The City of Gold has revealed over the years that it presents more than just gold–mining. The city has become one of the fastest growing urban cities to reveal some unique restaurants and markets. Through various artistic endeavours, we are seeing more and more that nothing is as beautiful as telling a story on a canvas. Take Mama Esther Mahlangu for example, who recently partnered with the Belvedere luxury vodka brand and BMW to displays the Ndebele traditional print on Belvedere Vodka bottles and the interior of the BMW 7 series. We are seeing a variety of artists emerging from our local artistic landscape and are being embraced on an International scale which is all the more reason we should be going out to support and understand our local artists who are on the rise.
Here is a selection of galleries we have handpicked in Johannesburg for both visitors and locals alike to visit at least once (in a while) to catch on to the growing artistic wave in this buzzing city of gold.
1. Gallery Momo
The Gallery Momo is a renowned and contemporary art gallery, showcasing local and international artwork. Exhibitions are held on various occasions. Artists such as Dumeli Feni, Dillon Marsh, Martin Y Sicilia and Maurice Mbikayi have work on shown at the gallery. Gallery Momo opens Monday to Friday from 9:00 –17:00 and Saturdays at 9:00 – 16:00 is located in Parktown, north of Johannesburg.
Contact: 0113273247; gallerymomo.com
Contemporary art is on the rise in South Africa. Image from Gallery Momo
2. David Krut Projects
Through hosting collaborative installations and hosting various artists, the gallery’s mission is to encourage careers in the arts, literature and media. Here, one will find an alternative contemporary art culture. Local and International artists such as Aida Muluneh, Senzo Shabangu, Beth Armstrong and Deborah Bell, have work displayed at the gallery. The David Krut Projects opens Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 –17:00 and on Saturdays at 9:00 –16:00
Contact: Arts on Main, 0113341208; Parkwood, 0114470627. davidkrut.com
3. Absa Art Gallery
Situated in the north of Johannesburg on the main road, is the ABSA bank tower. The ABSA Art Gallery is inside the ABSA tower. The prestigious art competition that allows artists and architects to work together to create a space that accommodated the artworks perfectly, the Barclays L’Atelier is held at the Absa Towers North building in the Johannesburg CBD. The gallery opens Monday to Friday at 8:30 – 16:00 and is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Contact: 0113505139; absa.co.za
An urban animal exhibition by Ann-Marie Tully
4. Circa on Jellicoe Gallery
The Circa on Jellicoe Gallery is a celebration of art and architecture in Rosebank. The gallery is a hub that explores technology and contemporary artwork. Supported by Deutsche Bank, the architectural art gallery opens Monday to Friday at 9:00 – 17:00 and Saturday’s at 9:00 – 13:00. The Circa Gallery is closed on Sunday’s and Public holidays.
Contact: 0117884805; Circa on Jellicoe on their Facebook page
The hub of visual art in Rosebank. Image by Circa on Jellicoe
5. Everard Read
The Everard Read is the oldest commercial art gallery in South Africa. The unique art gallery showcases contemporary exhibitions with scientific installations and human technological development. Artists such as Percy Konqobe, Louis Maqhubela, Guy du Toit and Speelman Mahlangu have artwork at the gallery. Everard Read is alongside the Circa on Jellicoe in Rosebank and opens weekly from 9:00 – 17:00 and on Saturday’s at 9:00–13:00.
Contact: 0117884805; [email protected]
6. Spaza Art Gallery
The Spaza Art Gallery in Troyeville shows young and upcoming artists. The gallery hosts live music performances in the garden, a public artwork is displayed and workshops are held in the gallery for mosaic enthusiasts. The Spaza Art Gallery opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 – 19:00.
Contact: 0116149354; Spaza Art Gallery is available on their Facebook page.
7. Ngwenya Arts and Craft Gallery
The Ngwenya Arts and Craft Gallery is an Arts and Crafts Gallery in Sunridge Farm in Mulderdrift. The artwork at Ngwenya Arts and Craft Gallery is handcrafted and painted out of recycled glass. Margie Caufman, Debbie Joy Stragier and Tina Hepworth also creates original artworks. Opens every Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 – 16:30
Contact: 0845823209; Follow the Ngwenya Arts and Crafts Gallery on their Facebook page
The ladies behind the Ngwenya Arts and Craft Gallery. Image courtesy of Roodepoort North Insider
8. Museum of African Design
Museum of Africa Design is the first museum that is dedicated to Design on the African continent. The museum is a cultural hub that explores the African continent. The Museum of Africa hosts exhibitions, events and educational programmes is on Commissioner Street and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 – 17:00.
Contact: 0105002448; moadjhb.com
The cultural hub that explores Africa. Image by Museum of African Design
9. Afronova Art Gallery
Afronova Art Gallery is a modern and contemporary art gallery.Numerous screenings, exhibitions, book launches and fashion shows have taken place at the Afronova Art Gallery. The Afronova Art Gallery in Parkhurst displays artists such as Ricardo Rangel, Billie Zangewa, Jodi Bieber and Mauro Pinto. Contact: afronova.com; 0837265906
10. Purple Heart Gallery
Situated in the Honeydew Village Shopping Center, the Purple Heart Gallery is big on promoting local artists. The Purple Heart Gallery exhibits exquisite art, wall decor, canvas print services and gifts.
Contact: 0114757411; [email protected]
Original artworks and framing of South African artists. Image courtesy of Purple Heart Gallery
11. Stevenson Gallery
Based in downtown Johannesburg in Braamfontein, the Stevenson Gallery has bought in International artworks to South Africa and has participated in International shows, such as the Art Basel, Frieze London and New York. Open Monday to Friday from 9:00-17:00 and Saturdays from 10:00-13:00. You can admire the work of local artists, such as Zanele Muholi, Nandipha Mntambo, Moshekwa Langa and Wim Botha.
Contact: 0114031055; [email protected]
12. Goodman Gallery
Dating back to 1966, the Goodman Gallery is one of the longest standing contemporary art galleries in the country. Aiming to shift perspectives and create a social transformation, the Goodman Gallery is also where the Zuma spear painting and other provocative pieces were showcased. Opening Tuesdays to Friday from 9h30 to 17h30 and on Saturday at 9h30 to 16h00.
Contact: 0117881113; goodman-gallery.com
Goodman Gallery is on Jan Smuts Avenue in Parkwood, Johannesburg. Image from Goodman Gallery
