Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year MIchael MacGarry opens his new show this weekend.
■ Stevenson Gallery in Braamfontein has opened the eagerly anticipated solo exhibition of new work by Michael MacGarry. Mystery man MacGarry is a sculptor with a sharp, cruel twist, whose work has previously concentrated on the vagaries of power. The new show apparently looks at the human ‘sense of instability in the modern world. Man has arrived at the false and deadly assumption that he has no part to play in shaping his own fate,” to quote the artist quoting Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky. The exhibition apparently looks at African life and power systems beyond the borders of South Africa.
Stevenson Gallery, 62 Juta Street, Braamfontein, until July 1. Visit: www.michaelstevenson.com.
■ Xenoglossia is a research project run by the Centre for Historical Reenactments, started by curator Gabisile Ngcobo and run from a flat at August House, an artists’ enclave in Johannesburg city. This Friday the group will present screenings of work by Mounir Fatmi, Jakup Ferri and Imogen Stidworthy. There will also be a presentation of a work in progress by the NON-NON collective, Donna Kukama and Kemang Wa Lehulere, and a commissioned photographic performance by Zanele Muholi. Other contributors include Khosi Xaba, Lewis Nkosi, Brett Murray, Tracey Rose, Hlonipha Mokoena, Pablo Helguera, Andrew Putter, Anawana Haloba and Thierry Fontaine.
Centre for Historical Reenactments, August House, 76 End Street, from 6.30pm. There will be a cash bar and secure parking.