Her… a celebration of woman artists, is an exhibition of painting, sculpture and printing from the Sanlam Art Collection in recognition of their active role in the development of visual art in South Africa.
Exhibiting at the Sanlam Art Gallery from 4 August to 22 October, and in Johannesburg at the Sanlam Art Lounge from 1 to 22 August, the exhibition features work from 58 of South African artists from the early twentieth century to the present. Using a variety of media, the exhibition tells the story of the female experience through meaningful and innovative works that illustrate the issues pertinent to women over the last century, from domestic life and motherhood to discrimination, inequality, gender beauty standards and violence against women.
Her… a celebration of woman artists was opened by Natalie Jabangwe, Group Digital Executive Officer, Sanlam Group. Outside of work, Natalie loves the ARTs. Before studying computer science in university, she was an ARTS major in high school. She wanted to study law, before her mother encouraged her otherwise. She believes what has set her apart in the world of technology is her creative streak, from her liberal ARTs background. In Harare, she’s set up an innovation hub infused with a walk able ART gallery within. Nat believes that leadership, a voice and creativity are cut from the same cloth. One can’t do without the other.
Natalie acknowledged the significant role that women have played in the visual arts in various capacities and is delighted to see how well represented they are in the Sanlam Art Collection.
Curated by Stefan Hundt, the exhibition’s aim is to bring a stronger focus to the contributions by female artists to the art industry, and the powerful influence and legacy of women in art. Hundt says that by far some of the greatest contributors to the development of South African art over the past century have been women. “Looking at artists such as Irma Stern, Maggie Laubser, Judith Mason, Pippa Skotnes, Helen Sebidi, Noria Mabasa and more, we can see that women artists were innovative and daring at time when the dominating patriarchy saw little value in the visual arts. As museum directors, gallerists and art historians such as the late Marilyn Martin, Esme Berman, Linda Givon, and Dr Marion Arnold, to name a few, South African women have done an incredible job and still do so today, not only here but also on the international stage. They deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”
About the Sanlam Art Collection
The Sanlam Art Collection came into being on 9 March 1965 when the Sanlam Board approved the acquisition of 12 paintings by well-known artists for the production of a prestige calendar in the coming year. The collection has grown considerably since and has proved to be a good investment, with the current valuation of the collection exceeding twenty times what it has cost to acquire.
The collection is seen not only in Sanlam offices but also in touring exhibitions across South Africa. Sanlam continues to acquire significant images by established and emerging artists in South Africa and with this exhibition celebrating the contribution of women reaffirms its commitment to supporting the visual arts for generations to come.
Sanlam Art Gallery, 2 Strand Road, Belville, Cape Town 7530 | Sanlam Art Lounge, 6th Floor, 11 Alice Land Sandton, Johannesburg
INFO: Sanlam Art Gallery Mon to Fri 09:00 – 16:30. Guided tours by appointment with the curator. T 021 947 3359 / 083 457 2699 or Whatsapp on 083 457 2699 | E sanlamart@sanlam.co.za | Visit
The WHAT, WHY & WHERE of the
arts scene in around Cape Town
see the 2022 arts + crafts map
and listen in to the Sanlam
Arts Round Up Fridays @16.10
on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm
The FMR App makes it even easier to tune into the Sanlam Arts Round Up on Fridays!
