Gems at Sanlam Art Gallery

‘GEMS’, a selection of rarely seen, historically significant and striking contemporary pieces from the Sanlam Art Collection is the new exhibition at the Sanlam Art Gallery. And Stefan Hundt, Curator of the impressive Sanlam Art Collection, walks us through the exhibition.

Listen to the Sanlam Arts Round Up on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm on Fridays at 17h30

Stefan explains that ‘Gems’ refers to work in the Sanlam Collection that rarely have been seen by the public. Some of the works on exhibition have been hidden away in offices and not been shown for years. These include some historically interesting early Cape Town scenes by artists such as Caldecott, Spilhaus and Wenning, including one of Clifton dating back to 1920.

Then there are contemporary works – an example being the striking Frans Moshimanyana  Thoka, seen above in conversation with the smaller work by Johann Louw. [Frans Moshimanyana Thoka, “Suicide Doesn’t Cry, Her Cry is a Drum” | Johann Louw, “Karel se uur van die Engel”]

Curating the exhibition, Stefan explains, flowed from the scale and themes of some of the more well known artists. An example is that landscapes and flowers suggested themselves. There’s a broad range of work reflecting the fact that the collection was started in 1965.

So, head to the Sanlam Art Gallery to see key works by artists such as Pierneef, Preller, Maggie Laubser, Gerargd Sekoto and George Pemba, rarely on public view, on display alongside contemporary pieces making for an engaging sequence to be enjoyed and pondered.

If you would like to book a a guided tour by Stefan Hundt of ‘Gems’, give him a call before 18 December or from 8 January and he’ll take you through the gallery and also offer you the opportunity to view works in their storage facility. To book call 021 947 33 or email sanlamart@sanlam.co.za.