERE exists on one of the city's major roads such an enthralling assortment of art galleries that even those who don't have a propensity for art will be captivated.
From a world-renowned gallery located in a building representative of the best of post-modern architecture, to up-and-coming galleries in the most unassuming of locations: Jan Smuts Avenue through Rosebank and Parktown North is an art-lover's mecca.
Located in a distance covering little more than one kilometre are six art galleries that showcase between them some of the finest collections of local and international art across a variety of genres and mediums. Sculptures, paintings, lithography, multimedia works, crafts, photography, contemporary art, traditional art and fine art - the list of South African and overseas artists is endless.
Just off Jan Smuts Avenue, on Jellicoe Avenue, is the country's most famous commercial art gallery - Everard Read. The gallery has progressed since its beginnings in 1912 in a corrugated iron building on Plein Street, downtown Johannesburg, to one of sophistication.
Everard Read Gallery
The present building was originally a family residence acquired in the '80s.
While this remains the administrative core of the gallery, around it a thoughtfully reconstructed exhibition space manifests itself. The curvaceous structure comprises four exhibition areas of various proportions with clerestory windows that ensure an abundance of natural light enters the gallery. Scattered among the exhibition spaces are landscaped sculpture gardens.
"This place is very special. There is just light pouring in everywhere. What's also amazing is that the artworks are always changing. The next time you come here you won't find the same pieces of work. It'll be a whole new experience," says Natanya Mullholland, who deals with the gallery's marketing.
Gallery director Mark Read, Mullholland says, has an interest in art from both an aesthetic and investment point of view and this is reflected in the success of gallery.
The Everard Read Gallery supports both local and overseas artists. "The gallery is moving very much with the times. We sell the works of young artists and old masters alike," says Mullholland.
Over the years, Everard Read has become synonymous with the finest art emanating from southern Africa with many of the region's most celebrated artists exhibiting with them.
Situated just 500m off Jan Smuts Avenue, on 7th Avenue, is the Momo Gallery, dealing mainly in contemporary South African art and international fine art.
With the words 'gallery' boldly emblazoned across the front of the building, Momo is easily spotted. Its design is fittingly modern with full-size wall-window glasses that extend right across the front of the building allowing maximum light to spread through the house. Lending itself to the existing airy atmosphere, the interior has an open ceiling with an attic office overlooking the exhibition space.
In what seems to be a trend with the galleries in this area, Gallery Momo was also originally a family home that was transformed into an exhibition space for contemporary modern art.
Although it has been open for just over a year, curator's assistant Nikki McMillan is quick to add that the "public response and response from artists have been overwhelming".
The current exhibition is a solo one by sculptor and artist Diana Kortbreek. In all three rooms of the gallery, lithe human and animal figures perched on wooden blocks are a portrayal of movement and dance, and appear to be lightly poised as if about to take flight. Striking abstract paintings titivate the otherwise bare walls.
Gallery Momo
On 163 Jan Smuts Avenue, stands an eye-catching white building housing a modelling agency, casting agency and the Goodman Art Gallery. The gallery has been in existence for 32 years, founded and run by Linda Givon. Since it was established, the gallery has encouraged contemporary South African artists to exhibit during the apartheid years.
"Art should be a feature of co-existence. It should be cherished and loved by children, artists, students - everyone. We concentrate on giving South African artists a platform and helping to promote their art globally," says Givon.
Right now the works of renowned 84-year-old artist and painter Robert Hodgins are being exhibited.
Diagonally across the street from the Goodman Gallery is the Warren Siebrits Gallery. Neighboured by two shops, the outside wall is painted a conspicuous bright yellow. Inside, the works of influential video artist and soundmeister Konrad Welz plays itself out.
Goodman Gallery
The dimly lit interior accommodates the video being projected on to a wall, whilst the main exhibition area features an enlarged still from one of the eight videos being exhibited. As is tradition with all exhibitions at the Warren Siebrits Gallery, an informative limited edition illustrated catalogue accompanies Welz's work.
This gallery deals primarily in contemporary and modern art and has been operational for two years by Siebrits, an experienced independent art dealer.
Partner Lunetta Bartz says all the works acquired and exhibited by Siebrits involves a lot of planning. "Everything has a concept, and is exhibited with a particular theme or focus in mind. Every exhibition is accompanied by a limited edition catalogue."
Diagonally across from the Warren Siebrits Gallery is a new kid on the block -Gallery @ 157. Behind the high metal boundary markers is what was also once a family home.
Both the upper and lower parts of the house have been converted into exhibition space. Michelle Bestbier opened the gallery in May this year with a view to poise the place as one to peruse and buy art as well as a venue for a coffee shop and hosting workshops.
"The general focus is on contemporary South African art, crafts and designer jewellery - but we encourage all art forms."
German-born sculptor Eugen Hofmann has his gallery on 217 Jan Smuts Avenue. Both the interior and the exterior of the house serve as exhibition space. In addition to his bronze life-size wildlife sculptures themselves, Hofmann is especially lauded for the intricate detail to which he pays special attention in his sculpting.
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