The IZIKO SANG collection reviewed and reimagined is what South African National Gallery’s latest exhibition – Breaking Down the Walls – is all about, and Curator, Andrew Lamprecht, talks us through his vision on the Sanlam Arts Round Up.
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Andrew Lamprecht, Curator of Historical Paintings and SculptureIziko Museums of South Africa, says that visitors have been “blown away” by the extent of the exhibition in terms of quantity and variation!
As you enter, you are confronted by a salon style presentation of artworks, covering the walls from floor to ceiling – a jigsaw puzzle that is quite overpowering. Yet looking through into the courtyard, you have a sense of light and air, with the Sue Williamson installation that poignantly reflects on slavery in the Cape.
Contrasts set up conversations. The next space you enter is black and devoid of any work, focusing on what is not in the collection. As Andrew observes, it was only in 1926 that a work by a South African artist was acquired – a bronze by Anton van Wouw. And it was in 1964 that a work by a black South African artist, Gerard Sekota was first added to the collection.
The works are set out in themes and topics such as Gender and Agenda, and Nations and Narratives.
Breaking down the Walls was also about breaking down the silos in the IZIKO museum group.
An example is bringing in rock art from the South African Museum.
Hanging work at the height of a 10 year old child is another innovation that is used in the Children’s Gallery.
Breaking down the Walls invites you to ‘look and be challenged’. And enjoy being blown away!
WHAT: IZIKO SANG collection – Breaking down the Walls
WHERE: IZIKO South African National Gallery, 1 Government Avenue, Cape Town 8001
WHEN & ENTRANCE FEES: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 until 17:00 | Adults: R30.00 | Children aged 6 to 18: R15.00 | Children aged 5 and under: Free | South African pensioners and students (with valid cards): R15.00 | Free entry on Fridays
INFO: Â T 021 481 3970Â |Â VISITÂ | See also Breaking Down the WallsÂ
IZIKO SANG – IZIKO MUSEUM ROUTE [A]
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