Marilyn Martin, doyen of the South African art world, passed away on 22 May and Ruarc Peffers, CEO of Aspire Art, acknowledges her fearless contribution in changing and challenging times.
Listen to the Sanlam Arts Round Up on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm every Friday at 16h10
As Ruarc points out, Marilyn made a significant contribution to promote the art of Africa in a global context. She was fearless in confronting the prevailing Eurocentric tradition and in her elegant way negotiated the need for change. She joined the South African National Gallery as the Director in 1990 and created a platform to discuss difficult issues.
Her meticulously researched book Between Dreams and Realities – A History of the South African National Gallery, 1871 – 2017 gives us sharp insights into the development of this important institution since inception 150 years ago. Facing the challenges of transformation is the chapter that marks the period when she took over coinciding with South Africa’s move to a new dispensation. She was able to use the arts as a platform to challenge and rethink the art world and in the process help make it more accessible.
Possibly her greatest legacy was to remind us of the importance of our major national institutions and the need to safeguard our cultural legacy
The Friends of the South African National Gallery had an excellent and moving Memorial Service to Marilyn Martin at the gallery on Saturday 24 June, when colleagues, family and friends paid tribute to her. We heard the good news that we can look forward to a book she had just completed on Kevin Atkinson, which will be released later this year.
As Ruarc Peffers points out, Marilyn Martin, in her own inimitable way, reached out and touched the lives of so many people in the art industry.
WHAT: Marilyn Martin – Tribute by Ruarc Peffers on the Sanlam Arts Round Up
INFO: Iziko Museum Route | Visit Iziko Museums of South Africa
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