Five new galleries are shaping Swaziland’s art boom. While all explore the basic issues of the small mountain nation — class division, a crumbling economy, an absolute monarch — each takes a different tact.
From the radical Yebo to the royalist Gallery.com, the stunning House on Fire to humble Stik in Mud, each has a very different explanation for the sudden rise of art in the Kingdom.
The galleries sit within twenty minutes of one another (it’s a small country), making for a perfect afternoon tour.
Yebo Art & Design
Easily Swaziland’s best gallery, Yebo showcases a broad range of artists at a new, often controversial show each month. They also run a free studio space where you can meet artists (or try your hand) out back. The country’s best bet for serious art buyers.
Their reason for the art boom?
The protests, which have rocked Swaziland since last spring, are sewing fertile ground for art.
Contact:
Aleta Armstrong (owner)
Phone: (+268) 2416 2984
Website: yebodesigns.com
House on Fire Studios
This gallery and shop on the owner’s compound (restaurant, concert venue, and craft shop surround it) showcases the work of highly trained rural crafters doing large sculptures. Beautiful views, good wine and if you stick around there’s dancing.
Their reason for the art boom?
Artisans formerly doing tourist trinkets are using their skills for more complex pieces.
Contact:
Jiggs Thorne (owner)
Phone: (+268) 528 2110
Website: house-on-fire.com
Stik in Mud
In this tiny room tucked along poor the neighborhood Lobamba, Mlotsi shows pieces done by local adults and children. Raw and often difficult, the work is a window into an often-disregarded part of Swaziland. Most afternoons you’ll see the band practicing, and Saturday mornings you can help teach art classes to local youth who pile in.
Their reason for the art boom?
The rural poor are angry and ready to have their voices heard.
Contact:
Lucky Mlotsi (owner)
Phone: (+268) 7651 4466
Gallery.com
The unofficial royal gallery, Magwaza and his wife run a hip coffee shop and showcase contemporary art on traditional themes. Spend the day here to see one of Swaziland’s great surprises: fleets of BMWs, stilettos, and charming princesses. Better than visiting parliament.
Their reason for the art boom?
The King loves the arts and yes, portraits of him do sell well.
Contact:
Archie Magwaza (owner)
Phone: I got too nervous to ask.
Indinglizi
The Kingdom’s first contemporary art gallerist, Dori Verhoog founded Indinglizi to show banned South African struggle artists. Her famous alumni include Mazimba and Bongiwe Dhlomo.
Contact:
Dori Verhood (owner)
Phone: (+268) 46213
Website: www.swaziplace.com/indinglizi/main.html