Gerard de Kamper, Curator Collections University of Pretoria, opened Artology at the Rupert Museum and on this Sanlam Arts Round Up explains the use of the word “Artology”. You will also understand the significance of The Boxer by Fanie Eloff, in the photo above.
Listen to the Sanlam Arts Round Up on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm on Fridays at 17h30
Gerard de Kamper
Gerard begins by explaining the word ‘Artology’. It is a term that the University of Pretoria has been working with when it comes to art research. They are not looking at the object only as art art object, but going beyond the aesthetics, looking at the materiality, the interconnectivity with other works and the provenance. It looks at more than a painting just being a painting – the stories behind the work and the person who made it.
The reasons behind the particular works in this exhibition is explained. Gerard tells us that the University has been collecting since 1922. It was only in 1931 that the the University officially started collecting with the acquisition of the Arum Lilies by Maggie Loubser, and this work is included in the exhibition. The selection is based on works that individually or in groups have a story to tell. The Boxer by Fanie Eloff is a case in point.
Fanie Eloff, the grandson of Paul Kruger, was sent by his father to study mining in Paris in 1909. Fanie was drawn to the world of art and moved in that direction, despite his father’s objections. In 1912 Eloff entered The Boxer in the Salon Competition and made world headlines by getting 1st Prize in competition with Rodin! This was big news and his father decided that his son must have talent. It’s also interesting to discover that in 1924, the Olympic Games included painting and sculpture and Fanie Eloff won a Bromze Medal!
The good news is that on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:00 0 12:00Â and 13:00 – 14:00Â there are free guided tours. You need to book in advance: E email denise@rupertmuseum.org | T 021 888 3344.
Artology is certainly worth a visit to get an interesting overview of South African art. You will also have the opportunity of viewing the Huberte Rupert Exhibition and the Pierneef’s Johannesburg Station Panels Exhibition on view at the Rupert Museum.
WHAT: Artology: select works from the University of Pretoria Museums
WHERE: Rupert Museum,
WHEN: 27 April – 31 October 2024 | Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00 | Free Entry
INFO: T +27 21 888 3344 | E info@rupertmuseum.org | VISIT | See also Artology Exhibition opening – Rupert Museum Saturday 27 April
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